"The Simpsons is one of the most subtle
pieces of propaganda around in the cause of sense, humility and
virtue. Mark Pinsky manages to decipher the code without deadening
the humour, which is quite an achievement."
The Most Revd Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop
of Wales
"What a fun book--with serious purpose. Pinsky
has taken a pop culture icon and, through the eyes of faith, made
an incisive and loving critique of our culture. I didn't know
that Bart Simpson had so much to teach us. Far out!"
Will Willimon, Dean of the Chapel, Duke University
"I've never been much of a TV watcher. It's against
my religion, as they used to say. But now Mark Pinsky's The
Gospel According to The Simpsons has made me at least a partial
convert. I was blind but now I see that in The Simpsons
anyway, there is goodness galore-intelligence, hilarious writing,
insight, telling social criticism and commentary, and plenty of
helpful hints for spiritually challenged people like me. Thanks
to Pinsky and The Simpsons my conscience has been caught,
my train of thought has finally left the station, and I've been
thoroughly delighted without feeling guilty about it. Now when
The Simpsons are on I'm on the front row. I've even learned
how to use the remote."
Robert L. Short, author of The Gospel According
to Peanuts, The Parables of Peanuts, and Short Meditations
on the Bible and Peanuts
"O Little Town of Springfield! Mark Pinsky provides
an excellent exploration
of the spiritual dimension of the most openly religious town on
television."
Frederica Mathewes-Green, columnist for Beliefnet.com
and author of The Illumined
Heart: The Ancient Christian Path of Transformation.
"This is a brilliant, witty, readable book-which
every Simpsons lover will want to read, every parent should
read, and every Christian needs to read immediately."
Theodore Baehr, chairman of the Christian Film
& Television Commission and publisher of MovieguideTM
"Bristling with humor and laced with keen observations,
The Gospel According to The Simpsons explores the fabric
of faith and spirituality in one of the most popular television
shows worldwide. Mark Pinsky's survey is framed in Judeo-Christian
theological context and will convince even ardent skeptics that
this animated series-iconoclastic, controversial, and critically
acclaimed-is a significant popular cultural representation of
the variety of American attitudes toward God and religion."
William Romanowski, author of Pop Culture
Wars: Religion and the Role of Entertainment in American Life
and Eyes Wide Open: Looking for God in Popular Culture
"As a political and social Christian conservative
and a Neanderthal in terms of pop culture, this is not the kind
of book I would generally read nor endorse. However, what started
as a chore became a major delight. I loved this book! Mark Pinsky
makes me think and laugh. Read it! You'll be glad."
Steve Brown, professor at Reformed Theological
Seminary in Orlando, teacher on the Key Life radio program,
and author of several books, including Follow The Wind and
Approaching God.
"The Simpsons is the stealth Sunday School
of prime-time TV. Mark Pinsky tells all in this wise and zesty
book. My 16-year-old couldn't put it down, and neither will you."
Mark Silk, The Greenberg Center for the Study
of Religion in Public Life, Trinity College
"Mark Pinsky has written a wonderfully helpful
book that every congregational leader ought to read. At one moment,
it contains humorous accounts from The Simpsons that will
lift the reader's soul with mirth. At the next, it provides the
"aha" that comes from an insightful cultural analysis
about the knotty relationship between the American family and
popular religion. His book will bring many rich returns."
Robert Parham, executive director, Baptist Center
for Ethics
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