Jewish journalist Mark Pinsky's book opens with an introduction by the Archbishop of Wales praising the spiritual undertones of the world famous comedy soap, "The Simpsons is one of the most subtle pieces of propaganda around in the cause of sense, humility and virtue."

The Most Reverend Rowan Williams is clearly a big Simpsons fan.

Also covered in the book are Hindu shopkeeper Apu and the Judaism of Krusty the Clown but Homer's dubious Christian zeal has been praised alongside Marge's undoubted faith.

In the book's introduction, Mr Williams said: "The Simpsons is one of the most subtle pieces of propaganda around in the cause of sense, humility and virtue."

Pinsky talked about his book, subtitled "The spiritual life of the world's most animated family" to the Daily Telegraph on Friday saying, "God is not mocked, nor his existence questioned. In many ways, Simpson family members are both defined and circumscribed by religion."