Family Guy: 5 Episodes With Terrible Lessons

Brian Griffin is voiced by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane and has been somewhat of his self-insert character. Brian has been used to reflect some of his beliefs, most notably his Atheism.

In this episode, Meg contracts the mumps and begins watching religious programming while bed-ridden. She becomes a born-again Christian and, while she engages with the family, it is revealed the Brian is an Atheist.

There are plenty of differing opinions on life and many people have found their answers with religion, whichever religion it may be, while others may choose a more secular set of values. In any case, we should be accepting and respectful of the beliefs or non-beliefs of other people.

However, nothing even resembling acceptance is shown in this episode. Meg leads a book burning and only comes down to Earth after Brian completely picks apart her life and presents it as evidence that there is no God. The episode almost suggest that Meg is completely stupid and the answers cannot be found in Christianity. Also, the literal burning of scientific fact isn't stopped.

As viewers, we should expect a show to reflect the values of its creators and showrunners. This episode, and maybe MacFarlane by extension, seems to miss the point.