It's hard for TV writers to come to grips with religion or the lack of it. Only in an animated environment could it happen - no one will egg Homer's house for playing a self-aggrandizing minister or (almost) marrying his sister-in-law to a woman.

I recall an interview (perhaps with Al Jean?) in which it is stated that The Simpsons went from being criticized early on for "attacking" religious institutions to now being a show widely praised for consistently displaying religion as a factor in American (or Springfield-ian) life.

What a little-engine-that-could The Simpsons is. I hope it never stops chugging.

Daryl,

For some reason the phrase Bloodbath and Beyond came to mind. I should watch the Simpsons more often.

Launched this on the world - or at least the part of the world that scours Advance.net for the (family-friendly) cream of the BC Web log.

Here's the link. Sorry here.

- Thanks. Temple

I guess that's why the Duke's posts do not get 'launched' on the world:)

don't be bitter about it tho, duke =+)
i don't use as many expletives as you, but i usually use the odd one in my posts, force of habit i guess.

Thanks Temple!

And DrPat, I do wonder how much of the Simpsons' leeway to deal with religion is because it's an animated series, and how much is just because the writers are willing to tackle the subject. Both clearly play a role, but in what ratio?

I think it's a hilarious sign of the waning influence of religion in American society that religious leaders have taken to (sometimes) praising the Simpsons. They don't mind their very cherished beliefs being completely, consistently ridiculed, because at least The Simpsons portrays religion as a part of daily life. A ridiculous, hypocritical, fantasy-based absurd part of life, taken seriously only by fools and charlatans, but a part of life.

Sounds like the religious are just happy to be mentioned.

Clubhouse,

Now who is the hilarious and very funny jack-ass? Anymore ponderings on the meaning of religion in today's culture? Maybe you can partake in a discussion about religion and Gilligan's Island. I think Gilligan was a scientologist.
And thanks for actually using some two and three syllable words!

RP:
You've managed to nail the contentless, anti-intellectual vibe of these kinds of folks, not to mention the funny typos and grammar mistakes, but you should be careful re: personal insults. I know what it's all about, but not everyone else does, so rather than get the "comments police" after you, I'd watch the "j-a" talk.

Plus, isn't "Porter" supposed to be Christian?

First, I thought the comments police already visited my posts.
Second, I'll keep it straight and thanks for reading my post. I try to post topics that keep people talking, even if they do not agree with my point of view.

I agree.

Yeah I recently read an article off of the Leftbehind.com website talking about an episode dealing with homer and the apocalypse and the christian site was giving it good reviews.

Yep, here's the Left Behind writer Jerry Jenkins talking about the Simpsons

this was totally good for me lolol