Ebook: The Gospel according to the Simpsons : the spiritual life of the world's most animated family

This is the first book-length treatment of the religious implications of 'The Simpsons, ' which has been called by some religious leaders the most theologically relevant show on TV. Using his accessible style, Pinsky explores the treatment of God on the show, the use of prayer in the Simpson household, Lisa as the voice of Jesus, the evangelical Flanders, and the moral dilemmas the characters face. Introduction: Epiphany on the sofa -- Divine imagery: 'Perfect teeth. Nice smell. A class act all the way.' -- Personal prayer: 'Dear God, give the bald guy a break!' -- Does Lisa speak for Jesus? 'There's something wrong with that kid. She's so moral.' -- The evangelical next door: 'If everyone were like Ned Flanders, there'd be no need for Heaven.' -- The church and the preacher: 'We don't have a prayer!' -- Heaven, Hell, and the Devil: 'I'd sell my soul for a donut' -- Moral dilemmas: 'Dad, we may have saved your soul' -- The Bible: 'I think it may be somewhere toward the back' -- Catholics: 'That's Catholic, Marge--voodoo' -- The Jews: 'Mel Brooks is Jewish?--are we Jewish?' -- Miscellaneous: 'Hindu! There are 700 million of us!' -- The creators: 'Humor is in indirect proportion to one's true belief' -- Conclusion: Cloaking the sacred with the profane? The Simpsons is one of the longest running, funniest, most irreverent, and, according to some religious leaders, the most spiritually relevant show on television today. Journalist Mark Pinsky explores the moral and religious dilemmas faced by Homer, Marge, Bart and other key characters in the series - including Ned Flanders (the evangelical next-door neighbour), Reverend Lovejoy (the town's pastor) and the long-suffering Apu (the Hindu shopkeeper). Mark Pinsky looks at the show's treatment of God, Jesus, heaven and hell, the Bible, prayer, and asks why The Simpsons was so strongly denounced by conservative Christians back in the early 90's. He concludes by considering the question, Is The Simpsons supportive or subversive of religious faith? "The Simpsons is one of the most subtle pieces of propaganda around in the cause of sense, humility and virtue. Mark Pinsky manages to decipher the code without deadening the humour, which is quite an achievement." The Right Revd Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Wales"