Page "The Joy of Sect" Paragraph 17

Jeff Shalda of The Simpsons Archive used the episode as an example of one of the " good qualities present in The Simpsons ," while analyzing why some other aspects of The Simpsons make Christians upset.

The book I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide commented that the episode was " an odd one ," with " a lot of good moments ," and went on to state that it was " a nice twist to see Burns determined to be loved.

" However, the book also noted that " The Joy of Sect " is " another one where the central joke isn't strong enough to last the whole episode.

" In a lesson plan for St Mary's College, Durham: An Introduction to Philosophy: The Wit and Wisdom of Lisa Simpson, the episode is described in a section on " False Prophets " as applicable for "... studying the more outrageous manifestations of ' religion ' or those simply alert to the teachings of Christ on the subject.