Andy9o8 2 #1 November 14, 2006 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061114/ap_on_re_us/jesus_doll_rejected&printer=1 Quote Toys for Tots rejects Jesus doll A talking Jesus doll has been turned down by the Marine Reserves' Toys for Tots program. A suburban Los Angeles company offered to donate 4,000 of the 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, Va. 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." According to the company's Web site, the button-activated, bearded Jesus, dressed in hand-sewn cloth outfits and sandals, recites Scripture such as "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" and "Love your neighbor as yourself." It has a $20 retail value. Grein also questioned whether children would welcome a gift designed for religious instruction. "Kids want a gift for the holiday season that is fun," he said. The program distributed 18 million stuffed animals, games, toy trucks and other gifts to children in 2005. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,106 #2 November 14, 2006 Seems reasonable. I expect they'd do the same for a talking Mohammed doll that quoted the Koran. Shouldn't try to indoctinate other people's kids.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ExAFO 0 #3 November 14, 2006 Quote...The battery-powered Jesus... ...button-activated Jesus... Why do those phrases make me laugh?Illinois needs a CCW Law. NOW. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCclimber 0 #4 November 14, 2006 Can you imagine the public outcry if Toys for Tots accepted and distributed these religious dolls? No doubt it would get turned into a First Amendment/Separation of Church and State issue. And the media would have been all over it. Lots of drama. Lots. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #5 November 14, 2006 QuoteLots of drama. Lots. Yup. Everything and anything involving religion, any religion, in a public area when in conjunction with the governmen, will be "lots of drama...lots."--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,072 #6 November 14, 2006 Another mountain made out of another molehill. a) Why worry about whether someone will like it based solely on religion? If they don't like it they don't have to keep it. b) The marines are doing all the work here; they get to make the call. If the marines don't want to deal with it, that's their choice. c) Why is this even news? They probably reject a lot of toys for various reasons. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #7 November 14, 2006 QuoteA suburban Los Angeles company offered to donate 4,000 of the foot-tall dolls, which quote Bible verses... There is no reason why the company can't donate the dolls themselves to whomever they wish, including churches and walk-ins. It sounds like they're just trying to get free advertising by creating a controversy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nathaniel 0 #8 November 14, 2006 Quote Seems reasonable. I expect they'd do the same for a talking Mohammed doll that quoted the Koran. Holy sacrilege batman!My advice is to do what your parents did; get a job, sir. The bums will always lose. Do you hear me, Lebowski? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,072 #9 November 14, 2006 > It sounds like they're just trying to get free advertising by creating a controversy. Good point. That answers my question c) above. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCclimber 0 #10 November 14, 2006 QuoteAnother mountain made out of another molehill. Kind of like all that attention the BSA has received in recent years. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
