Homer the Heretic

Lazy lump that he is, Homer decides to stay home instead of going to church. Hard to blame him when we hear that windbag preacher going on and on. I don't disrespect religion. It's when a person trained in all the dogma just throws it all out there with no respect for his (or her) flock. Does Marge really listen to this or is church just something you do? Homer probably has the right idea. Fundamentalism is probably the most dangerous thing on this earth (that includes all religions) because these people follow dictates handed down and use what is comfortable to them to bully others. While Homer is really stupid, he had every right to say, "I don't get it." That said, there are several hilarious elements to this story. Yes, the neighbors come to his aid. But it would seem, grudgingly. I did enjoy the collection for Jewish clowns thing.

This is one of the funniest episodes of the show but it has a terrible message. So I don't know. Wish that these great character interactions worked toward a better overall package.

I think at one point this episode played a lot better but frankly the central plot element of Homer *gasp* not going to church isn't really a concern for most of us at this point-only 41% of Americans attend church weekly, more than half of all Americans do not belong to a church. I don't know why the writers decided to make an episode with this premise but if they were reacting to the long term decline of the American church that makes me dislike the episode even more. In 2021 the episode has a nasty reactionary vibe.

I think my main problem with it is the episode is very sour. The final act is explicitly divine punishment. And Marge vastly overreacts to Homer's decision.

Homer dodges church on Sunday and has an enjoyable day.

This is a memorable episode with some strong religious satire and character moments.

Homer has some of his most memorable moments enjoying himself in an empty house as the rest of the family brave the cold weather and boredom of Reverend Lovejoy's sermon. This is the basis of great humour.

The second part of the episode where Homer attempts to enact his own religion is just as good, increasing the satire. I particularly like the sequences involving Ned Flanders.

It's one of the most overrated Simpsons episodes for me. I enjoy the humour quite a bit, but the story is just weak. This episode fails to bring up any valid points about religion. Homer is not wrong in this episode, it's his choice to decide if he wants to go to church or not. Most of the story is just characters obsessively demonising Homer, or them trying to get Homer to "see the error of his ways". It's just frustrating to watch. If this is supposed to be a satire, it sure isn't presented as one. You probably think I'm nitpicking, but this episode just feels painfully dated, I really don't get the hype surrounding this episode. The episode isn't funny enough to make up for the weak story, and poor morals.