'The Simpsons' are the focus of Sunday school course
By Andrew Matte
February 24, 2003
'The Simpsons' have a lot to teach in the way of religion, at least that's what one North Yorker thinks.
Most right-thinking television viewers know that Marge Simpson works hard to coax her reluctant family to church each Sunday.
They know, too, that Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon is a devout Hindu, Krusty the Klown is Jewish (his father is a rabbi) and Ned Flanders, late wife Maude and sons Rod and Todd are just about the most enthusiastic Christians anywhere in the world.
There is lots to learn about religion and spirituality and how it is examined in the comings and goings of the residents of Springfield.
Whether it’s Homer’s brush with death, Lisa’s skepticism of the notion of God or even the gentle ribbing Apu receives for his beliefs, religion is a constant theme that exists in the long-running cartoon sitcom.
So, it made perfect sense for a parishioner at a church in Don Mills to look even deeper into how religion works its way into episodes of <I>The Simpsons</I> and use it as a way to spark discussion at Immanual Baptist Church.
David Tang started teaching a series of classes called ‘The Gospel According to the Simpsons,’ something that is sort of half about <I>The Simpsons</I> approach to religion, and half about the approach taken to God by everyone else.
"We have a church that we like to think is relatively ‘with it’ — I think most people are willing to try something different."
He said he was inspired by a book of the same name by Mark I. Pinsky that discusses religion and spirituality on the famous animated series.
Tang said it’s important for members of his church to watch <I>The Simpsons</I>, especially those who might not otherwise follow the show or otherwise keep up with pop culture.
"The reason I chose to use it is because what it does is reveal quite a bit of public sentiment about religion. I don’t think religion these days is seen as being something that is untouchable any more," said Tang.
"I think <I>The Simpsons</I> is reflective about our attitudes about religion, so that’s good for people in organized religion to sometimes hear and recognize."
"It can deal with the issues to which our faith is relevant without appearing to be preachy. And it raising issues that people ought and need to think about."
What’s best about the show is that Tang can use the program and the attitude toward religious themes and then get members of his class to debate the same issue.
"Even though Homer Simpson is not a great religious figure, it’s part of his life because it’s part of his culture."
"The show attempts to skewer every preconception out there, of which religion is only one area. And I think that is what gives it its ability to talk about religion because it can be nasty or nice about religion in the same way it can be nasty or nice about everything else. It is incredibly irreverent about absolutely everything," he said.
"That is its biggest strength — to deal with just about everything."
While Tang’s a big fan of the show, he knows that it’s not for everyone, "especially kids who might not be able to put it all into perspective," he said.
"The show is probably not for a three-, five- or even a seven-year-old. You need to see past the obvious misbehaviours of Bart to truly grasp the message."
Tang expect to teach as many as 10 more classes on <I>The Simpsons</I> and religion at the 10 a.m. church service. The Immanual Baptist Church is at 1100 Finch Ave. E.
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