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Title: The Gospel According to The Simpsons: The Spiritual Life of the World's Most Animated Family by Mark I. Pinsky, Tony Campolo ISBN: 0-664-22419-9 Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press Pub. Date: 20 August, 2001 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.62 (39 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Finding God In Unexpected Places
Comment: In THE GOSPEL ACCORDING THE THE SIMPSONS, Mark Pinsky shows us that it's possible to find God in some of the most unexpected places. Originally, The Simpsons was largely eschewed by the evangelical Christian community, because of Bart's rebellious ways. But as the show grew older, and the focus turned more towards Homer, Pinsky shows that people of faith who weren't watching were missing out on some of the most "Christian" television around. Seriously.
The Simpsons not only contains blatantly Christian characters but it explores issues of faith that other shows would never touch with a 50 foot pole. Ned Flanders, though ragged on by Homer a lot, is perhaps the best depiction of an evangelical-type Christian in mainstream television history. Lisa Simpson seems to present the side of the social Gospel. Marge's real faith in God also shines through. Though characters with faith are often made fun of, in the end the show always seems to prove that the joke is on the joker, not the jokee. The Simpsons isn't trying to evangelize, but it is surprisingly fair and evenhanded in its presentations, and with how it deals out the humor. In its history the show has dealt with subjects like cults, hypocricy, why God allows evil, hell, and forgiveness.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO THE SIMPSONS surprised me, made me laugh out loud multiple times each chapter, and was just an all-around enjoyable read. The picture of Christianity that is presented isn't perfect. The writers stumble on theological points many times (such as grace vs. works). This will happen when you're not a theologian and, in most cases, not even a Christian. But in spite of that, Pinsky shows that the Springfield world of Homer is one that is rich in faith and religious devotion. For Christians who can let their hair down and roll with a few jokes, The Simpsons proves that even in the midst of our post-Christian culture, in Hollywood, and even on the Fox Network, God can be found if you dare to look for Him. As Homer might say, "Mmmmm.... a FIVE STAR book..."
Rating: 5
Summary: D'OH! Someone quoted the Bible!
Comment: Seems like the Religious Right runs around criticizing pop culture for corrupting our youth and minds. So it's nice to see an author take THE SIMPSONS and find it moral and uplifting. All it takes is one viewing of HOMER VS LISA AND THE 8TH COMMANDMENT to reach that conclusion! Fans of the show knew this! Most critics do not watch enough to know that THE SIMPSONS have larger than life hearts, and a morality that shines through any misadventures.
This is an extremely well-written book. It's light and funny, but it makes you think. Kinda like THE SIMPSONS. Pinsky has done his homework, and he cites SIMPSONS episodes from Season One until last year. He also tackles some sticky theological issues in a way that will make the layman understand clearly.
Whether you are a Christian or a SIMPSONS fan (or like me - both!) you will find something in here to quote again and again. Nice work, and I look forward to other books in the series which include taking on the theology of Disney and The Lord of the Rings.
Rating: 4
Summary: A look at religion on The Simpsons
Comment: The author is a journalist (one well-versed in both religion and popular culture), and this book definitely reads like the work of a reporter, as opposed to a preacher, a theologian, or a TV critic. Much of the book consists of summaries, descriptions, and retellings of the show's religion-related situations, characters, lines, and gags. This makes the book entertaining and fun to read, but there isn't a whole lot you can learn from the book that you couldn't learn just by sitting down and watching the episodes Pinsky quotes from (with the exception of an informative chapter on the religious backgrounds of several of the book's writers and producers). Probably the target audience for the book is, not those Simpsons fanatics who have every episode memorized, but rather, people with a passing familiarity with the show who still need to be convinced of the book's thesis: that The Simpsons depicts religious people and issues in a surprisingly sympathetic (yet still humorous and critical) way.
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Title: The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer by William Irwin, Mark T. Conard, Aeon J. Skoble ISBN: 0812694333 Publisher: Open Court Publishing Company Pub. Date: 09 April, 2001 List Price(USD): $17.95 |
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Title: The Gospel According to the Simpsons: Leaders Guide for Group Study by Samuel F. Parvin, Mark, I. Pinsky ISBN: 066422590X Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press Pub. Date: August, 2002 List Price(USD): $5.95 |
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Title: Bart Simpson's Guide to Life: A Wee Handbook for the Perplexed by Matt Groening ISBN: 006096975X Publisher: Perennial Pub. Date: 04 August, 1993 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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Title: The Simpsons and Society: An Analysis of Our Favorite Family and Its Influence in Contemporary Society by Steven Keslowitz ISBN: 1587362538 Publisher: Hats Off Books Pub. Date: October, 2003 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
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Title: The Gospel According to Harry Potter: Spirituality in the Stories of the World's Most Famous Seeker by Connie Neal ISBN: 0664226019 Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press Pub. Date: 01 September, 2002 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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