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“Not even God loves me.” That’s the confession that stirred up a calling for Kathy Baldock who would eventually be featured as one of the researchers in the documentary 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture.
Baldock, a woman who is straight and has a strong faith, went home and prayed to God asking about her friend who is a lesbian. She asked if it was true, does He not love her friend? She believes He does. But she knew it would take more than spiritual certainty to prove this point. So she got to researching, in hopes of uncovering some clarity in the Bible.
With help, what she found was startling. The first time the word “homosexual” was used in any language, in any translation of the Bible was in 1946 (that’s only 77 years ago). That translation was later corrected, but it had already been widely adapted into Biblical texts and society. The documentary tracks how this decision was made, who made it and who fought against it.
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This film also follows painfully personal stories from several members of the LGBTQ+ Christian community as they share their struggles to maintain family, friends and faith. One of the most challenging accounts is from Sharon “Rocky” Roggio, the director of the documentary whose father preaches against the message in the film, even writing a book on the subject. Despite their differences in beliefs, both feel it is important to maintain their relationship. They love each other, but are resolute in changing each other’s (and society’s) minds.
This film feels important. It’s a conversation about a topic that is sensitive and can be damaging unless handled with care, as this doc does. It lays out context and history, while allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions. Insults, and words like “ignorant” are noticeably absent.
1946 is part of Milwaukee Film’s virtual festival, which is available to all-access passholders from May 1-May 7. For more information about the film and the research behind it, go to 1946themovie.com.
