Some of the leading Christian toys and games have come under scrutiny from two academics examining the intersection of faith, play and business.

The likes of Missionary Conquest, Kingdom of Heaven and the "Messengers of Faith" Bible dolls are "palpable evidence of global commerce, pluralism and shifts in social engagement--signifiers of 21st century meaning-making," according to Nikki Bado-Fralick and Rebecca Sachs Norris.

The two associate professors of religious studies discuss "the mixture of consumerism with religiosity" in their Toying With God: The World of Religious Games and Dolls.

Released last month by Baylor University Press, the duo's 232-page book asks whether humans have "blended fun with spirituality for good or for ill?" Though the book includes details of Jewish and Muslim play products, most of the emphasis is on Christian materials.

Bado-Fralick and Norris note criticism of the first Left Behind: Eternal Forces video game for its violent content and wonder whether Bible character action toys from One2believe's "Spirit Warriors" and "Almighty Heroes"--created by G.I. Joe originator Don Levine--are "harmless and wholesome alternatives to more destructive toys or are they helping to prepare children for religiously sanctioned violence?"

Other Christian games the authors look at include Bibleland, The Richest Christian, Journeys of Paul and The Ungame. Toys from evangelical suppliers that are referenced include Resurrection Eggs, the Armor of God play sets and the "Train Up a Child" Bible figures.

Read the full report in the April issue of Christian Retailing magazine.

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