Garden of Eden toy? What next?

Question

http://www.wildapples.com/gardenofeden.htm

Isn't this taking things a little far? Why not expose kids to all beliefs and religions and let them find their own path? Why must the conditioning start so early?

Tim : that is truly demented. I know you wouldn't let your kid play with that thing!!!!!

Answer 1

Well that is the point of brainwashing after all. Get them early enough and they'll stay in the pews and hand over their cash over a lifetime.
And that, after all, is the whole point.

Answer 2

I'll bet I will be one of the rare Christians who is "sort of" on your side on this one, albeit for different reasons.

First of all, let me preface my comments with this disclaimer so maybe ALL the other Christians won't be mad at me:
I think that some faith-based toys such as the classic Noah's ark toys and kid-friendly nativity scenes can be useful in a Christian preschool setting such as a church nursery or Sunday school program. Similar to the old-fashioned flannel-board stories and illustrated children's Bible story books, this type of toy could be used as visual aids and manipulatives within the framework of a faith-based curriculum to introduce Bible stories and Bible characters.

HOWEVER, when you reduce the great heroes of faith and such to an action figure or a kiddy-toy, you are actually diminishing them in my opinion. I wouldn't have bought these for my children when they were younger, simply because I wouldn't have wanted them to see these stories and characters in the same way as imaginary storybook figures. (I would think the pagans and atheists would actually be FOR these, as to me it belittles Christianity!) I can just see it now, my kids making the little action figures fight or "play house" mixed up with all their other dolls and toys--that's borderline blasphemy if you get right down to it. Any Christians who take the "graven image" or "not taking the Lord's name in vain" commandments seriously should have a problem with the concept. There is actually a very profound episode of "King of the Hill" where Bobby is completely overboard being a "Jesus freak" and Hank explains to him why Jesus shouldn't be a fad or trend that he gets tired of and outgrows.....that show, irreverent as it is, makes a pretty valid point!

Here's my other, even bigger problem with it. Somebody is making a profit off the sales of these products. I don't think it's a church or even a Bible publishing house that's doing it as really a means of evangelism--it's pretty much pure capitalism. My reaction to this profiteering is similar to Jesus overturning the tables of the moneychangers in the temple. The purpose of spiritual things should be about glorifying Almighty God and NOT the Almighty dollar. Not sure this product passes that test.

I hope and pray I'm not the only Christian who feels this way!

Answer 3

This company specializes in Christian toys. This is not Toys "R" Us. I'm not sure what the problem is. Not only that, but most kids do not have access, or, until the age of 14 or so, to understand texts that have been written on Theology and the like.

Answer 4

Wow! $65?? I need to get my husband out in his wood-shop cranking out some toys!

As far as it taking things too far *shrug*... it doesn't bother me. I can't be hypocritical here; I have been open with my kids about being an atheist since they were very young. They are free to make up their own minds, but I am sure just by being honest with them I have an influence.

I may not agree with this toy (certainly not the price!) but it doesn't bother me much.

Answer 5

What is up with this product. The apple is the sumbol of sin and in the ad its proudly proclaiming all the pieces fit convienently into the apple. Beyond the apple...We are worried about lead content and magnets in toys and this toy looks like a safety nightmare compaired to those. Beyond safety...I thing a kid would prefer to play their foot over this. It does not look fun at all.

Tim-your website made me spill my coffee

Answer 6

People have gotten so crazy and messed up these days. I'm so sick and tired of people thinking there is only one right way! It should be up to the parents to whether or not their child is exposed to religion and if so, which religion(s) they are exposed to. Being religious is a choice. I've pretty much given up on going to church and people who associate themselves with one church or another. Church is WAY too political! They vote people out of the church in some places! I've seen this myself, where only one side of the story is allowed to be heard and the other side is not able to defend themselves and so they get VOTED OUT! It's so freakin' ridiculous! Plus I to say it, but I just feel those people are so judgemental and hypocritical!

Answer 7

Not all children will receive this toy from their parents. Consider, how many children get their parents to buy them violent video games, or worse?

We do generally expose kids to many different beliefs. That is why you have public schooling.

Might I add that the website that you posted is a Christian web site, not facilitated by all toy manufacturers.

Answer 8

I think that parents condition their children about a variety of things all of the time, not just religion. I also think that everyone has their predudices, bias and beliefs and it just gets passed on. Just like my parents took me to church all of my life other parents want to teach their children about the Bible and God's will for man early in life, because that is the best way to teach and reach children no matter WHAT you are teaching is.......Early.

Answer 9

I can't believe the lack of creativity in the minds of whoever created those toys even i could have come out with something better, why not an action figure of Samson? lol

Answer 10

Even if you have the most devout kid around, that looks like the least fun toy imaginable.

Answer 11

Companies have their choice of what they sell, and I'm sure soon enough an Islam president of some company will sell something related to Islam, and a Buddhist president of a company, and so forth