Authors discuss religion, 'The Simpsons'

After thirteen seasons, it has turned into a town and family loved by millions worldwide. "The Simpsons," with its wacky antics and amusing dialogue, has highlighted numerous social issues, but through the seasons, religion has become a recurring theme. \nTonight at 7 p.m. in the Whittenberger Auditorium at the Indiana Memorial Union, Mark Pinsky, author of "The Gospel According to the Simpsons," and Aeon Skoble, author of "The Simpsons and Philosophy:The D'oh of Homer," will lead a discussion about the role religion has played in the development of the pop culture sitcom. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.\nParticipants in this free "Simposium" will be able to view a screening of "Bart Sells His Soul" from the seventh season as a prologue to the event. After an introduction by the master of ceremonies, senior Jonathan Lipnick, a student in the Department of Religious Studies and Professor of Religious Studies John McRae will make a short speech about the infiltration of "The Simpsons" into the classrooms at IU. \nPinsky and Skoble will each present their views about religion and "The Simpsons." Among the questions discussed and addressed during the night will be, "Is religion a taboo topic for comedy?", "How is God regarded in the program?" and "What does the show teach us, while making us laugh, about religion in American society?"\nMany of the organizations chose "The Simpsons" because of its appeal to a wide audience. Academic Advisor for the Department of Religious Studies Caroline Dowd-Higgins said the show is especially useful in the distribution of messages because of its appeal and syndication in Europe and Asia. Union Board committee director of Debates and Issues Matt Ranochak echoes Dowd-Higgins' ideas.\n"Something as big as 'The Simpsons' is a great medium because it does not focus on American culture or ideas," Ranochak said. "Diversity is brought to the forefront because (the show) reaches so many people. Diversity isn't overlooked (by the writers)."\nA question and answer session will follow the speeches, encouraging the audience to ask questions, speak their minds and share their perspectives about the evening. Concluding the symposium will be a screening of "Like Father, Like Clown," an episode from the third season. "Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment" from the second season will be screened as a bonus episode if time permits.\nThe Department of Religious Studies, the Undergraduate Religious Studies Association, Union Board, the Robert A. and Sandra S. Borns Jewish Studies Program, the Jewish Studies Student Association, the Department of Communication and Culture, the Honors College, the IU Bookstore, the Hip Hop Congress and the IUB Libraries have all collaborated to sponsor the event. \nBefore and after the event, The IU Bookstore will be hosting a book sale featuring Pinsky's and Skoble's books. If time permits, an informal book signing will take place in the IMU bookstore after the symposium. A formal book signing is scheduled for noon Wednesday in the Bookstore.