Jeopardy! has long been America’s favorite quiz show, where quick-thinking contestants with vast knowledge tackle clues that often leave viewers stumped. But in a recent episode, something unexpected happened that sparked an outcry among fans—especially those with a religious background. A seemingly simple clue about the Lord’s Prayer left all three contestants scratching their heads, much to the disbelief of many Christian viewers who consider this prayer to be basic knowledge.

During the June 13 episode, host Mayim Bialik presented a $200 clue—one of the lowest and typically easiest dollar amounts on the board—in the category “Dadjectives.” The clue was straightforward:

“Matthew 6:9 says, ‘Our Father Which Art In Heaven’, This ‘Be Thy Name.’”

For anyone who attended Sunday school or is even vaguely familiar with the Lord’s Prayer, the answer would be clear: “What is hallowed?” The phrase “hallowed be Thy name” is one of the most recognizable lines in Christian liturgy. However, to the shock of many, not one of the contestants buzzed in with the correct answer.

Given the popularity of the Lord’s Prayer, which is often memorized in Christian households much like the Pledge of Allegiance, the contestants’ failure to answer correctly sparked an uproar on social media. Christian fans of the show were quick to express their disbelief and disappointment.

One Twitter user wrote, “Not one contestant on Jeopardy! last night knew the answer to this… Are you waking up yet?” Another echoed the sentiment, tweeting, “The Lord’s Prayer growing up was like knowing the Pledge of Allegiance. You just did.”

The incident was seen by some as more than just a lapse in trivia knowledge. For these viewers, it felt like a reflection of a broader cultural shift. As one commenter noted, “While it may not be a sign of the end times, it DEFINITELY speaks volumes about Americans and their faith… or lack of it.” This sentiment resonated with many who see the declining familiarity with religious texts as a sign of changing times.

However, not all responses were so serious. Some viewers found humor in the situation, pointing out the irony that even non-religious individuals could easily answer the question. One Twitter user, identifying as an atheist, wrote, “I’m an atheist, and even I knew the answer to that Lord’s Prayer question.” Another lighthearted tweet read, “My 4-year-old niece got the answer to that question on Jeopardy! Just wondering, maybe the contestants never heard about the Lord’s Prayer?”

A particularly humorous take came from a fan who joked, “How can those Jeopardy! nerds not know this answer? Have they never listened to Iron Maiden?” referencing the popular heavy metal song “Hallowed Be Thy Name.”

While some viewers were stunned by the contestants’ lack of knowledge, others were more understanding. It’s worth noting that Jeopardy! often includes questions related to Christianity and the Bible, and contestants frequently answer correctly even on challenging religious topics. In fact, biblical questions appear so frequently on the show that some viewers have complained about there being too many Christian-themed clues.

The three contestants’ blank stares may have been more about strategy than ignorance. Given their low scores at that point in the game, it’s possible they chose to avoid the risk of answering incorrectly and losing points. In a high-stakes competition like Jeopardy!, where a wrong answer can mean the difference between winning and losing, sometimes it’s smarter to stay silent if you’re unsure—even on seemingly easy questions.

Another factor to consider is that Jeopardy! welcomes contestants from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems. Just because a large portion of the American audience grew up reciting the Lord’s Prayer doesn’t mean everyone has the same experience. It’s entirely possible that the contestants in question did not grow up in Christian households and thus were less familiar with biblical references that many might take for granted.

At the end of the day, Jeopardy! has always been a show that celebrates a wide range of knowledge, from obscure scientific facts to pop culture trivia. While the contestants’ inability to answer a question that many viewers found simple was certainly surprising, it also served as a reminder that what seems like common knowledge to some can be completely foreign to others.

For some fans, this incident was a lighthearted blip in an otherwise serious game show. For others, it felt like a moment that spoke to deeper cultural shifts in American society. Regardless of how you interpret it, one thing is clear: the episode sparked a lively conversation about faith, knowledge, and what it means to truly know the world around us.

As Jeopardy! continues to captivate audiences with its challenging questions and diverse contestants, it’s moments like these that keep the show relevant and engaging. Whether you’re someone who knows the Lord’s Prayer by heart or not, there’s always something to learn—and sometimes, even laugh about—on America’s favorite quiz show.