The Simpsons Deconstruct Scientology

Ever wonder where you can find sharp criticism of Scientology that seems to be absent in most mass media outlets? Well, the Simpsons did a whole episode on cults in the 1994 episode “Joy of Sect”, the majority of which was based on the Church of Scientology. In the episode, a cult called the “Movementarians” takes over Springfield, and Homer and the rest of the Simpson family become members. “The Leader” physically resembles L. Ron Hubbard; the Movementarians’ “trillion year labor contract” alludes to the Sea Org’s billion year contract; and both groups make extensive use of litigation. Below you can find the Simpsons deconstruction of Scientology and the modern cult phenomena, though the whole episode can be watched online:

Step 1: Throw out some bait to catch the fish

Step 2: Indoctrination Begins

Step 3: You are free to go nowhere

Step 4: Don’t forget the entrance fees

Step 5: Where did all the money go?

Step 6: You can still leave, if you can make it out alive…

Step 7: Watch out, the lawyers will come

Step 8: The jig is up, but it’s too late

In Pinsky’s The Gospel According to the Simpsons, one of the show’s writers recounted to the author that the producers of The Simpsons had vetoed a planned episode on Scientology in fear of the Church’s “reputation for suing and harassing opponents”.[12] Pinsky found it ironic that Groening spoofed Scientology in spite of the fact that the voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright, is a Scientologist, having joined in 1989. Pinsky notes that Matt Groening later “took a shot at Scientology” in Futurama with the fictional religion “Church of Robotology”. Groening said he received a call from the Church of Scientology concerned about the use of a similar name.

See Also: Heaven’s Gate, Atheism: Not Always Godless Heathens, Anonymous on Trial, Tom Cruise – Scientology Rant (FULL), and Peaceful Demostrator Punched by Scientologist at Los Angeles Event.

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