Church of England offers 'Simpsons' advice

Canterbury, England -- The Church of England is attempting to reach today's youth with a new book from a most unusual source: the edgy U.S. animated TV staple "The Simpsons."

Called "Mixing it up with 'The Simpsons,'" the new book will be sent to youth advisers across the nation to give them a modern example of the church's teachings in a more entertaining format, The Sunday Telegraph said.

Among the activities included in the book is determining whether teens can resist temptation by showing them a plate of doughnuts labeled "don't touch."

The book also compares Christians' patient wait for the return of Jesus Christ to the antsy nature Bart Simpson displays toward an upcoming Krusty the Clown show.

While the book does include many other great leaps of literary faith, its message has been supported by many in the Church of England.

"Jesus was a great storyteller -- as are the creators of 'The Simpsons' -- and the power of a good story lies in meeting people where they are, making them laugh and then giving them something to think about afterwards," said the Rev. John Pritchard, the Bishop of Oxford.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.