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New Religious Movements in Animated Adult Sitcoms—A Spectrum of Portrayals
Author(s) -
Feltmate David
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
religion compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.113
H-Index - 1
ISSN - 1749-8171
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-8171.2011.00287.x
Subject(s) - variety (cybernetics) , selection (genetic algorithm) , psychology , social psychology , sociology , artificial intelligence , computer science
As globally syndicated television programmes that are celebrated for their biting satirical content, The Simpsons , South Park , and Family Guy are popular culture phenomenons. Furthermore, they are programmes which have consistently featured a wide variety of religious traditions, including a significant selection of new religious movements (NRMs). This article provides an overview of the different movements depicted in the programmes, categorizing them as accepted, annoying, misguided, untrustworthy and dangerous. It concludes with a discussion of this pattern’s significance, and suggests avenues for future analysis of NRMs’ humorous depictions in popular culture.