Reel Life, Real Ideas: Movies and more…

At the Pacific Cinematheque: For the Bible Tells Me So + Czech Dream

From Dec 7th to Dec 13th at 1131 Howe Street (first film starts at 7:30pm each night)

Wow. These films are powerful.

I didn’t think I’d get through For the Bible Tells Me So simply because of the name of the film. But am I glad I did: this is one of the best films I’ve seen. Technically, it is extremely well made. But it’s power lies in the depth of its message.

For the Bible Tells Me So examines the power of the Bible, specifically in how Bible literalists have used it to condemn homosexuality. Personal stories are shared to show how damaging this is. Cartoons are used to show how stupid this is. And theologians share what the Bible really means and contextualize the quotes that are commonly misused and abused.

A surprising subplot for me was that a US Presidential candidate embodied the ultimate in parental love. Another was that learning about the Bible wasn’t painful; because this message is so positive, it was actually empowering. That is far from what I recall of Sunday School!

But don’t worry: you won’t feel compelled to go to church any time soon. But you will have some powerful tools at your disposal the next time some Bible thumper misrepresents something that was written many moons ago…just be prepared for a Biblical-sized flood of tears!