The Gospel According to The Simpsons: The Spiritual Life of the World's Most Animated Family
by Mark I. Pinsky
On This Page
Description
Is there anything holy in Springfield, the home to irascible Bart Simpson and his naive dad Homer, their enthusiastic evangelical neighbor Ned Flanders, the sourpuss minister Rev. Lovejoy, and the dozens of other unique characters who inhabit the phenomenally popular TV show? In this revision of the 2001 bestseller, author Mark Pinsky says yes! In this entertaining and enlightening book, Pinsky shows how The Simpsons engages issues of religion and morality in a thoughtful, provocative, and show more genuinely respectful way. With three new chapters and updates to reflect the 2001-2006 seasons, Pinsky has given a thorough facelift to the book that Publishers Weekly called "thoughtful and genuinely entertaining." The new material includes chapters on Buddhism and gay marriage and an extensive afterword that explores how religion is treated on the animated shows that have followed in the footsteps of The Simpsons: South Park, Family Guy, Futurama, American Dad, and King of the Hill. show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
A good honest look at how religion is portrayed on The Simpsons (up until their 2001 season). Interesting in its scope about how it portrays primarily Christian beliefs (and written by a Jewish scholar). Not too much substance on religion or to learn anything new about religion, but an interesting new way to take a look at the Simpsons.
A very fun, light summer read. Actually, it had more meat to it than I would have ever guessed. You will not look at the Simpsons the same way again.
A funny and interesting analysis of the intersection between religion and pop culture.
Mark Pinsky is a writer on faith, media, and popular culture; in this book he talks about how The Simpsons went from being attacked by many religious leaders for its lack of family values to being called one of the most theologically relevant shows on television.
If you ever wanted to know anything about the religiousness of the Simpsons, read this book! At the time of its writing, it comments on every religious aspect and instance in every episode (up until 2001 of course). It's also a quick/light read.
Read this book around religious people. It makes them think you're pious and hip! (I know from experience)
A fun, yet informative, read.
Members
- Recently Added By
Author Information
7 Works 1,130 Members
Samuel F. (Skip) Parvin has written for several youth curricula and is the author of the companion leader's guides for The Gospel according to The Simpsons and The Gospel according to Harry Potter. Mark I. Pinsky is the author of The Gospel according to The Simpsons, The Gospel according to Disney, and A Jew among the Evangelicals. He is a former show more religion reporter for the Orlando Sentinel and the Los Angeles Times. show less
Classifications
- Genres
- Religion & Spirituality, Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 791.4572 — Arts & recreation Recreation, sports, and performing arts Public performances Motion pictures, radio, television, podcasting Television Programs; television plays Single programs
- LCC
- PN1992.77 .S58 .P56 — Language and Literature Literature (General) Literature (General) Drama Broadcasting Television broadcasts
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 758
- Popularity
- 36,818
- Reviews
- 7
- Rating
- (3.37)
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 8
- ASINs
- 9
