An interesting thing happens during “The Simpsons Movie,” which recently opened at No. 1 at the box office in the United States and Canada: Ned Flanders, often mocked in the television series for his Christian beliefs and strict moral standards, plays the most important role in the story.
This newfound respect for Ned startled young fans at the press screening.
Such an overt Christian character is rare among TV series and films today. Characters like Ned Flanders in “The Simpsons Movie” can challenge the minds of young people who may never have encountered an authentic Christian or have never been exposed to the characteristics of someone with such strong faith. They can arouse our compassion and empathy like George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life” or spur us toward truth, love and beauty like William Wilberforce in this year’s “Amazing Grace.”
In between all of the irreverent, sometimes offensive humor in “The Simpsons Movie,” the evangelical faith of Ned Flanders shines gloriously, giving the movie a heartwarming, uplifting story about love, kindness, forgiveness, redemption, and victory of goodness over evil.
Throughout the 20-year history of the series, we witness the testing of his faith and learn that Ned’s character is not infallible. His home was destroyed by a hurricane and he was later institutionalized after his reaction to a failed rebuilding attempt by his fellow citizens of Springfield. His business, The Leftorium (specializing in merchandise specifically designed for southpaws), has had little success and almost closed due to stiff competition from the Leftopolis and Left-Mart. Later, his wife was killed in a freak accident at the Springfield Motor Speedway.
Yet, despite the Job-like tragedies, Ned’s devotion towards charity never let up and his faith in God has grown stronger. As leader of the Junior Campers (similar to the Boy Scouts), Ned organized a volunteer day at the Springfield retirement home, he spends one day a week feeding the homeless at Springfield’s soup kitchen and can often be seen at the Springfield hospital reading to sick children.
In effect, Ned Flanders’ active, kind-hearted, overt Christian faith, expressed throughout the story, serves as a guiding light for the main characters and, by extension, all the people who see “The Simpsons Movie.” Even though the movie pokes a little fun at Ned’s character, viewers can still learn a lot by examining the positive role Ned plays.
Not only does Ned give the incorrigible Bart Simpson a warm-hearted, helping hand and encourage Bart and his father, Homer, to heal their broken relationship, he also saves the family from a lynch mob and inspires Bart to go help his father save all the people in Springfield from being wiped out.
Like Bart and Homer, who are inspired by Ned’s Christian example to come together and save the town of Springfield, we too should be inspired by Ned’s example.
We commend the creators of “The Simpsons,” Matt Groening, James L. Brooks and Sam Simon, for truly making an effort to portray someone of great faith. Despite ridicule of him, that he becomes the hero of the film is testament to his faithful commitment and devotion to God through it all.
Ted Baehr and Tom Snyder are authors of “Frodo vs. Harry: Understanding Visual Media and Its Impact on Our Lives.”
