The Joy of Sect/References

Cultural references

 * The title of the episode is a pun on the book The Joy of Sex, by Alex Comfort.
 * Movementarianism is a spoof of the multiple cults, one being Scientology in the appearance of the Leader being based on that of L. Ron Hubbard. Another cult spoofed was the "Moonies" of Sun Myung Moon, whereby new members would enter training camps with banners and balloons that read "Welcome Home Brothers & Sisters." Training would be intensive, where sessions would last for several hours and privacy was nonexistent. Moonies were also known for "mass marriages," as shown by the Movementarians. Another cult leader spoofed was Bahagwan Shree Rajneesh (also called "Osho"). Like The Leader, Osho was infamous for driving in a Rolls-Royce while his followers lined the side of the road to watch him go by.
 * When Marge attempts to leave the compound, she is chased by the Rover guard "balloon" from the 1967 television program The Prisoner.
 * Neal Hefti and Nelson Riddle's theme music to the 1960s Batman series is used in the episode to indoctrinate Homer,
 * The song "I Love You, You Love Me" from Barney and Friends is used to brainwash babies. The purple dinosaur singing it also resembles Barney.
 * When Mr. Burns introduces his new religion, most of the sequence is a parody of the video for Michael Jackson's "HIStory."

Goofs

 * Mr. Burns' head is seen in the first row from behind as people are watching the film about "Bilsstonia," but when the camera changes in front of the people, he is not seen (though the tv blocks one seat in the front row that could be, or have been, Burns' seat). One possibility is that the man seen is not Mr. Burns, but an unnamed man who has the same tonsure of hair as Burns. This would make more sense as Burns is seen later attempting to make a copycat cult.
 * As Homer and Bart walk past the people advertising religion, the initial side-view shows two men who are gone when the camera changes angles and pans to the side: a man sitting down with a drum, and another man in an orange suit jacket.
 * Homer's house is mortgaged, which means there is a lien on it. That means he could not have signed over the title to the house, as the creditor is the de facto owner. Only when the debt is retired does a person gain title to the house.
 * The Leader's brainwashing school is clearly poorly structured and obvious that the only lessons being taught are indoctrination, as evidenced by all answers being "the Leader." It does not segregate students by age or progress, as Bart and Lisa are seen in one classroom whereas in other schools they are segregated by Grades Four and Two, respectively.
 * If everyone who join the Movementarian movement gave up their savings and home, how did they all got livily hoods back.
 * Lenny is seen in church with Reverend Lovejoy but Lenny is supposed to be a Buddhist.