Discussion Guide for the documentary 1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted Culture.
This Discussion Guide was created by The Flipped Table Collective team and is not affiliated or endorsed by the 1946 production team.
Our team is a huge fan of the incredible work and scholarship that is showcased in the film 1946 as it explores the translation errors that were made in 1946 when the term homosexual was first used in scripture. We believe that this film is an EXCELLENT resource for faith communities, seminaries, and study groups to watch and discuss together. The movie can be rented or purchased on Amazon Video using the link below.
The resource below is intended to help you shape a trigger warning to use before showing the film to a group of people and offers some starting discussion questions to help your group process after watching the film together.
Before showing the film:
Please consider giving a trigger warning to the group when showing this film: While telling the story of how a mistranslation of ancient Biblical texts, be aware that this film contains clips of anti-LGBTQ sermons, media clips, and commentary that may be triggering for some viewers. It features a complicated parent/child dynamic, involving the use of clobber passages and estrangement. If at any point during the film, you need to take a moment to step out and catch your breath or ground yourself, we understand and encourage you to care for yourself as you need to.
After viewing the film:
What is the biggest emotion that you are feeling after watching this film?
Was there something that you saw or heard in the film that surprised you?
What observations did you make about Rocky and Sal’s relationship with one another throughout the film?
Have you had a personal experience with being or seeing someone hurt by this mistranslation of scripture?
What is your biggest takeaway or thought as you process this film and it’s discoveries?
How do you respond to this film in your life/faith/relationships?
Links to resources in the film:
https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/12/us/gay-and-evangelical-seeking-paths-of-acceptance.html