I really love how The Simpsons gets people to think.
Sometimes they use the same method we see in Star Trek, where they use allegory, other times it's done by highlighting folly and foibles with irony.

.... but that's just on one level ....




.... and also like Star Trek, it gets the point across without hurting anyone's feelings.

Ned Flanders for example, is loved by Christians an atheists alike. Through him we get to see both sides of the differing views expressed. ... it's this nurturing of a better understanding of each others views that's just another aspect of a truly great show.