Rating: 
Summary: If you can find an affirmation of religion in The Simpsons
Review: ...no wonder you can find the Virgin Mary in condensation on a window pane. Yet another "writer" seeking to cash in on the success of a television institution, Pinsky copiously borrows great blocks quotes and references to clumsily support his asinine views with a blinkered single-mindedness which would make even the most ignorant fundamentalist proud. To claim the author only sees and hears selectively would be an understatement, considering he clearly believes that one of the most adroit and subtle satirists of religion in modern society, created by an admitted atheist, is actually just beneath it's surface a honeypot of warmly affectionate and congratulatory religious and theistic back-slapping. Now THAT'S what I call Faith! Or is that Denial? I get those two mixed up so often. If you find any material in this book to be witty, clever or relevant, then you don't deserve to be watching a show as brilliant as The Simpsons. Go back to 7th Heaven and it's ilk, where everything is nice and obvious and you don't have to strain your brain by vainly attempting to read between the lines.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting if inessential
Review: An interesting read and a sympathetic endorsement of The Simpsons from a sincere and appreciative theologian. I don't know if I agree with all of Pinsky's interpretations (and sometimes he can beat a plotline to death), but I do agree that there is a moral heart and a spiritual sympathy to the program that is generally missed by its detractors. The Simpsons often skewers organized religion to amusing effect, but anti-Simpsons often fail to see the real message behind the satire. There's a parallel between this book and the old "Gospel According to Peanuts" book, although I think the religious message in Peanuts was always more overt. Not an essential book, but diverting for Simpsons fans nonetheless and recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: This book is better than okily-dokily!!
Review: As a lover of God and a lover of "The Simpsons", I couldn't resist picking up this book. It's a very entertaining look at a show that deals with religion more blatantly than any other show this side of "Touched by an Angel". But does the show uphold Christianity and other religions, or does it attempt to subvert them? Probably both, but even by trying to be subversive it inevitably affirms the important part religious beliefs and activities play in the life of America. The character most evangelical Christians like myself identify with the most is the Simpsons' next-door neighbor Ned Flanders. While the show often pokes fun at the evangelical subculture at Ned's expense, it ultimately presents Ned in a very positive light, as a sincere lover of God who is portrayed as possessing human foibles at times without being a hypocrite. Lisa Simpson is less obviously religious, seeming to be the most "liberal" of the cast, but in her questioning of faith and championing of causes such as animal rights and environmentalism fits in with the thinking of the more liberal, mainline denominations. Homer is more like a typical churchgoer than many would like to admit: basically a believer who is often wishy-washy, gullible, and theologically clueless but is basically honest and moral when all is said and done. Marge is the most religious and upright of the Simpson family. Other faiths are also portrayed in the characters of Krusty (Judaism) and Apu (Hinduism). Rather than a true evangelical faith of salvation by grace, however, the show displays a religion of works. Of course, works are easier to deal with in a TV show than grace. The author also discusses the place of God, the Bible, Jesus (who is usually alluded to in a more indirect manner than God), and Satan in the Simpsons' universe. God, more than once, has himself interacted directly in the lives of the Springfield inhabitants. This book give a very thorough, entertaining analysis of the role of religion on what has been, in my opinion, the best show on TV over the last ten-plus years. I highly recommend "The Gospel According to the Simpsons" to anyone interested in religion and culture studies, and to all fans of the show.
Rating:
Summary: This book is better than okily-dokily!!
Review: As a lover of God and a lover of "The Simpsons", I couldn't resist picking up this book. It's a very entertaining look at a show that deals with religion more blatantly than any other show this side of "Touched by an Angel". But does the show uphold Christianity and other religions, or does it attempt to subvert them? Probably both, but even by trying to be subversive it inevitably affirms the important part religious beliefs and activities play in the life of America. The character most evangelical Christians like myself identify with the most is the Simpsons' next-door neighbor Ned Flanders. While the show often pokes fun at the evangelical subculture at Ned's expense, it ultimately presents Ned in a very positive light, as a sincere lover of God who is portrayed as possessing human foibles at times without being a hypocrite. Lisa Simpson is less obviously religious, seeming to be the most "liberal" of the cast, but in her questioning of faith and championing of causes such as animal rights and environmentalism fits in with the thinking of the more liberal, mainline denominations. Homer is more like a typical churchgoer than many would like to admit: basically a believer who is often wishy-washy, gullible, and theologically clueless but is basically honest and moral when all is said and done. Marge is the most religious and upright of the Simpson family. Other faiths are also portrayed in the characters of Krusty (Judaism) and Apu (Hinduism). Rather than a true evangelical faith of salvation by grace, however, the show displays a religion of works. Of course, works are easier to deal with in a TV show than grace. The author also discusses the place of God, the Bible, Jesus (who is usually alluded to in a more indirect manner than God), and Satan in the Simpsons' universe. God, more than once, has himself interacted directly in the lives of the Springfield inhabitants. This book give a very thorough, entertaining analysis of the role of religion on what has been, in my opinion, the best show on TV over the last ten-plus years. I highly recommend "The Gospel According to the Simpsons" to anyone interested in religion and culture studies, and to all fans of the show.
