 Religion is focused on in Grampa 's momentary possession , and Marge believing what he said to be a message from God . Groening joked the film " posit [ s ] the existence of a very active God " , when asked if he believed it was likely to offend . Mark I. Pinsky , author of The Gospel According to The Simpsons , said the film " treats genuine faith with respect , while keeping a sharp eye out for religious pretension and hypocrisy of all kinds " . Regarding the scene where the tenants of Moe 's Tavern and the Church switch locations , he believed it took the " chance to unmask everyone 's human fallibility . " In analyzing the role of Ned Flanders , he wrote , " It is [ the ] willingness of The Simpsons to depict all the different sides of us [ ... ] that makes it so rich and funny on our complicated relationship with religion . " Trees are a motif in the film , and they were implemented in every important or emotional scene throughout the film . The animators inserted an apple tree behind Lisa and Colin during their initial meeting , a reference to the biblical figures of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden . 
