Soldiers of God Invade US Markets

Soldiers of God Invade US Markets

By Corey Habbas, IOL Correspondent

WASHINGTON - In an era enveloped in large-scale violence and
militarism, one of the fastest growing American companies is marketing
a controversial product line designed for young children that combines
military paraphernalia with the Christian faith.

According to several call center representatives who relied on dates
in the Oriental Trading Company system, the product line entitled
"Soldier of God" made its debut in the "Fun and Faith" catalogue,
published and distributed in 2006.

In its new catalogue, released to customers during the first quarter
of 2007, the Oriental Trading Company has expanded that line.

The majority of the 31 items in the "Soldier of God" product line are
decorated with military camouflage colors.

The products are stamped with crosses or crusader crests, as well as
the slogan "Soldier of God" amidst stars and stripes.

Items include a crusader shield, military-style dog tag necklaces,
combat stretch bands for the wrists, canteens, baseball hats and
temporary face tattoos.

The company has painted the "Soldier of God" product line with a brush
of militarism regardless of the fact that this line has little
physical weaponry or ammunition.

The exception is a sword brandished by a crusader-knight in the "Foam
Soldier of God Photo Frame Magnet Craft Kit". The kit also comes with
a red crucifix.

As the nation's largest direct marketer of party supplies, novelties,
toys, children's arts and crafts, school supplies, home décor and
giftware, the Oriental Trading Company is no small contender.

It has 18 million customers on file and mails 300 million catalogs
annually.

The Oriental Trading Company, named one of the fastest growing
companies three consecutive years in a row by The Omaha Chamber of
Commerce, was also ranked one of the top 50 internet sites by Internet
Retailer.

It was ranked one of the top 50 largest direct marketers by Catalog
Age.

This means that exposure to its products, including the new "Soldier
of God" line, is very widespread.

Militarizing Faith
Legalizing War
Extremist Christian Ideology
Crusade
Militarized Society
Promote Peace

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