Idol Chatter

Idol Chatter

‘Simpsons’ Gets Imprimatur From Vatican Newspaper

posted by Ellen Leventry | 9:51am Wednesday December 23, 2009

The Associated Press is reporting that L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican’s newspaper, has declared the “Simpsons” okely dokely on the show’s 20th anniversary, “praising its philosophical leanings as well as its stinging and often irreverent take on religion.”
While the paper does critique some of the series’ crude language and violence, it gives the longest-running animated series of all time the highest compliment possible, stating that, without the show, “‘many today wouldn’t know how to laugh.”
We here at Beliefnet couldn’t agree more and have been covering the spiritual side of the Springfield family since the site’s beginnings in 1999. Check out some of our “Simpsons” coverage over the years:



Previous Posts

UNDEFEATED is an Uncommon Film: Share Your Story For a Chance to Win a $500 Giftcard to Sports Authority
UNDEFEATED, the new documentary from the Weinstein Company (opening in limited release this Friday), is the real deal. It's one of those perfect, real life underdog sports stories that are only captured on film once in a long while (ala Hoop Dreams). It follows the hopes and dreams of the Manassas

posted 12:35:58am Feb. 13, 2012 | read full post »

Exclusive Interview with Rachel McAdams & Channing Tatum, Stars of "The Vow", on Relationships
I had the chance to sit down the other weekend with Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum and talk about their new film (opening this weekend, Friday, February 10th ) called "The Vow." Now, just so you know, I am NOT the target demo for romance films. Maybe, MAYBE, once in a blue moon I'll enjoy the

posted 2:57:16pm Feb. 08, 2012 | read full post »

Is Your Dad the Greatest Dad of All Time?
Dad's are awesome! (although, being one myself, I am a bit biased) And if you think your Dad is awesome - no, if you think your Dad is the GREATEST DAD OF ALL TIME!!!! - then we want to hear about it! Just leave a comment below using a valid email address and tell us in as much detail as you want wh

posted 2:19:28pm Dec. 30, 2011 | read full post »

Show Review: Reaching Generations with Switchfoot
Switchfoot performing on the Tonight Show Switchfoot’s debut album Legend of Chin came out in 1997, it was a fun, anthemic rock album that stretched the boundaries of Christian rock.  Fourteen years later, the band is still bringing it.  Seeing Switchfoot live at the National in Richmond, VA

posted 3:12:06pm Dec. 06, 2011 | read full post »

Mitch Albom's 'Have a Little Faith' Inspires
Mitch Albom is world famous for his moving and inspirational books. “Tuesday’s With Morrie,” “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” and “For One More Day” have all spent months upon months on the New York Times bestseller list. His latest book, “Have a Little Faith,” has just been a

posted 2:51:06pm Nov. 22, 2011 | read full post »

Advertisement
Comments read comments(3)
post a comment
jestrfyl

posted December 23, 2009 at 11:53 am


I guess b16 is out of town and not reading this edition of the paper. But good for the editorial staff to offer this sort of acknowledgment to the Simpsons. Who knows, maybe Bart may even join the priesthood some day! D’OH!
Thanks for all the articles on the Simpsons over the years. I have saved them all and use bits and pieces when planning programs and retreats. I am surprised you have not paid special attention to Flanders and the book, Flanders Book of Faith. Cowabunga!



report abuse
 

Mark Pinsky

posted December 23, 2009 at 7:44 pm


Watch for a piece tomorrow in Canada’s “National Post” on Catholics and “The Simpsons,” as a follow-up. Also, last Sunday’s ep featured — I think for the first time — Bart’s friendship with a Muslim boy, and Homer’s ham-handed prejudice against the boy’s family.
If I survive the edit, I may get to talk about The Simpsons and religion next month in Morgan Spurlock’s Fox doc on the show’s 20th anniversary, Jan. 10. If not, here’s the take away: religion informs the series, but does not define it. Faith is animated, but not caricatured. I’m just saying. MP



report abuse
 

HYSARAH

posted December 27, 2009 at 5:27 am


Which way did you finish your hot data related to this good post we wonder? The dissertation service could hire professionals like you to perform the phd thesis writing. Hence you do have a great chance to get to the group of masters.



report abuse
 

Post a Comment

By submitting these comments, I agree to the beliefnet.com terms of service, rules of conduct and privacy policy (the "agreements"). I understand and agree that any content I post is licensed to beliefnet.com and may be used by beliefnet.com in accordance with the agreements.

Share this story


About Beliefnet

Our mission is to help people like you find, and walk, a spiritual path that will bring comfort, hope, clarity, strength, and happiness. More about Beliefnet.

Help

Media Kit

Subscribe

Legal

Copyright © Beliefnet, Inc. and/or its licensors. All rights reserved. Use of this site is subject to Terms of Service and to our Privacy Policy. Constructed by Beliefnet.

Advertisement

Report as Inappropriate

You are reporting this content because it violates the Terms of Service.

All reported content is logged for investigation.