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 ...
I have to agree with T4T on this. They do not screen beneficiaries for a religious preference and do not preselytize. The donor should find a Christian group to distribute the dolls.
I'm up to here with all of the Christian bashing that goes on in our society, but I don't find it to exist in this case.
Mrs. jimfree and I have been proud donors to and volunteers for Toys for Tots for many years. Most recently we direct a benefit square dance in the DC area that raises between $1K and $2K cash and collects 100 to 200 toys.
Thanks, that was quick.
"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."
Perhaps Muslim families should get suicide bomber toys - complete with action parts.
Just what every kid wants, a year's supply of Metamucil and an autographed first season DVD of Matlock.
Yes that is why in today's society we have children with no manners are rude to adults have no respect for thier parents, children that have to go to school with metal detectors because school is no longer safe from violence,
drugs, pedophiles teenage pregnancy.
Parents are sure doing great these days teaching kids about religion.
I found my wording on a website for the Centre County Toys For Tots program, which is in Pennsylvania. Regional and local campaigns have to tailor their programs to the communities in which they're located.
Hahaaa, I love my Ann Coulter talking doll!
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I think most freeper men would prefer the inflatable version.
Here we go again. Each year the left moves a little closer to a Christmas-free America
I thought we were talking about a doll?
I refuse to accept that religious Jews are contributing to school violence etc. because they don't want their young children to be proselytized.
Then why doesn't the main site state other religious holidays?
Were these toys packaged at all?
Yes. With miniature crown of thorns and little spear for attachment to side.
Just what every kid wants, a year's supply of Metamucil and an autographed first season DVD of Matlock.
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LMAO.
Red Badger noted that Jesus is recognized as a prophet in Islam. My comments responded to that.
"I have to agree with T4T on this."
That's fine.
Oh please. Toys for tots is hardly a leftist organization.
The Clinton News Network is having orgasms over reporting this one.....another victory against Christianity.
Showing sensitivity to different belief systems is a hallmark of Christianity. To do otherwise is a symptom of, well, Islam.
I find the reaction here hysterical rather than thoughtful. Good for our team for being CAREFUL to respect others. This is NOT a rejection of Christianity, but rather an embrace of the principles of Christianity.
In addition, we need to return to the concept of "pick your battles" or we will be no better than the Cartoon-offended.
""We can't take a chance on sending a talking Jesus doll to a Jewish family or a Muslim family.""
Horrors! Someone might be saved if you did that. (There was a Soviet soldier saved after seeing a painting of Jesus on the side of a barn)
Talk about taking chances!
"autographed first season DVD of Matlock"
Oh man, you are shooting WAYYYYYY to high: Barnaby Jones, dude.
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