Rating: 
Summary: Insightful book on The Simpsons and religion
Review: Pinsky's book takes an intriguing look at the treatment of religion in the show. Various aspects, including God, Jesus, heaven, hell and prayer are discussed, and you'll be able to see your favorite episodes from a whole new perspective. The multitude of quotes and references to dozens and dozens of classic scenes keep you smiling throughout the book, while the religious side constantly offers food for thought. If you've been under the impression that reading a book about religion isn't very entertaining, this book can make you a convert. Easily one of the best Simpsons books ever made. Highly recommended by a hardcore fan!
Rating: 
Summary: D'oh-licious!
Review: Princeton-trained religious columnist Mark Pinsky offers a dual book in "The Gospel According to the Simpsons." On one hand, it is a survey of basic twentieth-century (and some earlier) Christian thought, especially Christian thought in the context of a more global society, as the Simpson's Springfield is a microcosm of American and World cultures. On the other, it makes a convincing (although somewhat unnecessary) argument that there is a very valid reason to pay attention to The Simpsons. Better-written, more accessible, and with far more depth than the "other" Simpsons book ("The D'oh of Homer: Simpsons and Philosophy"), "Gospel" is an excellent tool for those interested in either critical analysis of the show, or an excellent introduction to modern theology.The chapters are arranged in an intelligent manner, outlining basic precepts of different Christian faiths: the idea of a personal God and personal prayer, the role of evangelizing, the existence of Heaven and Hell, the authority of the Bible, and so forth. Pinsky does readers the service of exploring the Jewish tradition and even the "miscellaneous" (Hindu/Buddhist) traditions in separate chapters; although these serve as mere introductions to these religions, it offers a nice balance and places the entire book within a larger context. Although those who have studied Christian theology might want more depth, those people aren't the book's target audience. For those who want to make the teachings of Buber, Tillich, Lewis, Boenhoffer, and other recent theologians accessible to all (especially the low-attention-span, pop-culture oriented youth), "Gospel" is a great way to go about it. The writing is clear (not surprising since Pinsky is a journalist), and the topics timely. Fans of the show will no doubt enjoy seeing The Simpsons portrayed in such a positive light; satire is, after all, the highest form of humor, and the degrees of intelligence that go into understanding all of the show's intricacies will come as a reward for the diligent reader. For Christians looking for a fresh perspective on their faith, watching a few classic episodes with this book isn't a bad way to go. Final Grade: B+
Rating:
Summary: D'OH! Someone quoted the Bible!
Review: 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:
Summary: D'OH! Someone quoted the Bible!
Review: 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: 
Summary: Not just bad, offensive and bad.
Review: So the 2000 Presidential election was a referendum on morality? The Simpsons represent the values of just MIDDLE America? Maybe it's the times we're in but I certainly didn't appreciate the divisive tone of Mr. Pinsky's comments. Before he puts pen to paper again, I suggest Pinsky spend a little less time waving the good book and a bit more time actually reading it.
Rating:
Summary: At least we know...
Review: that "The Simpsons" actually exists. We can't say the same thing for god.
Rating:
Summary: A look at religion on The Simpsons
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: The Gospel According to The Simpsons: The Spiritual Life of
Review: The Gospel According to The Simpsons: The Spiritual Life of the World's Most Animated Family by Mark I. Pinsky shows how religion and spiritual queries and questions are dealt with in this amazing show.
Rating: 
Summary: Less than half this book is original material!
Review: This book is a cursory overview of the religious aspects of the Simpsons. There are not many real or new insights made in this book, about half of this book is episode summaries and much of the other half is filled with only the most obvious insights and other peoples' original ideas. I was very disappointed. I was not surprised to read at the end of the book that the author had not even seen all the episodes. Particualarly terrible was the chapter on the Catholic Church. He seem obsessed with the overhyped "controversy" between the show and a small Catholic watchdog group while avoiding any real discussion on how the show offers poignant insight on the relationship between the Church and other Christian denominations as well society in general.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Read
Review: This book is a great example of someone who has done his homework. Pinsky offers up a great range of information which helps any Simpson's fan or layman understand the "theology of the Simpsons" better. This book is funny, insightful, and a good read. There is a slight drawback due to the fact Pinsky spends a lot of time quoting from unpublished Masters Theses from scholars that you have no idea what their point of view is. With that said, this book is still worth reading, and will provide entertainment for the educated Simpson's viewer. I did appreciate the fact Pinsky does a very objective job in reporting what he found through careful study of a mountain of material regarding the show. Of help would have been more interaction with the writers from the show directly with Pinsky, as opposed to secondary and tertiary sources. Overall Grade B Joseph Dworak
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