Toys for Tots Rejects Jesus Dolls
November 16, 2006 by Lei
Filed under Children's Toys, News and Links about Children's Things
The US Marine Corps Reserve has decided against accepting talking Jesus dolls for the Toys for Tots drive this year.
Bill Grein of Toys for Tots:
We can’t take a chance on sending a talking Jesus doll to a Jewish family or a Muslim family.
This seems to me a reasonable position to take because needy children of all faiths receive gifts every year from the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation which hopes to “motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.” Besides, there are other venues where toys with religious themes can be presented to children and their families.
And since I’m not religious, I’d like to ask an innocent question: Isn’t a Jesus action figure doll kind of sacrilegious? Sort of like idol worship or idolatry?
Update: The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation website has the following message posted:
Breaking News
The Talking Jesus doll issue has been resolved. Toys for Tots has found appropriate places for these items. We have notified the donor of our willingness to handle this transaction.
Boston Herald, November 15, 2006
Technorati Tags: jesus, jesus dolls, toys for toys, idolatry, idol worship, children, kids, toys, christmas, religion, christianity
I’ll leave it to others to decide if it’s sacriligious or not. Even as a Christian, I just think it’s an odd product. And your update mentioning that it’s a talking doll? Not sure what kid is going to be way overjoyed to receive that for Christmas. I’m really not questioning the motivation of the donors, just wondering if they’re really thinking of the kids when they give it. Hmmm….sounds like I am questioning the motivation.
I’m a christian too and I think it’s a bizarre choice for a submission to a multifaith ministry. Makes me wonder at the motives of the ‘generous’ people involved in giving and then griping that their freely offered gift wasn’t used.
We really should pick our battles.
I’m a Christian, but I think that is an odd toy. Not sure I’d want one for my child. I’d have to think that over and analyze it.