Rating:
Summary: Holy Bart?
Review: As someone who does not watch television, I have painstakingly kept my children away from all things "Simpson." Now, Mr. Pinsky teaches me that not only am I missing a darned funny show, I am also keeping my kids away from ... a moral one? A riveting, and hilarious, read. If the program's really this good, perhaps its time to break down and get cable....
Rating: 
Summary: The hidden message of the Simpson's
Review: Beneath the satirical veneer of the comedy sitcom "The Simpson's" is a remarkably sound and moral message of family values and the spirituality which is at the heart of American values. The show is brilliantly written, and often pokes fun at religion - all religions. This book outlines the underlying spiritual message contained within the day-to-day existence and exploits of this working class family in an "anytown USA". The book was interesting and hilarious! The author goes into some depth on a number of topics, including how the show depicts the Church, moral dilemma's, the Bible, Heaven and Hell, Christians, and even Hindu beliefs. The chapter on the Bible had me rolling with laughter. The writers of the show will often use actual passages form the Bible, as well as make up verses on their own. Many of these are outlined and explained in the book. The book spends some time on the evangelical family next door: The Flanders. While the show often makes fun of Ned Flanders and his family, Ned is shown as having integrity, and to be a caring and consistent friend to Homer. There are several episodes devoted to moral decisions, including the Commandments: Thou Shalt Not Steal and Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery. While the Homer and Marge are often tempted, they respond to these challenges with faithfulness to marriage and each other. Certainly a rarity on TV these days. While the book reads like a documentary and a scholarly study of the show, it is written in a conversational tone and is quite funny. If you are even a casual fan of the Simpson's, you will love this book. Who would have thought that this animated comedy would be a beacon of morality and family values? The Simpson's may not be devout, but they have no question that God exists and intercedes in their lives. A great show and a great book. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: A New Way to Look at a Great Show
Review: Entertaining, educational and funny, the main flaw in this book is its brevity. I found myself wanting more. Pinsky offers insights into a show I've always enjoyed and gives me a new way to appreciate it. It also proves to be a good counterargument to so-called "family values" people who denigrate the show because they either don't watch it or don't understand. There is a good case here that the Simpsons are one of the most religiously insightful shows on Prime Time.
Rating:
Summary: What every Christian should Know about The Simpsons
Review: Excellent work! For many Christians, The Simpsons were declared off limits by the end of the first season. Pinsky reveals what many of us have known for some time...the paradigm shift of the show from Bart to the family Simpsons and town of Springfield has given the show a depth and value not found elsewhere on TV. Well worth the read, especially for parents of youth who are Simpsons fans.
Rating:
Summary: Better than a box of D'ohnuts!
Review: I am a Christian and I really enjoy watching The Simpsons. There are millions of others who can say the same, but there are just as many who would find my confession to be self-contradictory or maybe even sacrilegious. And most viewers probably have no opinion, one way or the other, about the Simpsons moral agenda. But no matter who you are, you will be enlightened by this book about the "good news" according to the Simpsons.
Love it or hate it, the fact is that The Simpsons is definitely one of the most theologically relevant programs in prime time today. Pinsky points out that the unique thing about the show is that it does not shy away from exposing the religious underpinnings or "convictions" of its characters. Each chapter of his book focuses on a different theme or character, and surveys how they react to their many moral dilemnas. How is that theme presented by the show's writers? It's very interesting. Most of us know that the Bible asks, "What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Well, then there's Homer, who says in one episode "I'd sell my soul for a donut." What are we to make of this guy? Or Bart, for that matter? A lot of people turn the show off or avoid it entirely because of the irreligious worldview of these (and other) characters. But Pinsky shows us that the writers do not leave anyone in a favorable light until the moral dilemnas are resolved, usually in a way that is consistent with values we would all like to emulate. In other words, the show does not glorify sloth, irresponsibility, laziness, disobedience, gluttony, hypocrisy, or all-around "sin" as much as it appears to on the surface. There actually IS some "good news" to be found in The Simpsons.
Pinsky proves this with a simple question at one point. He asks, "Who would you rather have as a neighbor? Homer or Ned Flanders?"
Exactly!
Rating:
Summary: Simpsons is funny and deep
Review: I bought this book for two reasons. One was I am a huge Simpsons fan, the other was I was just finishing seminary and thought this book would just be a light read to pass the time. I really thought that at most it would just be good for a few laughs. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the writing and the deep aspects of faith, prayer, grace and other Christian topics that where addressed. Being a seminary grad, I always watched the Simpsons with one side of me laughing and the other side trying to figure out what message the show was trying to convey. So some of the things that this book points out concerning faith matters that the Simpsons address I already knew. Still, this book brings with it a unique insight and helps one appreciate all aspects of the show that much more. Overall, I recommend this book for anyone who is a Simpsons lover or has a Simpsons lover in thier family. I especially recommend this book for parents whose kids love the Simpsons and they do not. This book offers some unique insights into how to turn this TV show into a time where parent and child can address issues of faith.
| 
