Don't forget CROMMMMMM!!!! Conan: "CROM!" "Grant me one thing. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen... then to hell with you!"
Posted on 11/14/2006 11:13:58 AM PST by Tulsa Ramjet
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- A talking Jesus doll has been turned down by the Marine Reserves' Toys for Tots program.
A Los Angeles company offered to donate 4,000 of the 1 foot-tall dolls, which quote Bible verses, for distribution to needy children this holiday season. The battery-powered Jesus is one of several dolls manufactured by one2believe, a division of the Valencia-based Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co., based on biblical figures.
But the charity balked because of the dolls' religious nature.
Toys are donated to kids based on financial need and "we don't know anything about their background, their religious affiliations," said Bill Grein, vice president of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, in Quantico, Virginia.
As a government entity, Marines "don't profess one religion over another," Grein said Tuesday. "We can't take a chance on sending a talking Jesus doll to a Jewish family or a Muslim family."
Michael La Roe, director of business development for both companies, said the charity's decision left him "surprised and disappointed."
"The idea was for them to be three-dimensional teaching tools for kids," La Roe said. "I believe as a churchgoing person, anyone can benefit from hearing the words of the Bible."
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
THANK YOU!
Your point in post #60 misses the point about Christmas.
The point is that people don't know why we celebrate Christmas, not who celebrates it.
Do you know what event split the World's Time in two? Hint: it is tied to the event celebrated on Christmas, another hint: Christ-mas.
I was not making a political statement. My problem is the reasoning that is being offered- they are saying they didn't accept them because they might end up going to Jewish or other(non-Christian) home. If they are - by their own definition - giving CHRISTMAS gifts, that reasoning doesn't wash. If it is about it not being a "fun for kids" present, then why not just say that?
Hooo boy, that's an oldie. LOL
I always loved the fellow on radio saying he'd send you a "lifesized autographed picture of Jesus Christ" for a mere $10 donation to his ministry somewhere along the Rio Grande.
I did not say that.
I am saying if the majority of children had something of faith they believed in then you would have more children that knew the meaning of the 10 commandments and if children could take heed from a *Jesus* doll that states *love your neighbor as yourself* and forgive others maybe, just maybe it would prevent one kid no matter what his religion was from bringing a shotgun to school and blowing his teachers or classmates away.
I unapologetically agree with you.
You're right. I have a "portrait" of the Savior in my home office. I don't worship it.
I agree that Jesus toys are not appropriate -- especially for giving away to families when background religion is not known.
Cherry picked verses or quotations are not for toys either. Teach the kids to read -- and then have them read the entire bible cover to cover -- all of it, every page, and then be ready to explain the hard parts. Then have them read the book "Why I Am Not a Muslim" to find out about Islam. And then some more about other religions such as Buddhism and some ancient mythology -- now that would might be a good line for toys -- the Gods and Goddesses of Norse, Roman, Greek and other mythology.
Good question, I'm starting to think that Centre County may be unusual. But there's little information of any kind.
It certainly seems weird for the Marine Corps to run a charity program that excludes a significant minority of Americans, many of whom are also poor and have kids. I doubt that if someone approached Toys for Tots to ask for a Hanukkah gift or even a "holiday" gift because all the other kids are celebrating Christmas, would be turned away because they haven't accepted Christ as their personal savior. And it would seem strange to hand that kid the Talking Jesus doll, particularly when even many nominal Christians who celebrate Christmas don't consider it a religious holiday and don't go to church.
That is a liability issue, pure and simple. In fact, a person should never use a used car seat as they can be dangerous. There are programs in place to provide low income folks with new car seats...most of them based in the private sector.
It's all well and good to be offended sometimes...but in this case, don't waste the effort.
"I am surprised by my FRiends that don't seem to mind the silliness of a talking Jesus."
Well, if they would dub in a little background lightening, into the voice box, it might seem a little plausible.
Is that the model that comes with the bonus "4 hour honeymoon tape"?
LLS
....while supplies last..........If you buy before EID, then you get a coupon for a free Suicide Bomber Belt accessory!........
Don't forget CROMMMMMM!!!! Conan: "CROM!" "Grant me one thing. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen... then to hell with you!"
Put him in a nice burqa. :)
I agree. We were in a little restaurant in Virginia a couple of weeks ago and there was a display case with lots of different Jesus toys for sale. I thought the purpose was to be disrespectful. They were all made in China, of course.
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