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Toys for Tots rejects Jesus dolls
CNN ^ | 1:51 p.m. EST, November 14, 2006 | AP

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 ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; Government; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: christmas; inappropriate; jesus; marines; militantevangelism; toys; toysfortots
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To: napscoordinator

"I am surprised by my FRiends that don't seem to mind the silliness of a talking Jesus."

A talking Jesus almost certainly made by Godless Chinese communists, no less.

(Kind of joking; but not really.)


121 posted on 11/14/2006 11:55:36 AM PST by MeanWestTexan (Kol Hakavod Lezahal)
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To: pollyannaish

"Showing sensitivity to different belief systems is a hallmark of Christianity."


You have got to be kidding me. Read the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles and then tell us how much "sensitivity" they have to different belief systems. The God of Israel too for that matter.


122 posted on 11/14/2006 11:56:17 AM PST by Cecily (`)
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To: dmz

"I think most freeper men would prefer the inflatable version."

True that! I think I saw some at Spencer Gifts in our Mall...


123 posted on 11/14/2006 11:56:17 AM PST by 007girl
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To: EagleUSA

The Clinton News Network is having orgasms over reporting this one.....another victory against Christianity.




Only because WE Christians are falling for it. I must admit that I don't like the idea of the doll, but I would NEVER boycott Toys for Tots because of an article from CNN and after reading posts on here I sincerely hope that the rest of us don't either. We always do this and many times find out that the story was not even NEAR the truth of what really happened. If Rush discusses this and finds this true and the Marines are wrong than perhaps I could see people being upset.....BUT why are we getting upset over a BS CNN story?????? We are a funny bunch I tell ya. lol.


124 posted on 11/14/2006 11:56:31 AM PST by napscoordinator
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To: carola

I bet if you asked 100 Kids to recite the 10 Commandments none of them could do it, yet ask them to name 10 beers or 10 rap artists it shall be done.

A Moses doll and Jesus would be an ideal gift to give a child IMO.


125 posted on 11/14/2006 11:57:50 AM PST by TaraP
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To: TaraP

"A Moses doll"

Especially a rappin' Moses:

Moses Doll (pull string): Yo Yo Pharoah. Word dog! Free my Peeps!


126 posted on 11/14/2006 12:01:51 PM PST by Tulsa Ramjet ("If not now, when?" "Because it's judgment that defeats us.")
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To: Cecily
You know, after I posted that I was kicking myself for using the word "sensitivity."

I should have used respect for the choices of others.

Christ spoke the truth. He spoke it bluntly. But he did NOT force it on others. He asked that they come to HIM because they were drawn by the message.

The only time Christ was in your face was when folks were doing things in the name of God that were against what he stands for.

What I'm saying is that God gave us free will. As a Christian, I will do my best to make sure all have an opportunity to know Christ. But if you say no, it is imperative that I respect your decision and stay out of your face.

That's why I think being religiously neutral is essential in a situation like this. It is not a religious organization, but a toy distribution organization with no religious overhead. It makes sense to me.

I fear that Christians have a tendency to yell "persecution" in this country over trivial issues like Jesus dolls, while we ignore REAL persecution around the world.
127 posted on 11/14/2006 12:03:21 PM PST by pollyannaish
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To: dmz
My inflatable Ann Coulter doll keeps stealing my wine: (Actually a AC fan.)
128 posted on 11/14/2006 12:03:21 PM PST by MeanWestTexan (Kol Hakavod Lezahal)
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Comment #129 Removed by Moderator

To: Tulsa Ramjet
Jews don't believe in Jesus as the "savior". Sorry to inform you of that fact.

In fact, Christianity is not considered a part of Judaism.

130 posted on 11/14/2006 12:07:29 PM PST by zarf
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To: pollyannaish

I agree with you.

I'm also inclined to agree with other posters who smell a bit of a trap here, as in a possible publicity stunt.


131 posted on 11/14/2006 12:09:06 PM PST by Gabz (If we weren't crazy, we'd just all go insane.)
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To: Tulsa Ramjet

wjgrein@toysfortots.org


I am so upset about this that I want to find out for myself what the story is. I went and looked up this guy on the Toys for Tots Website and wrote him an email asking if he really said what he is quoted as saying and see perhaps if he was misquoted or did is the story much different than written by CNN!!!!!!! Please write to him as well. I don't like great Marines to be frowned upon by the CNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


132 posted on 11/14/2006 12:09:45 PM PST by napscoordinator
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To: zarf
In fact, Christianity is not considered a part of Judaism.

Precisely why I don't understand why they would need Christmas presents.

133 posted on 11/14/2006 12:10:07 PM PST by ShadowDancer (No autopsy, no foul.)
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To: ichabod1; ShadowDancer; MeanWestTexan

Gimme a break. Everybody celebrates Christmas, just not necessarily as a Christian holiday. They said these toys aren't intended just for Christian kids - so if they don't know who is getting them, they should just stick with generic toys. I think this is reasonable.


134 posted on 11/14/2006 12:10:46 PM PST by billybudd
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To: billybudd
Gimme a break. Everybody celebrates Christmas

Really? The Jews and Muslims you know celebrate Christmas?

135 posted on 11/14/2006 12:12:48 PM PST by ShadowDancer (No autopsy, no foul.)
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To: Tulsa Ramjet
A Jesus doll preaching the "good news"(Gospel)?....

Somehow thats not how the gospel is supposed to be shared, I think..

136 posted on 11/14/2006 12:13:48 PM PST by hosepipe (CAUTION: This propaganda is laced with hyperboles)
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To: ShadowDancer

I know quite a few Pakistani Muslims, Hindus, and non-Christian Chinese people who celebrate Christmas. It's the music, the lights, the gifts, the parties. It's essentially a secular holiday in the U.S. and only Jews make a big deal about conspicuously not celebrating it.


137 posted on 11/14/2006 12:14:08 PM PST by HostileTerritory
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To: ShadowDancer

More to the real point (this is not my original thought):

"Like any Jewish family is part of the T-F-T program.

So we're talking about muslims here."


With all the attendant baggage.


138 posted on 11/14/2006 12:15:25 PM PST by MeanWestTexan (Kol Hakavod Lezahal)
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To: Gabz

Yep. I think outrage is one of the most easily manipulated emotions. In fact, it's used all the time around here. And...you are exactly correct about it being a publicity stunt. The question is...is it working? ;-)


139 posted on 11/14/2006 12:15:30 PM PST by pollyannaish
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To: napscoordinator

ping


140 posted on 11/14/2006 12:15:49 PM PST by napscoordinator
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