The Simpsons: Bigger Than Jesus
October 14th, 2006 by E. I. Sanchez
I think one of us was supposed to write something about The Simpsons' portrayal of Christianity but some how we just forgot about it. But worry not -- the good folks at 4Simpsons.com got us started.
Don't be a Homer
Let's face it. The Simpsons are not Christianity's Poster Family. However, we can learn from them. 4Simpsons.com provides us with a few tips for being embassadors for Christ, and more importantly, exhorts us to avoid Homer's mistakes.
Homer's 3 common mistakes
- Doesn't know about others' beliefs
- Is insensitive to others' beliefs
- Doesn't know his own beliefs
The Gospel According to the Simpsons
Like Homer, many of us don't know the basics. And this is where the Simpsons do their job; for by making fun of Christianity, they raise issues that some of us go and research.
More times than we can remember, Dan and I have discussed the Simpsons' portrayal of Christianity. Needless to say, it is always good conversation. Two memorable ones are:
- Flanders' kids asking: ?Daddy, who did Cain & Abel have sex with??
- Flanders breaking up with his girlfriend saying: ?Well, I guess unlike the Bible, this won?t have a happy ending!?
The Simpsons Writers
It is interesting that the show writers seem very familiar with Christianity -- though generally anti-Christian. We've noticed that most of the comments in the show are in the form of ridicule or portraying Christians in a bad light. Conversely, Lisa's Buddhism is portrayed as enlightened because Lisa is the "smart" one. But can one be smart and not be a Christian? Mmmm, more blog material...
Our Hope
We wonder how many people may actually come to Christ through the Simpsons. Perhaps one or two - perhaps more. At least, this is our prayer. For the Lord works in mysterious ways, and laughter's gotta be one of them.
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