The episode was directed by Bob Anderson and written by series showrunner Al Jean.
The episode was dedicated in memory of David Crosby, who appeared in "Marge in Chains" and "Homer's Barbershop Quartet."
When he was a teacher at Springfield Elementary School, he was reprimanded by Superintendent Chalmers for telling Nelson to pray.
In the present, Ned's house and church are destroyed, so he stays in the Simpsons' attic over the garage.
[2] Previously, Flanders became Bart's teacher in the twenty-ninth season episode "Left Behind."
Writer and executive producer Al Jean wanted to explain why Flanders was no longer Bart's teacher and included the reason as part of this episode.
[9] Tony Sokol of Den of Geek gave the episode a 4 out of 5 stars.
He highlights the relationship between Ned and Fat Tony and how a religious organization can be closely tied to the mafia.