Bible-Based Toys Sold in Major Retail Stores
By: Sydney Hart, KARK 4 News
Updated: December 11, 2007
It's now two weeks and counting until Christmas, what do your kids want to find under the tree?Action figures are always popular.
And this year, there are a few that are very different from Spiderman. Some might say the toys are divine
Instead of spidy-sense or the bat mobile a new line of toys is trying to muscle its way into toy boxes this year.
Tales of Glory transformed Bible characters into action.
Some critics are still skeptical of the talking Jesus, Noah and others, but those KARK 4 News talked to say the new figures are great teaching tools for youngsters.
"He was used by God to destroy his enemy and do some pretty amazing things," reads Sara Young to her son from the back of an action figure toy box.
While stocking up on Christmas goodies during an outing to Wal-Mart Young treated her son to a quick Bible lesson. The topic, Samson.
"Do you think you'll like that for Christmas?" asks Young. Her son quickly responds yes.
Move over Power Rangers, watch out Bratz dolls, The Messengers of Faith are impressing shoppers eyeing the perfect holiday gift.
"They did whats correct in the Bible you know. That's what I want for my children," says Young.
Young is not alone, local Sunday school teachers are praising this idea.
"I would buy these because I can bring them to church or talk to little kids and tell them what David did in the Bible and how he praised the Lord. I would talk about Daniel. I could talk about how Goliath was strong in the Bible," says Shawna Withers.
From the shelves of Wal-Mart to Sunday school classrooms the action figures are a hot item.
Whether it's the muscle-bound Samson or tough guy Goliath, even the kid-friendly nativity scene, there's a character for everyone to enjoy.
"I will buy these toys, it's a good investment," adds Withers.
This is a test run of sales in Wal-Mart stores and on Target.com. It started in August and will run through January and then the company,
The creator of Tales of Glory says the action figures are simply tools to help teach kids stories from the Bible.
