Religion in Futurama

Lore & Background

Religion in Futurama includes the First Amalgamated Church, a merger of major 20th-century religious groups, and the mainstream acceptance of Voodoo. New religions include Oprahism, Robotology, and the banned religion of Star Trek fandom. Religious figures include Father Changstein-El-Gamal, the Robot Devil, Reverend Lionel Preacherbot, and the Space Pope, who appears to be a large crocodile-like creature. Major holidays have robot counterparts: the murderous Robot Santa, Kwanzaa-bot, and Hanukah Zombie. Few episodes focus exclusively on religion, but those that do cover predestination, prayer, salvation, and religious conversion.

Reader's Guide

The treatment of religion in Futurama serves as a satirical mirror of real-world religious dynamics, particularly through the episode 'Hell Is Other Robots,' which centers on Bender's conversion to Robotology—a parody of Scientology. Mark Pinsky, in The Gospel According to the Simpsons, notes that the episode reflects common real-life occurrences: loved ones being skeptical of a new faith but accepting it as a vehicle for personal improvement, the convert proselytizing and alienating friends, and attempts by others to get them to abandon their convictions. The show's religious elements, while not the primary focus, contribute to its broader commentary on society, blending humor with themes of faith and belief.

Did You Know?

• Voodoo is depicted as a mainstream religion in the Futurama universe.
• The Space Pope is described as appearing to be a large crocodile-like creature.