The Case of Colossians 3 and the Simpsons

By Matt Watson

In modern society, we have accepted our fate as sinning machines. We have taken what the Christians regarded as vices that harmed humanity and turned them into virtues that aid mankind. We have come to understand the power that each of these vices holds and how it can make us happier and stronger people. Advertising agencies and marketing firms know this and have taken full advantage of it, selling each of the seven deadly sins in record numbers and encouraging us to work with what we’ve got (while still holding focus groups on the development of sins eight, nine, and ten). – Lisa Frank, “The Evolution of the Seven Deadly Sins: From God to the Simpsons,” Journal of Popular Culture, June 2001

Recently, I was delighted to have to watch an episode of “The Simpsons” for a school assignment. [Note: "The Simpsons" is a little outdated for me. If I'm going to watch a show about the decay of our society, I'd probably prefer "Family Guy."] Along with watching the show, I was given the above article to read, which I found very interesting. Meanwhile, I was chatting with a friend of mine on the Internet about Colossians 3.

Lo and behold, I realized all of these things were related.

“The Simpsons,” of course, teaches us a very valuable lesson about family and society, which is that our society doesn’t value family. In fact, the members of our society don’t always have much regard for society, either. We’re pretty two-dimensional people who are really just concerned about what we’re going to eat next and how much we’ll have to pay for it. We beep horns at each other, make fists, curse, give each other the middle finger, gossip…

Those of you reading might like to think most people still have at least some bit of decency left, and you’re right. “The Simpsons” is only an exaggeration of reality. However, culture is changing, and there are many things that just aren’t considered sins anymore. Or if they are called sins, no one really cares. I’m sure you can think of examples from your own experience. All in all, leading a holy and noble life sounds kind of drastic to modern ears. That’s why we connect with the Simpson family, as well as Jerry Seinfeld and friends. That’s why we think these shows are funny–because they contain a bit of truth.

But on a more serious note, what consequences does our behavior have? When all we care about is ourselves and have no respect for family and friends, what is the result?

The result is a society that doesn’t really know how to take care of itself. Like the author above, there are some in our society that actually applaud our embrace of sin. They think it’s actually a good thing and that those prehistoric Christians were wrong all along. When we disregard a passer-by on the street or disrespect our parents or neglect our children, we only add to this growing philosophy.

It’s how we got where we are today, where children spend all day in their rooms chatting on the Internet about how their parents suck, where parents don’t even give their children the small knowledge of the Bible they deserve and instead send their children to school to let Caesar be responsible for instilling values in our children (which is why there are controversies over prayer in schools and sex education in the first place).

In the midst of today’s modern fog, what version of society does the Bible give us? According to Colossians 3, it is far more stable and far less hypocritical than our modern version.

There cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman: but Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:11)

Way before our Civil Rights Movement, the Bible realized that God didn’t really care where you’re from or what you look like and, therefore, neither should we. But at the same time, where our society falls prey to thinking everyone in society is the same, the Bible lets us know that there are in fact different roles in society and especially the church.

And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

First, everyone in society, while being subject to the higher powers, are subject to a head that is even above these powers. That head is Christ.

Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. (Colossians 3:18-19)

Second, the Bible realizes the reality that fathers have a responsibility that goes higher than that of anyone else in the family. Men and women are not the same, and a husband has preeminence over his wife. However, while our society sees preeminence as a bad thing often used for corrupt purposes, the Bible tells us that this preeminence, this position of leadership is vitally important to the family. There needs to be leaders in our families, leaders who can make keen decisions and leaders who have wisdom. Where there is no leadership, there is no direction. And where there is no direction, there is malice, jealousy and divorce. This preeminence is not a haughty, patriarchal doctrine. It is a blessing that is only supposed to help us move forward.

Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well–pleasing in the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged. (Colossians 3:20-21)

And it’s the same with parents’ preeminence over their children. Unlike our modern society, which is beginning not to care whether or not children depend on parents, the Bible lets us know that children have to esteem their parents. While our modern society says that it’s OK for you to do things your parents don’t need to know about (since you are autonomous, right?), the Bible argues that your relationship with your parents is to be intimate and honest.

Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as men–pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord (Colossians 3:22)

Finally, Colossians 3 tells us how to act in the workforce with those who are over us. Maybe in our day we’re not all about “servants” and “masters,” but the principle is still there. We all have bosses, and we all gain vain pleasure in venting about them when we get home. This is not how it should be. As Christians, we are servants to everyone, especially those we work for. Our supervisors are in a position of leadership and deserve our respect and forbearance. We must work diligently and honestly for them, whereas our culture says it’s OK to pass the work along to someone else or clock out earlier than we know we should. If we work honestly, we can honestly expect to be treated with the kindness and dignity that our superiors have a duty to give us.

So, there you have it. Just something to stimulate your mind next time you decide to watch the idiot tube.

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