The Simpsons have discarded their immoral reputation and been embraced by church leaders. The Guardian 1. But now the Simpson family has been embraced by churches as an example of virtue. According to the Simpsons by Mark Pinsky, claims the Simpsons embody the US's sturdiest values and impart a highly religious content . Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic may be sceptical - the Simpsons is still banned there as an affront to family values.
Academics seem to agree too.
Mr Pinsky claims that characters like Marge and the morally aware Lisa, are becoming distinguished figures on theological courses and in texts for student priests. All of this may surprise those upset by the depiction of the evangelical neighbour Ned Flanders , their pastor the hypocritical Rev Timothy Lovejoy, the sinister Jewish clown Krusty , and the grasping Hindu shopkeeper Apu Nahaasapeemapetilon . The Simpsons started life as a series of shorts on the Tracey Ullman show . It was one of the first animations on prime time American TV and paved the way for later cartoons such as South Park . Unlike the other citizens of Springfield, who scrabble around trying to make a living, Homer lives well by doing nothing and is often to be found sleeping at the nuclear power plant where he works.