It has received a 95% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes with the consensus, “One of the more cutting-edge films of the 1970s, this religious farce from the classic comedy troupe is as poignant as it is funny and satirical.”
However, during the time it was not popular with everyone. The film’s themes of religious satire were very controversial, drawing accusations of blasphemy and protests from some religious groups. Supposedly, thirty-nine local authorities in the United Kingdom either imposed an outright ban or imposed an X (18 years) certificate.