Baby Jesus (the girl, by the way) can now balance on a head and FLY through the air during a game of catch. Beats being face down in a bowl of milk. I think.
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[…] the Queen of Spain, who enjoys a little religious controversy now and then (see her current post), I’m a lover […]
I was just thinking about this post (and the previous one about the Baby Jesus) and had some thoughts…
I respect your family’s right to be atheists and your parental rights to teach your children your beliefs and values. I would certainly find it sad if you felt obligated to teach them about Christianity just because others believe in it.
However, I am saddened too that the Baby Jesus is tossed around (literally) like any other baby doll or toy. While that toy may not have meaning for you or your family, it does for many, many millions of people. The baby Jesus is a symbol/representation of an important part of the Christian faith. I think it would be more appropriate to teach children that “while our family does not believe in Jesus as a God, etc., for many people He is someone very special. You can play with this baby, but because he is an important symbol to some people we are going to respect that and not toss Him around.” (Obviously in more child friendly words.)
I think if it was a Menorah or a Baby Mohamed doll the people of those religions would be saddened too.
When I was a teenager, crystal necklaces were all the rage. I wanted one desperately. My parents would not let me get one b/c “those are sacred objects with symbolic meanings to people who believe in the power of crystals.” (I don’t know who those people are/what group that is, but at the time I am sure they gave me a name.) I was of course mad! But now looking back I agree with them (don’t tell them!), those objects are not toys and I really had no business wearing one purely for decorative purposes (which was all I wanted it for).
I am not trying to be all radical, b/c I am certainly not the Number One Christian, but I do believe in Jesus and try to get to Mass often. I respect your right to believe your beliefs and if you had a symbol I would not throw it around the house.
I am curious to your thoughts…I know you are always up for a debate! 🙂
I read the above comment and wanted to comment myself.
I am a Christian and Jesus is very important to me. However, if we had a “soft” figuring nativity set I can guarantee you that baby Jesus would probably go for rides in the Groovy Girl car, maybe have some tea, possibly fall into the toilet, get batted around by the cat, and maybe even get shoved up under a pillow at night time.
Kids play.
I don’t think Jesus would have it any other way – it is their work.
I revere God and His Son and all that Christianity stands for, but the pomp and circumstance I can’t get behind.
I want to sing and dance and maybe even toss a soft toy of baby Jesus around with my kiddos. I want them to believe in a loving God, with a sense of humor, joyful as He watches His children play.
Just another Christian chiming in.
She’s a kid. It’s innocent play. If Jesus is/was who Christians say he is/was, he’d be perfectly cool with it and probably play with her if he could.
I’m following you on twitter and until I read a previous commenters comment I didn’t realize you were an athiest. I will say that I am a CHristian . We have two nativity scenes in our home and my son plays with them. He also plays with the one at my inlaws. He does talk about it being Baby Jesus though and he knows who he is and what he did for us. I am more offended that you don’t give your child the joy of knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus.
I’m highly offended that Jesus doesn’t have a cape at the very least, and perhaps some tights. You can’t fight crime and fly without either of those. 😉
Seriously though, it’s just a young child and a doll. These posts are not about the fact that the doll is an idol/icon for some people, it’s about how kids aren’t constrained with our society’s taboos and socialization yet. It makes us adults somewhat uncomfortable (even us atheists) because we’re so steeped in our culture’s traditions.
Not to mention, it’s just darn cute and funny.
First of all, I’m not an atheist. I’m not really sure that matters though.
Second of all, I don’t think I’d let her do this with some glass figurines or anything. But it’s a STUFFED doll. I think Christian and NonChristian children around the world would play with this.
Third, the symbol issue does not resonate with me very well. Mainly because I believe in burning the flag. And you’re talking to someone who’s brother-in-law is currently in Iraq.
Alyssa, how would you feel if an atheist said, “I’m offended that you’re raising your children to believe in outdated mythology!” Or a Wiccan said, “I’m offended that you aren’t giving your children the joy of knowing the Goddess and Her consort, of being in touch with the earth by observing the Wheel of the Year!”
I have a strong feeling that such statements would shock and offend you. I know that’s how my Christian relatives would react.
The creche is a teaching tool. Children learn through play. In my opinion you are a good mother to encourage your child to learn about Jesus in a very age appropriate way. To get caught up the reverence of religious tools, symbols and iconology smacks a bit of idolatry to me.
Besides, she is adorable.
But what if it was a Menorah? Or a Mohammed doll? Don’t you think the ACLU would be all over that?
I use play in therapy every day with my pediatric patients and understand completely the value and appropriateness of play. I am just commenting that if it was another religious groups “symbol” people would likely be all up in arms. Why is it okay to throw Jesus in the toilet? (I know you aren’t doing that Erin, another commenter mentioned it.)
If it makes you feel any better we *had* a menorah and my son destroyed it using it to “fence” with a few years ago.
I’m a multi religious blasphemer.
Oh please. If the ACLU ran out of real issues to deal with and decided to look at how children play with religious toys, I’m not sure they would side with you, Kristi. The ACLU has a history of supporting free expression, regardless of who is offended by it. The ACLU’s list of clients include not only ethically sound groups, but also NAMBLA, Neo Nazis, and the Westboro Baptist Church. While I certainly don’t subscribe to any of those groups’ stances, I do applaud the ACLU for having the guts to stand up for a fundamental freedom of expression.
Furthermore as I stated earlier, this is a child and a toy. It’s not an adult with an agenda. Cherish the time that a child is unencumbered with society’s taboos; it’s the most genuine they’ll ever be.
Hey, I’d toss my Menorah around the house, but everything would catch on fire! Other than that, I’m keeping out of this one.
Scamp has tried to fence with our menorah, it’s what kids DO. I just gave him a shield and told him to be careful.
We still use that same menorah every year. And we have a hilarious story to share with friends and family that is part of our family tapestry.
I wouldn’t have it ANY OTHER WAY. Neither should the Royal Family, I think.
Love,
The CrazedMommy Clan
Good grief. I read this post earlier today and thought “how cute! I remember back when DS1 and DS2 played with the nativity set.” Then over at Neil’s just now heard there was a “controversy.”
Huh?
In the spirit of full disclosure I’m a Christian and a “professional” in the church.
Taking offense at this child’s play is beyond me.
If we’re going to talk about this from a theological perspective (but I think the child development angle is at least as legitimate) Jesus came to earth to be “in relationship” with us, children included.
“Let the little children come to me and forbid them not” was one of the big counter-cultural messages he proclaimed. Does one honestly think that when they came around they sat in neat little rows and raised their hands to ask questions? My faith (and common sense) tells me that he Played with them.
Theologically, it’s wonderful that your daughter names Jesus as a “she” as that means she is identifying with the figure. Super-powers? Fine by me…what else would you call miracles?
Trying to make a connection to a Mohammad doll is disingenuous because Western Christians simply don’t have the same sensibility about this than *some* Sudanese Muslims do.
Why can I not stop laughing at this:
If it makes you feel any better we *had* a menorah and my son destroyed it using it to “fence� with a few years ago.
I’m a multi religious blasphemer.
OH! Because it is FUNNY.
Geez.
Lighten up people – holidays are a time to celebrate!
Let the children wash and toss toys. Let the boys leer and spear with candlesticks.
Blergh.
She is beautiful..great memories.
Dorothy from grammology
call your gram
http://grammology.com