In season 4, episode 3 of The Simpsons titled "Homer the Heretic," Homer meets God first in a dream and again after a near death experience. Essentially, Homer stopped going to church in order to relax on Sundays. Subsequently he creates his own religion. Later in the episode while his family was at church, Homer falls asleep with a cigar in his hand... sets the house on fire... and nearly dies.

After his near death experience, Homer has the following conversation with God.

God: Don't feel bad Homer. 9 out of 10 religions fail in their first year. Homer: God, I got to ask you something. What's the meaning of life? God: Homer, I can't tell you that. Homer: Come on... God: You'll find out when you die. Homer: I can't wait that long. God: You can't wait six months?

Interestingly, this is not the first time a TV show has mention or explored the meaning of life after a near death experience. Recall our review of Dilbert - The Shroud of Wally. In any case, what do you think? Will we find out the meaning of life when we die, or do we discover it while living?

Also, if you like crazy Simpsons' conspiracies, check out this article. The article suggests that in an episode which appears six months after this one, that all events henceforth are simply in his head. This is a result of Homer ending up in the hospital and going into a coma.