The Gospel according to The Simpsons: Leader's Guide for Group Study (Paperback)

~ Mark I. Pinsky and Samuel F. Parvin (Author) "Synopsis: The Simpsons decide to go out to dinner to a new sushi restaurant..." (more)
Key Phrases: Reverend Lovejoy, The Gospel, New Testament Scripture Lesson (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A companion to the best-selling The Gospel According to The Simpsons: The Spiritual Life of the World’s Most Animated Family, this 10-session study, for youth and adults, embarks on an exploration of the religious themes prevalent in the popular animated comedy series. Each session correlates to a chapter in the book and suggests an episode for viewing prior to the discussion. Topics include prayer, morality, God, pluralism, the institutional church, hell and the devil, and the Bible.

About the Author

Mark I. Pinsky is author of The Gospel According to The Simpsons: The Spiritual Life of the World’s Most Animated Family and the forthcoming The Gospel According to Disney: Cartoon Faith & Values.

Samuel "Skip" Parvin is an established writer of youth curriculum and editor and writer for Reel to Real: Making the Most of Movies With Youth. He serves as pastor at Tuskawilla United Methodist Church in Florida.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; 1 edition (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 066422590X
• ISBN-13: 978-0664225902
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #359,680 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This item is part of The Gospel According to... Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating course for a church, November 1, 2002

By	John S. Wharton Jr. "springjohn" (Norman, OK, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We have been teaching this course at our Episcopal church to an intergenerational group of about 25-30 ranging in ages from 10-77. This is a wonderful course and even if you aren't a Simpsons fan, the series really is an eye-opener.

The only small bone to pick is that they use some (two)episodes for viewing that are unavailable via tape or DVD and this requires you to tape it off of TV when it airs, if you know when that is. Also some of the videos are out of print, so E-bay was a big help.

But the response to the course has been tremendous. People are really amazed that a "wicked, evil" cartoon can be so enlightening! I would recommend this for any church considering it.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!, July 16, 2003

By	Brian Wallace (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We started using the Gospel According to the Simpsons with our High School youth group and the response has been awesome. The episodes and questions provide an excellent way to engage the kids in discussions. I highly recommend using this series - although I also recommend sending home a letter to parents explaining what you're doing with the series.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good discussion starter, November 9, 2006

By	Chad Huntley "youth minister" (Abq, NM) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great discussion starter in a small group or youth group setting. A great way to present to talk about God, the Bible, Heaven and Hell, etc...