ORLANDO, Fla. -- One of television's long-term animated sitcoms might be heading to local churches through a 10-lesson study guide to "The Gospel According to the Simpsons."
The original book was written by Mark Pinsky, the Orlando Sentinel's religion reporter. Pinsky co-wrote the study with the Rev. Samuel "Skip" Parvin, a United Methodist pastor in the Orlando, Fla., area, according to The Associated Press. Pinsky, who is Jewish, said the prayers and themes are not explicitly Christian and could be adapted for synagogue use.
The book generated controversy among those who view the TV show as blasphemous. On one show, a church signboard reads "God welcomes his victims." Another describes God as, "Perfect teeth. Nice smell. A class act all the way."
Pinsky's book claims "The Simpsons" raises important religious issues. The study guide could help churches attract outsiders, Pinsky told the AP, but he admitted some would view it as a "dumbing down of a serious discourse."
The study guide addresses such topics as the nature of prayer and why good people suffer, Pinsky said. Study guides, published by John Knox Press, are $5.95 each and available through Pinsky's Web site.
Pinsky plans to publish "The Gospel According to Disney" in 2004.
