Last week the Associated Press reported the Marine Reserves Toys for Tots program had rejected an offer from an Evangelical company to distribute talking Jesus dolls to underprivileged kids around the nation.
Toys for Tots distributed 18 million stuffed animals, games, toy trucks and other gifts to children based on financial need in 2005. It's one of the most effective and respected holiday charities in this country and I myself donate to their cause and have done so for more years than I can remember.
The company that sells the 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.
"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. [http://www.one2believe.com/]
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."
Well somewhere towards the end of last week, the Marine Reserves reversed their decision and accepted the dolls.[http://apnews.myway.com//article/20061117/D8LEIHFO0.html]
Somewhere along the way, the Marine Reserves betrayed the Constitution and their responsibility to defend it and this great nation.
According to one2believe's website, the button-activated, bearded Jesus doll recites Scripture such as "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
It's really appalling to consider the Marines are distributing dolls to children with the message that unless you're an Evangelical Christian, you are going to Hell. The Marines were initially concerned about offending Jews and Muslims. What about Catholics and Protestants who are not Evangelicals? Well, according to the Marine Reserves: "To Hell with them all."
I for one am far from comfortable knowing that United States Marines are crusaders for the Evangelical vision of Christ. Even if the dolls are going to underprivileged self-identified evangelical families, the toy company didn't need U.S. Marines for that. And our Marines didn't need to get into the business of endorsing evangelical Christianity on any level or in any way.
The U.S. Marine Reserves have dishonored their uniform and their country, something I never thought I would see or say.