"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)
Since its creation in 1999, Family Guy has experienced its fair share of controversy. From the Jewish community to victims of domestic abuse, the show knows no boundaries when it comes to whom it mocks.
The show's latest episode, "How the Griffin Stole Christmas," was no exception, featuring Jesus Christ mocked and kicked at the nativity.
Justin Ashford of Newsbusters summarizes the controversial episode this way: "While the Griffin family longs to go sledding, Lois tells them to get ready so they can attend church. Peter rudely objects, proclaiming Jesus himself loved sledding, calling it his ‘second passion' - obviously cheapening the Passion of Christ, the period of suffering Jesus underwent leading up to His death on the Cross for our sins."
Unfortunately, the mockery didn't end there: "Stewie crashes a corporate Christmas party, giving management some new ideas for firing employees. Consumed with guilt, he claims he ruined Christmas like the little drummer boy - cueing a nativity scene that goes wild, ending with baby Jesus getting kicked over."
Earlier this month, Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane and his team portrayed Jesus Christ as a dad who swears and doesn't care about his son getting bullied. In 2014, the show ran an episode showing Jesus Christ trying to lose his virginity by sleeping with another man's wife.
Unsurprisingly, Family Guy has come under fire from a number of conservative Christians for its continued slander of Jesus Christ. On his radio show, Mormon media personality Glenn Beck said those who mock are essentially re crucifying him before the eyes of a gawking public:
"Why not just put him up on the pillar again?" Beck asked. "Why not just whip him and beat him? Why not just publicly humiliate him? Why not just tear his clothing from him, spit on him, and when he asks for water we give him vinegar?"
He continued: "Can you tell me one man that has changed the world for the better, made people more peaceful, more decent, more honorable than Jesus? But every great act, every great truly great freeing act was inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Why would we take down just that man? Why would we make him into a joke?"
MacFarlane, a staunch atheist, has in the past ridiculed those who believe in Jesus: "I do not believe in God. I'm an atheist. I consider myself a critical thinker, and it fascinates me that in the 21st century most people still believe in, as George Carlin puts it, 'the invisible man living in the sky'," he has said in an interview.
