A group of Boston University students continued their year-long comparison of episodes of ‘The Simpsons’ television show to the New Testament’s Gospels last night in the School of Theology, concluding that the episode ‘Bart Gets an F’ has numerous parallels.
Last night’s event, hosted by Scott Miller, was part of the Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship’s lecture series entitled ‘The Gospel According to ‘The Simpsons’.’ The lecture is based on a book written by Mark J. Pinsky that carries the same title.
In the episode discussed last night, Bart Simpson finds himself in a desperate situation after learning that he might have to repeat the fourth grade. On the eve of a big test, he does not study, instead praying to God for help. Prayer is a subtle, yet poignant theme throughout the episode.
One student said the episode’s parallels with Biblical undertones are interesting.
‘I think [the show] provides a unique insight into the way popular culture views the Gospels,’ said Stephen Curet, a sophomore in the School of Management. ‘It’s supposed to be like the typical American family. It portrays how they would treat Christianity.’
In this particular episode, Bart refers to God as ‘Old-timer,’ while Lisa Simpson remarks, ‘Prayer, the last refuge of a scoundrel.’
‘I’m no theologian,’ Lisa tells Bart in one of the episode’s more telling scenes. ‘I don’t know who or what God is exactly. All I know is that He’s a force more powerful than Mom and Dad put together.’
But some students pointed to the episode’s Biblical allusions and Lisa’s comments, as sarcastic and satirical.
‘I think that ‘The Simpsons’ is a great parody of the social and religious standards in America,’ said College of Engineering freshman Oren Klachkin. ‘The writers are able to relate these important and complicated subjects to terms that are more tangible to us.’
College of Arts and Sciences junior Carmelina Freni, however, said she does not think ‘The Simpsons’ accurately portrays the Gospels.
‘It doesn’t have enough of The Gospels or spiritual themes in it,’ she said. ‘However, it accurately portrays American life satirically, and with that comes religion.’
Some students said Bart’s prayer in the episode contains several attributes present in one section of the Bible, including confession, a request, gratitude and acknowledgment.
Event organizers said the series of events is an effort to make audience members ‘think about things from a different perspective.’
Several audience members said they liked the event’s relaxed and fun learning environment.
‘I definitely would recommend the discussion,’ Freni said. ‘It’s a break from study.’
Just getting to watch the show was worth it, though the religious discussion was also worthwhile, Freni said.
‘It’s watching ‘The Simpsons’ without commercials,’ she said. ‘It’s talking about spirituality, which we don’t get enough of in college.’
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