In case you haven't visited a toy aisle at a local Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) Supercenter this holiday season, don't be alarmed if you hear some religious-speak from some of the dolls and figurines. Amid the Bratz dolls and Fisher farm animals, you'll find a decent assortment of faith-based toys, some of which proclaim to be "Jesus, the son of God," according to The Chicago Tribune.
Given its Southern roots in Arkansas and its conservative nature, it's in Wal-Mart's blood to be a purveyor of religious toys this time of year. But this is a first -- stocking faith-based toys at Christmastime (or holiday time, if you prefer that).
As a parent, are you for or against these kinds of religious-themed toys? Are they any different than scantily clad Barbies that present an unrealistic view of physical beauty? How about demon-headed boy's toys that look like something from the movie Hellraiser? Having a variety of toys that suits all kids, ethnicities and religious beliefs seems appropriate for a retailer that wants to be everything to everyone, all the time. Agree or disagree?
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Reader Comments (Page 5 of 10)
11-19-2007 @ 5:35PM
Mike Hunt said...
I am waiting for the Marry doll,hopefully she comes with a Hummer and cell phone.
11-19-2007 @ 5:37PM
Jim said...
To Beverely and Stephanie: True Article 11 does state that, however there is a great deal of discussion as to when that was added, before or after President Adams signed it, and Art 11 was omitted form the Arabic version. The founding fathers at the time of the signing for the most part were not deists as you claim, some did become deists later in life. Of the 204 founding fathers54.7% were Episcpalian, Presbytarian 18.6% and congregationalist 16.8%, Lutherns Catholics, Quakers were all under 4.7%. There were no Muslims or Jews. of the 56 that signed the declaration 23 were ministers, so to say they were deists is not completey honest. No where in the Bill of rights is the phrase Freedom of/from religion mentioned, nor is there a mention of Seperation of Church and State. http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/funddocs/billeng.htm
11-19-2007 @ 10:09PM
Beverly said...
Thank you for your input, Jim. I did not claim they were deists (that is Stephanie's claim). Their personal religions are irrelevant to how they designed the government. They did not grant political power to the Church. Our government was built on a secular basis, as a deliberate response to the power of the Church in Europe. I am not a professional historian, but this is my understanding, based on areas of my graduate study. My master's degree is in Liberal Studies, which traces the history of Western thought from various aspects, including scientific, religious, political, etc. I am no expert, however, and I welcome your views.
11-19-2007 @ 5:39PM
faith said...
i wonder if they have any singing menorah's?????
11-19-2007 @ 5:39PM
KB said...
Hmm - much bigger things happening in this world right now (3000+ dead in Bangladesh, Paskistan definitely not our friend, etc) and people are concerned about Wal-Mart and their dollies...I'm not saying you can do much about the world events at hand, but surely there must be more important issues in your immediate lives than this.
11-19-2007 @ 5:41PM
jen william said...
about time they get these toys on the shelves
11-19-2007 @ 5:41PM
Kris said...
I don't think Jesus wants Santa to deliver Him or His message to your child on Christmas morning.
The true wonder and beauty of this season is found in the story of Christmas: the story of Christ's birth. I find it perfectly delightful that children have a tradition and even a superstition surrounding gifts and Santa at Christmas time. But let's not pretend that the gifts and Santa part of the season has ANYTHING WHATSOEVER to do with the real reason we celebrate the holiday. Don't give your kids a Jesus doll: do them a real favor and teach them the story. There's a true gift that will last forever.
I don't think Jesus will be upset that your child receives teddy bears or doll houses this Christmas. I think he would be upset to find that His name and likeness have been used in this commercial, material game we play every December. He would be upset to learn that you gave your child a Jesus doll in an attempt to make the holiday "more religious" but neglected to take them to church or read them the Bible story. . . that you were hoping the Jesus doll would do that job for you.
11-19-2007 @ 6:07PM
kathy said...
still.......WHATEVER
11-19-2007 @ 5:51PM
Lori said...
Wal-Mart sucks, Brazt are slutty and I am so sick of the far left bull shit already! ENOUGH!
Merry Christmas to the few "humans" left in America! :)
12-04-2007 @ 9:22PM
Melissa said...
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Just incase some forgot!
11-19-2007 @ 5:54PM
sinnie said...
i have no prob n faith based toys... but i do have a prob wit the bratz dolls....something about teaching young girls "it ok to wear next to nothing" but hey...sex sells
11-19-2007 @ 6:16PM
Revylo said...
I am disturbed that Christians are not treated with equal time as non-Christians in schools,court houses,etc. Let's be fair my fellow Americans..
11-19-2007 @ 5:56PM
SUSAN said...
Bible-thumpers like Beverly and Knights Templar make me sick! THEY should move to a country where there is nothing but Xianity! Have they forgotten that America is based on the SEPARATION of church and state? In this great nation, anybody can follow any religion he chooses--even atheism, without harassment from you Xian hypocrites.
Xianity has brought great suffering to the world; think of the Crusades, the Inquisition, and pogroms, to name a few. Why, even Jesus of Nazareth would be disgusted!
11-19-2007 @ 6:01PM
Monica said...
America was NOT based on seperation of church and state. It was based on religious freedom.
11-19-2007 @ 6:26PM
mark said...
I suggest, before calling the Founding Fathers of this country Christians, you actually go and read about their beliefs. Try this link if you want the truth, oh that's right: "You can't handle the truth!"
http://skeptically.org/thinkersonreligion/id9.html
11-19-2007 @ 5:58PM
Monica said...
Ummm, folks have a problem with Jesus at Christmas? Isn't this irony to the extreme?
11-19-2007 @ 6:00PM
Honesty25 said...
Are you kidding me? Do you know how many religious people buy these whorey dolls for their kids? If you are a religious person buying these dolls for your children or grandchildren then you should not be bitching about how they are placed next to your religious symbol. If these dolls are good enough for your children aren't they good enough for Jesus? Personally I think the entire damn line should be taken off shelves. Including the My Scene dolls. The entire line and their views on what little girls should be concerned with is preposterous. I wouldn't buy either of those lines for my daughter, but as for this subject I am not religious. So it doesn't seem to be a big deal to me.
11-19-2007 @ 6:07PM
Aquilus said...
anyone ever seen http://www.jesusdressup.com/ it's a great site.
11-20-2007 @ 8:11AM
a. arnold said...
heaven and hell---when are you heathens going to wake up---it's all a bunch of malarky to gain control of your mind--
11-19-2007 @ 6:06PM
GT said...
you are all freaks