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 There is a slight drawback due to the fact Pinsky spends a lot of time quoting from unpublished Masters Theses from scholars that you have no idea what their point of view is.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 BJoseph Dworak
Rating: 
Summary: NICE STUDY OF THE SIMPSONS
Review: This book is an interesting analysis of The Simpsons. Well worth the read. It's interesting to read about how The Simpsons portrays various religions.
I also recently read "The Simpsons and Society" by Steven Keslowitz. This book analyzes The Simpsons from a sociological/political perspective. I enjoyed "The Simpsons and Society" as well. If you like The Simpsons, I'd recommend that you check both books out. In fact, I recently found articles about the books in the NY Daily News ("The Simpsons and Society" was written up here), and the NY Post (a couple of years ago, the Post printed an article about Pinsky's book).
Highly recommend BOTH books...
Rating: 
Summary: For those that need validation
Review: This book is for those Christians that have secretly watched the Simpsons but were to afraid to admit it during Sunday service. It is a decent book, but points out the EXTREME obvious. The author claims most people who watch The Simpsons, even longtime fans, do not understand the meaning behind the actions. I think its plainly obvious to those with a brain. If you need a respected Christian to say something is OK before you partake in it, then this book is for you. If this book is capable of opening your mind then GOD BLESS THIS BOOK.
Rating: 
Summary: Wow! What a funny, enlightening book!
Review: This is great stuff!! We fans of The Simpsons have known for a while that there was real substance and depth to the show. It's nice to see that acknowledged by many religious leaders from across the spectrum. Pinsky does a wonderful job of explaining theological concepts in understandable terms. And more than anything else, this is a funny, funny book! "It's funny cuz it's true!"--Homer J. Simpson
Rating:
Summary: Another reason this is the best show on Television
Review: Too often Television is dismissed as a light souffle, with no real core or message, except for those occasional "inspirational" series, or the occastional message TV movie. Animation is even more dismissed as just some drawings, and the juvenile joys of Saturday morning. But Pinsky goes further and delves below first impressions to show that an extremely strong message of religion underlies many episodes of the Simpsons. Certainly it underlies more than most other shows on, or produced, without a religious bend to it. The world of Springfield is not perfect - people fall, religion is questioned and mocked, but it is also explained, highlighted and the diversity is pointed out, even if it is in a backhanded humorous way. Pinsky goes through a number of episodes and provides concrete examples of positive (and sometimes negative) images that are really there. We are human, and thus apt to make mistakes, or falter in our faith - and the Simpsons are the same. But theirs is a world filled with Christians, Jews, Hindu all exist (humorously) side by side, in a reoccouring way. Find another show on TV that brings such a plethora of beliefs into the story on a regular basis, as opposed to that "very special episode." Fun. Telling. Eye opening. This book is all that. It's a good read, and the perfect thing to share with that cranky neighbor who hates all television.
Rating:
Summary: Not a comedy
Review: When The Simpsons first appeared on Fox, most people referred to the animated show as irreverent. After reading this book, I realized that if anything, this show discusses religion much more often than other shows. Beneath the humor, there are some serious issues being discussed. First, Pinsky points out that this family gives us a good view of ourselves. Many of the religious attitudes we see are found everyday in society. Rather than making fun of the religion, the writers are pointing our some of our own inconsistencies in religious thought. For instance, how do we, like Homer or Bart, suddenly turn to prayer and promise many things when we have gotten ourselves into trouble? The author also talks of the different religions, like Hinduism, Catholicism, and Judaism, which are covered in the show. He also discusses some of the different "battles" they have had with different religious groups. If you are a Simpsons' fan, then I would recommend this book. Also, if you have refused to see the show because of its irreverence, I would recommend reading this book, and then giving the show a chance.
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