Local Churches to Host Screening of “1946,” Film Examining Roots of Anti-LGBT Theology

Six area churches are sponsoring a screening of 1946 on Sunday, a film that explores a 1946 translation of the Christian Bible that some say contributed to decades of anti-LGBT stances within mainstream Protestant Christian denominations.

The screening will take place at University Lutheran Church, 1020 S. Harrison Road, on Sunday, Jan. 25. The film will begin at 4 p.m., followed by dinner and discussion at 6 p.m.

Pastor Megan Floyd of Faith Lutheran Church in Okemos explained the significance of the film and a translation issue it examines.

“The work of translation is done in committee,” she said, “very carefully, prayerfully, and thoughtfully. The word that was translated as ‘homosexual’ comes from a Greek word—arsenokoitai, I believe—and it’s not a word that exists anywhere else in Greek manuscripts from that time. The translators used the lens of their bias to choose a word, and that decision had ripple effects for later translations. Even after the committee changed its stance, the damage had already been done.”

Floyd said that the apparent error does not mean the translators were careless, but rather that they were working within the cultural context of their time.

“Some translations used phrases like ‘a man who is effeminate,’” Floyd said. “You have to remember that same-sex attraction, as we understand it today, didn’t exist in the same way in Greek culture. Many passages that are often cited have nothing to do with loving, respectful relationships. They involve rape, domination, abuse or slavery.

“So it’s not apples to apples when people say, ‘The Bible says this is bad.’ We say those things are bad too—but that’s not the same as a same-gender loving couple who honors and cherishes one another.”

Floyd said the Bible has long been used as a weapon against queer people, and that the film is one step toward addressing that harm.

“This is about confession and repentance,” she said, “saying we were wrong and acknowledging the harm caused when people were excluded from faith communities that should be places of joy, care, and support. That exclusion is sin, and it requires repentance. No one should feel unloved or unworthy of God’s love.”

Rich Weingartner, who chairs Faith Lutheran’s Reconciling in Christ committee, said the designation reflects the congregation’s public commitments.

“It means our congregation has adopted a public welcome statement affirming LGBTQIA+ people and committing to racial justice,” he said.

Weingartner said the film provides an opportunity to examine Bible translation more closely, including what he referred to as “clobber passages”—portions of Scripture that have been used to disparage queer people within the church.

He said he hopes attendees come away with a broader understanding of Christianity.

“A better understanding of how Bible translations come about,” he said, “and how human error and bias can play a role. I hope people read Scripture more critically—considering context, original meaning, and whether something truly aligns with the broader message of Christianity.

“If something doesn’t make sense, ask questions. Talk to a pastor. Do more research. Develop a more thoughtful approach to faith and Scripture.”

Faith Lutheran frequently partners with other churches on similar projects, including events connected to the Meridian Township Pride Festival, Weingartner said.

The screening is open to everyone, regardless of religious background, Floyd said.

“From an academic standpoint alone, it’s fascinating to see how ancient texts are translated and the weight of that responsibility,” she said. “And no matter who you are or where you are on your spiritual journey, God loves you, and you are welcome.”

This story was updated to correct the date of the screening.