LOS ANGELES - A company that sells Bible-quoting Jesus dolls said it was surprised and disappointed that the Marine Reserves’ Toys for Tots program turned down its offer to donate 4,000 of the talking dolls.You know what, I absolutely agree with the Marine Corps on this one. I don't think these dolls are appropriate gifts for the Toys for Tots program given the overtly religious nature of both the dolls and their recorded messages. Toys for Tots is not in the business of proselytizing for any particular religion and I think they were completely correct in saying "no" to the donation.
“I believe as a churchgoing person, anyone can benefit from hearing the words of the Bible,” said Michael La Roe, director of business development for Valencia-based Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co. and its one2believe division, which makes the line of Bible character dolls.
Bill Grein, vice president of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, in Quantico, Va., said the offer was turned down because Toys for Tots doesn’t know anything about the religious affiliations of the children who receive its gifts.
“We can’t take a chance on sending a talking Jesus doll to a Jewish family or a Muslim family,” Grein said Tuesday. “Kids want a gift for the holiday season that is fun.”
I understand that the Boys and Girls Clubs have also turned them down for the same reason.
If the doll maker wants to go hand these out on the street to passing kids, go ahead. However, I don't think its appropriate to expect organizations like the Marines or the Boys and Girls Club to be an agent for Christian witnessing.
Can you imagine the scene where some poor underprivileged kid eagerly opens his Toys for Tots package only to find a talking Moses doll? Instead of inspiring religious devotion, I think there's a good chance that it would inspire the taking of the Lord's name in vain.
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