The Simpsons and the Sacraments

Granted, the place of religion within the Simpsons' world is not easy to pin down, but I noticed a couple of interesting things tonight:

• The Flanderses, although stereotypically Evangelical, are paedobaptists. In one episode, they attempt to baptize the Simpson children, including Maggie.


• It appears that the denominationally-vague First Church of Springfield believes in the Real Presence, to some extent. After numerous alcohol-steeped binges, Marge and Homer develop a reputation for being Springfield's ultimate party couple. During Communion one Sunday, Marge drinks a little too deeply from the Cup, causing Otto to exclaim "Don't bogart my Lord!"

Gotta love the blender approach to portraying religion!