The Echo

Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: Culture

Media Credit: Paige Gabriel Religious roundtable: right to left Emily Brooks, Chattanooga junior, Blake Harris, Chattanooga sophomore, Mark Dowell, minister at St. Elmo United Methodist Church and Charles Lippy, Martin distinguished professor of philosophy and religion, held a discussion panel following the screening of "For the Bible Tells Me So."

The women's studies department hosted a screening of award-winning documentary "For the Bible Tells Me So" Tuesday, which featured stories of gay and lesbian youth growing up in the Christian church.

The film, originally shown at the Sundance and Seattle film festivals, where it won multiple awards, was introduced to the women's studies 200 class taught by Elizabeth Gailey, associate professor of communications and women's studies.

Emily Brooks, a sophomore from Chattanooga, viewed the documentary in Gailey's introduction to women's studies class.

"We watched the film during our queer theory and sexuality portion of the 200 class," Brooks said. "We decided to organize a screening of the event because issues of faith and family are very important in our community."

The women's studies department sponsored the event, which began with the documentary, followed by a question and answer panel consisting of Charles Lippy, professor in the religious studies department, Blake Harris, Chattanooga sophomore, and Mark Dowell, minister at St. Elmo Methodist Church.

Harris grew up as a member of the church and has been a student at Christian schools.

"We can all relate to this film," he said. "It shows families."

When asked about the film, Lippy said to the audience, "It was on target with the representation of selective readings of scripture."

Natalie Roy, a junior from Chattanooga, attended the event and enjoyed the experience.

"[The event] went above and beyond my expectations [and] I thought the documentary was amazing," Roy said.

"One thing I wish the film had touched on is the way people seem to think that a gay person is automatically going to have a crush on a member of the same sex, but anyone could benefit from viewing it," Roy added.

Brooks said the film provides a very important message in understanding human rights.

"I want audience members to come together in understanding that even if you disagree with homosexuality and its biblical moral implications, queer people are endowed the rights of every American," Brooks said.

"The goal is to see what kind of turmoil comes out of the oppression gays and lesbians face from those around them," she said.

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