My Little Corner - :: Jesus doll ::

Saturday, February 25, 2006 -
:: Jesus doll ::

A couple of weeks ago when JenIG and Gena were having their contest wars, I was picked as one of the reviewers for the Messengers of Faith dolls. I figured, "How hard could it be?" (HA!) and eagerly anticipated my doll's arrival. Well, it came yesterday, and here is my "preliminary report"... or I guess you could say, "Review, part 1." I plan on writing a follow-up after our church family has had a chance to take a look-see.

The doll I was sent is Jesus and the first thing I noticed (and I am a nit-picky sort) is that he has blue eyes. Clear, piercing blue eyes. This bothers me since it would seem that as a Jew, coming from the Middle East, blue eyes would be highly unlikely. It would have made our Lord and Saviour stand out from the crowd, and the Bible tells us he didn't (check out Isaiah 53:2).I also have to admit that I am somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of a Jesus doll in the first place. Maybe it's that "graven image" thing. There are several other dolls offered by Messengers of Faith, and I don't think I'd feel the same way about them. There's just something about seeing Jesus as molded plastic that doesn't sit well with me. However, I can see the value in it as a teaching tool.

Something that is cool (and annoying at the same time) is the integrated voice-chip technology-- press the button on his back to hear one of six different Bible verses. I would prefer to hear them in KJV as opposed to NIV, but that's a whole 'nother blog entry. Either way, I have already threatened to remove the batteries. Which brings me to my next point.

My kids love this doll. No fewer than 6 Beanie Babies and a Barbie got saved last night... lol The kids like the moveable limbs, and are fascinated with the "Bible clothes." I have fielded such thought-provoking questions as "Did Jesus pick his nose?" (the fingers also move, thus inspiring that particular question-- and I have yet to research the answer) These dolls do have play value, in fact, the kids were near tears when I wanted the doll back to look over as I was writing this. But... at the $24.99 USD price tag, it might be beyond most families' budgets. Of those who would choose only one, they would probably be more likely to choose Mary or Esther (who is especially pretty) as an alternative to Barbie.

For children's ministries it might be more practical if sets were offered at special pricing-- and maybe they are, I don't know. What I do know is that more churches might look at them if there was a choice in Bible version (particularly KJV).

As a teaching tool, I can see many ways this product could be used to impart Biblical truths-- through "doll skits," demonstations, even the simple act of putting him back in the box (honestly, how often do we as Christians "put Jesus aside" when it's convenient?). My kids, as I mentioned already, played out their toys getting saved-- showing knowledge of what salvation is. Tonight, my two youngest children trusted Jesus Christ (not the doll, the real one) as their personal Saviour. Did the doll help? Who knows. At the very least, it helped us gain insight to where those little girls were in their understanding, just by listening to their play.

Included with the doll are a booklet that tells about Jesus's life and resurrection, a promotional DVD (haven't looked at that yet), and a 12x14cm card that outlines the Plan of Salvation complete with scripture references. So, basically, while I do have some reservations about the appropriateness of a Jesus doll, it's a fun product for kids, and seems well-made (a month or two of steady playing will really tell the story on that one).

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Comments

Monday, February 27, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by KarenW

Barbies and Beanies getting saved! LOL! Congrats on winning the doll.

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Monday, February 27, 2006 - Thanks for Stoppin' By

Posted by maggieraye

Thanks for stoping in and for having a great spirit about playing along! We're nearly neighbors you and I. I've always wanted to visit NB and do some genealogical research. My grandmother's family is said to have come from that area....

I'll be stopping by to keep track of your blog - and I promise to say hi when I do.

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Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - <i>Untitled Comment</i>

Posted by

Oh my! My dd's dolls would have to start wearing their clothes if Jesus came to our toybox.
I think the idea of having a Jesus doll could be very fun too, and I can see how he would add to the kids' play in a really neat way, but goodness! What if I was walking through the room and stepped on him? What if dd swapped his clothes with Strawberry Shortcake or someone? What if the cat was batting him around the room? I think I'd shudder if a child of mine was listening to a story tape while absently chewing on Jesus' head.
I think we'll pass on the Jesus doll, but certainly all our little naked dolls could benefit from a visit.

Edited by Laurabc on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 at 8:47 AM

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Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - Thanks for the review

Posted by Josh Livingston

Just had to stop in and say thanks for the review of our Messengers of Faith Jesus Doll. Since this line of dolls is so new we haven't had a chance to get a whole lot of feedback from those who have purchased them. Your comments have been read by most of our company including the founder and we will definitely use your suggestions when it comes to future designs. Thanks again for your honest review. You mentioned wanting a female doll to review, if you would like I would be happy to send you our new Esther doll for another review. Lastly if you could let your visitors know about our new Messengers of Faith work at home business that we just started that would be great. They can contact me for details at josh@one2believe.com.

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Sunday, March 5, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by WalkInFaith

I saw the website and an article about these dolls several months ago and was struck by the Jesus dolls' blue eyes as well. [giggle] I also couldn't help but think he reminded me of Val Kilmer a little.

I completely agree that any scriptures should also be available (at least) in KJV format.

I think your suggestion of having them available at a good price for a set is a good one.

Hopefully after they've been out and word has gotten around about them - the prices will be able to go down a bit. Current pricing is a little steep for a 12" doll, even with the talking feature.

I humorously hear what you're saying about it being a bit odd having a molded plastic Jesus and at first I leaned toward the same feelings, I believe. At this point tho I think I'm downright ok with it. I'd much rather see a shelf lined with plastic Jesus dolls than those make-up smeared bratz dolls aimed at girls too young to wear all that make-up. (It would take me a life time to wear as much lipstick as a bratz doll portrays! LOL)

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