The Representation of Jesus Christ in Secular Popular Culture: The Case of The Simpsons

Abstract

The paper analyzes the representation of Jesus Christ in the animated television series The Simpsons, created by authors with predominantly atheist backgrounds. It identifies dominant forms of representation, including Jesus as a moral figure, a cultural symbol, and a subject of humor and satire. The paper shows that Jesus is predominantly portrayed positively, while criticism is directed mainly at organized religion. The paper highlights how contemporary media reinterpret religious figures and contribute to their transformation within modern society.