By David Buckna

THE SIMPSONS is well known for its social irreverence. However, there is another side to the program. “Faith gets a sympathetic and understanding ride,” observes Mark I. Pinsky in The Gospel According to The Simpsons. God, he adds, “is not mocked, nor is God’s existence questioned.”

Here’s a chance to test your knowledge of Springfield’s most famous family. The following questions were inspired by The Simpsons Movie (note: spoilers ahead!):

1. As Green Day’s barge sinks into Lake Springfield, band members switch to violins and begin playing which hymn?

2. What message is visible on the First Church of Springfield’s marquee as the Simpsons arrive late for the service?

3. What image is on the lectern Reverend Lovejoy uses?

4. Reverend Lovejoy tells the congregation: “Let the Lord’s light shine upon you . . . Feel the spirit. Let it out!” After this, who begins to prophesy, foretelling future events?

5. What license plate is seen on Homer’s car as he illegally dumps a silo of pig manure into Lake Springfield?

6. What is Ned Flanders referring to when he says: “We thank you, Lord, for this mighty fine intelligent design! Good job!”

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Answers

1. ‘Nearer, My God, to Thee’ – the 19th-century hymn associated with The Titanic. Passengers reported the ship’s band played the hymn as the ship sank. The hymn is based loosely on Genesis 28:11-19, the story of Jacob’s dream.

2. Turn Off Thy Cell Phones

3. A dove with an olive leaf in its mouth. “When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.” (Genesis 8:10-12)

4. Abraham Jeremiah Simpson (Grampa): “Horrible . . . horrible things are going to happen! Twisted tale! A thousand eyes! Trapped forever! . . . Ee-pa! Ee-pa!”  While Grampa is prophesying, Lisa tells Homer: “Dad! Do something!” Homer (flipping frantically through the Bible) replies: “This book doesn’t have any answers!” Soon after, hundreds of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) helicopters place a giant glass dome over Springfield, trapping residents inside.

5.  License plate:1PHL07. Philemon 1:7 reads: “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”

6. A severely mutated squirrel, with 19 eyes. The extra eyes pop into existence because of pollution in Lake Springfield.

7. Switch places. Fearing the end is near, churchgoers run to the bar, as bar patrons run into the church.

8. ‘A fresh start.’ The Message version of 2 Corinthians 5: 19 reads: “God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins.”

9. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-5. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud; . . . it keeps no record of wrongs.”

10. Medicine Woman. Homer: “How long are we doing this?” Medicine Woman:  “Until you have an epiphany.” Homer: “Okay . . . what’s an epiphany?” Medicine Woman: “Sudden realization of great truth.” Later, Homer says: “Do whatever you want to me. I don’t care about myself anymore . . . Other people are just as important as me! Without them, I’m nothing. In order to save myself, I have to save Springfield! That's it, isn't it?”

11. Russ Cargill of the EPA. Cargill: “Attention Springfield. Your government has realized that putting you inside this dome was a terrible mistake; therefore we’re commencing with Operation Soaring Eagle . . .” Springfield residents: “Yay!!!” Cargill: “. . . which involves killing you all.” Springfield residents [quietly]: “Aw.” The words ‘soaring eagle’ are reminiscent of Isaiah 40: 31: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.”

12. Ned: “Okay boys, when we meet Jesus, be sure to call him Mr. Christ.” Todd: “Will Buddha be there too?” Ned: “No!”

September 2007