Among the most beloved animated series of the last 30 years, The Simpsons has stood out for its boundless humor.
And among the various themes covered, religion occupies a central element, explored with lightness and reflection. But what religion are the Simpsons ?
Each member of the family has a unique relationship with faith, reflecting the nuances and contradictions of American society.
Let's (quickly) explore the religious influences of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.
DISCOVER THE SIMPSONS PORTRAITS: UNIQUE AND PERSONALIZED
Is Homer Simpson Catholic?
Known for his laziness and passion for beer, Homer is the character with the most ambiguous relationship with religion.
Although the entire family is Presbylutheran , Homer sees faith as an uncomfortable commitment. His presence in church is often due to pressure from Marge or extraordinary events, and he often looks for excuses to avoid it.
Despite this easy-going attitude, however, there are episodes in which Homer, in moments of difficulty, turns to God with sincerity , revealing an unsuspected spiritual side.
Marge Simpson: A Devout and Sincere Christian
Marge is the spiritual pillar of the family. She attends church regularly, believes in its moral and ethical values, and encourages the entire family to take part in religious services. In short, she embodies the role of a devout and traditional believer.
Marge, in fact, sees religion as a guide and a refuge. And she often finds comfort in the religious community of Springfield.
Conventional Religion: The Example of Bart Simpson
Bart , the eldest son, is the rebel of the family, and this is also reflected in his relationship with religion.
For him, church is a boring place, and he often tries to avoid it. However, in some episodes he shows that he has a sort of "opportunistic" belief : when he thinks that religion can be useful to him, he does not hesitate to turn to God or make promises.
Bart represents that skeptical and disenchanted side of many people, who approach faith only in moments of need .
Lisa: The Simpsons Family Buddhist
Lisa is the most thoughtful character in the Simpson family, and her spirituality evolves over time. In fact, despite growing up in a Protestant Christian family, she actively explores other faiths and philosophies .
In one episode he even decides to convert to Buddhism , embracing values of peace and compassion.
This choice may represent the spiritual search of our days, increasingly widespread among those who move away from traditional religions to explore new paths.
Maggie: A Look at the Religion of the Future
Being still young, Maggie does not have a defined religion , but her character seems to absorb influences from the whole family.
And even though she doesn't have an explicit faith, Maggie could represent an open-minded and curious future generation , free from traditional religious influences.
