"HOMOSEXUAL" WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE IN THE BIBLE!
What if the word “homosexual” was never meant to be in the Bible? In 2020, more than 45,000 churches still preach that the homosexual lifestyle is a sin. But, what would happen to these churches if they knew the truth?
1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted a Culture is a new documentary that investigates how the word “homosexual” was incorrectly entered into the Bible, and the grave consequences its had on religion, culture, politics and the LGBTQIA+ community over the last century.
THE BACKSTORY
1946 will explore exactly what ignited the anti-gay movement within American conservative Christians. The first time the word “homosexual” appeared in any Bible was in 1946, in 1 Corinthians 6:9, Revised Standard Version (RSV).
This version used the word “homosexual” in lieu of the greek words “malakoi” and “arsenokoitai.” Researchers agree today these words translate loosely to “effeminacy,” and “pervert,” or “sexual pervert.” The decision to use the word “homosexual” instead of the accurate translations was voted on by the committee.
THE EVIDENCE
Kathy Baldock and Ed Oxford have dedicated their lives to researching the roots of anti-gay theology.
Through their research, Kathy and Ed uncovered 90 boxes of notes from the archives at Yale University. They found a letter written by a young seminarian named David S., and realized the contents of that letter could change everything the Christian church believes today. In the letter, David S. pointed out the dangerous implications that could come with the mistranslation and misuse of the word “homosexual.”
For the first time ever, evidence has been uncovered that proves the translation committee admitted they made a mistake. Dr. Luther Weigle, the head of the translation committee, wrote a letter back to David S. letting him know they would correct their grave error.
Though the committee replaced the word “homosexual” with “sexual perverts,” the change was unfortunately too late: the revision didn’t go into effect until 25 years later, in 1971. Too much time had passed, and the damage was done.
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?
By 1971, the misuse of the word “homosexual” had already entered nearly every English biblical translation, including international versions. Society had already become immersed in an anti-gay culture, built mostly on the foundation of religion. This sparked a global fear, as the AIDS crisis was in full swing and policies that discriminate against the LGBTQIA+ community were being implemented and widely accepted as the norm.
This is still the case today, in 2020, and the word “homosexual” still appears in multiple verses:
- Genesis
- Leviticus 18:22
- Deuteronomy 23:17-18
- Romans 1:26-27
1946 will use these groundbreaking findings to confront church leaders, go head-to-head with politicians, and bring families that have been torn apart back together, proving that you don’t have to choose between your faith and your sexuality.
1946 is not an attack on Christianity, the Bible, or God’s Word. It’s an intervention.
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR:
“As a lesbian Christian, I have been navigating a religious environment that views me as “other,” “less than,” and “not equal,” for too long. These beliefs, held by many dear to my heart, have cast a dark, dangerous shadow over my life. After years of searching for my voice, and calling, as a storyteller, my path has led me here. It is my goal to change the Christian narrative and liberate the many LGBTQIA+ people living in the dark; oppressed by bad theology. I want us all to live and be acknowledged as equals, under God's love. There are truths that must be shared. We are here to share those truths.”
- Sharon “Rocky” Roggio
HOW WILL YOUR MONEY HELP?
Every donation will make a significant impact in creating this film. Your donation will help us to complete production so it can be released in early 2021.
Donations will be used to:
- Complete principal photography
- Cover travel & food for crew
- Cover production costs (crew rates, gear, etc)
- Cover post-production costs (editor rates, drives, sound mixing, etc)
- And more!
MEET THE FILMMAKERS:
Daniel Karslake (Executive Producer)
Daniel Karslake is an award-winning director and producer. His 2007 film, For the Bible Tells Me So, was on the 79th Oscars Shortlist for Best Documentary, won a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Documentary and was nominated for a Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival. His 2019 film, For They Know Not What They Do, follows four religious families with LGBTQIA+ children, and was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at Tribeca Film Festival.
Mary Lambert (Composer & Music Supervisor)
Mary Lambert is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, author and LGBTQIA+ activist. She is best known for her work on Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ marriage equality anthem “Same Love,” which earned a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year. Her 2014 single “Secrets” peaked at no. 1 on Billboard’s Dance chart and was certified RIAA Gold in 2015.
Sharon “Rocky” Roggio (Director)
Rocky Roggio is an independent filmmaker and production designer (credits include House of Cards, Red Dawn). Rocky is also a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and moved out of her home after coming out to her conservative, religious parents. Rocky’s father, Sal Roggio, is a non-affirming pastor and preaches that the LGBTQIA+ lifestyle is sinful.
MEET THE RESEARCHERS:
Kathy Baldock
Kathy Baldock is an author, ally and activist. As a straight conservative Christian, Kathy was kicked out of her church for standing up for LGBTQIA+ members of her community. She authored the book, Walking the Bridgeless Canyon: Repairing the Breach Between the Church and the LGBTIA+ Community, and has spoken on countless panels, podcasts, and presentations about how the LGBTQIA+ community is affected by the church.
Ed Oxford
Ed Oxford is a conservative gay Christian, and graduate of The Talbot School of Theology. He has dedicated his life to understanding the complicated relationship between religion and sexuality. Ed is currently co-writing his first book with Kathy Baldock, entitled Forging a Sacred Weapon: How the Bible Became Anti-Gay, which is set to release later this year.
THE VOICES OF 1946
Kyle and Ali Gattison
The Gattisons were a married couple with two beautiful children, but their world was rocked when Kyle came out to Ali as gay. After years of working together to “pray the gay away,” and losing their friends and family, the couple finally decided to accept Kyle for who he is: a gay Christian.
Kimberly and Kai Shappley
Kimberly Shappley is an ordained minister in the Evangelical church and mother to Kai, her 9-year-old transgender daughter. Kimberly originally shared the same views as the church when it came to LGBTQIA+ issues, however, her beliefs were challenged and ultimately transformed when Kai came out as trans at 4 years old.
Ken Fong
Ken Fong is a former senior pastor at Evergreen Baptist church of Los Angeles and host/co-producer of “Asian America: The Ken Fong Podcast.” He earned his MDiv and DMin from Fuller Theological Seminary. Ken uses his voice and his platform to advocate for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Christians who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Ben Carlton
Ben Carlton is an author, activist, minister, and founder of BMe Community, a program that works to build better communities inspired by Black leaders. While he was traveling the nation for the organization, he encouraged others to be their authentic selves. That’s when he realized he wasn’t being true to himself, and it was time to come out as gay.
Sara Cunningham
Sara is a straight, Christian ally, and the mother of a gay son. After her son, Parker, came out, she founded “Free Mom Hugs,” a non-profit that encourages acceptance and provides support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
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FISCAL SPONSOR: WOMEN MAKE MOVIES
To make a tax-deductible contribution, you may also donate to the project via our fiscal sponsor Women Make Movies.
https://www.wmm.com/sponsored-project/1946-the-mistranslation-that-shifted-culture/.