Homer Simpson in prayer: “Dear Lord, the gods have been good to me and I am thankful. For the first time in my life everything is absolutely perfect the way it is. So here’s the deal: you freeze everything as it is and I won’t ask for anything more. If that is OK, please give me absolutely no sign. [pause] OK, deal. In gratitude, I present you this offering of cookies and milk. If you want me to eat them for you, please give me no sign. [pause] Thy will be done. [eats food]. “

Gerry Bowler’s God and The Simpsons: The Religious Life of an Animated Sitcom is a smart, even-handed and actually devout survey of religious memes, primarily Christian, in the popular sitcom. The essay is littered with hysterical dialogue and excerpts to illustrate his point. It’s a joy to read—if not for Bowler’s scholarship and detail, then for the massive collection of quotes.

Bowler argues that The Simpsons “is among the most religious programs on television [and] it can only mean that religion is very badly served on that medium.” I only wish that other religions, the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist—also badly served on television—were given further treatment in the essay, although I admit that Christianity plays more of a central role in the program.

Image credit: ©2005 Fox Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

[via Godlorica]