Episode 1237 of Christian Stupid, "Pink Ouija Board"

[Jim Johnson]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584998,00.html?test=latestnews

Pink Ouija Board Targeting Young Girls Riles Critics

Saturday, February 06, 2010
By Joshua Rhett Miller

This pink version of Hasbro's popular Ouija board game sells for $19.99, but some critics say the game is a dangerous "portal" to reach spirits.

The children's sleepover staple — sold by Hasbro since 1967 — now comes in hot pink, an edition released two years ago that gets tweens to call on "spirits" to spell out answers to life's pressing questions.

It's designed for young girls ages 8 and older, but some say the mysterious product is a "dangerous spiritual game" that opens up anyone, particularly Christians, to attacks on their soul.

The game continues to be sold at Toys R Us locations in the U.S. and Canada for $19.99, although it's currently being "phased out," company officials say.

"There's a spiritual reality to it and Hasbro is treating it as if it's just a game," said Stephen Phelan, communications director for Human Life International, which bills itself as the largest international pro-life organization and missionary worldwide. "It's not Monopoly. It really is a dangerous spiritual game and for [Hasbro] to treat it as just another game is quite dishonest."

Phelan, who has never played the game, said the Bible explicitly states "not to mess with spirits" and that using a Ouija board will leave a person's soul vulnerable to attack.

"All Christians should know, well everyone should, that it's opening up a person to attack, spiritually," he said. "Christians shouldn't use it."

Asked how the game differed from magic kits or Harry Potter-themed merchandise, Phelan replied, "The difference is that the Ouija board is actually is a portal to talk to spirits and it's hard to get people to understand that until they actually do it. I don't pretend to know how it works, but it actually does."

Phelan also noted that the pink version of the game is explicitly marketed to young girls who may want to partake in "something dangerous" during a late-night sleepover.

"It's pink," he said. "That wouldn't appeal to me when I was 8."

The pink edition is also available for $33.99 on Amazon.com, where some commenters likened the game to occult materials targeting "tween" girls.

"Just unbelievable," one posting read. "Hasbro — you should be seriously ashamed — you have lost your way. Ouija boards are NOT 'games' and they certainly should not be marketing these to children."

Toy expert and consultant Chris Byrne said he found "absolutely nothing" wrong with any version of the game.

"And if something doesn't fit your value or belief system, you don't have to buy it," Byrne said. "There's absolutely nothing remotely Christian or un-Christian about it. I think people are projecting their belief system on it."

Byrne, who writes for timetoplaymag.com, said he was unclear of the origin of the notion that Ouija players can somehow communicate with spirits or the dead.

"That is something that people have made up and it became part of our culture," he said. "It's always been entertainment. What I remember is trying to brain my younger brother with the board because he kept moving it. It's just funny that people make up this stuff."

Hasbro officials say they have received a "couple of dozen" complaints following a recent report on the pink version. Patricia Riso, a Hasbro spokeswoman, defended the game as, well, just that.

"Our response is that Ouija is simply a game — and it is intended purely for fun and entertainment," she wrote FoxNews.com.

Bob Friedland, a spokesman for Toys R Us, said the pink Ouija version has been on clearance at its locations and is being "phased out" moving forward as new products are being introduced this year.

"There are very few pieces in our inventory in store and it is no longer available online," Friedland wrote.

In a statement to FoxNews.com, the Toy Industry Association said the game is among thousands of options to bring "fun and excitement" to children.

"TIA encourages parents to make their own choices about which products are most appropriate for their families," the statement read.

Byrne, meanwhile, said the current version of the game is not much different from the first Ouija-like game first patented by patent attorney Elijah Bond in May 1890.

"It's been a popular toy for years, and I've played it and I don't do any Macbeth-like witchcraft," he said. "It's no different from watching a scary movie or a good ghost story.

[Russell Kanning]

can they ask for unicorns and movie star hunks with the pink one?

[Sam A. Robrin]

Why not a board decorated with angels and clouds, with a cross-shaped planchette? 

[Jim Johnson]

can they ask for unicorns and movie star hunks with the pink one?

Yes, Russell, I'm certain you can. 

[Jim Johnson]

the Bible explicitly states "not to mess with spirits"

I think "mess with" is used by Jesus some 500 times, isn't it?

[Tom Sawyer]

I don't know... but maybe the ad campaign was a little over the top.

[Friday]

the Bible explicitly states "not to mess with spirits"

I think "mess with" is used by Jesus some 500 times, isn't it?

Yes, exactly.  Jesus also tells Matthew "don't have a cow" and tells Mary Magdalene he needs "space".   I forget which Gospel.

[KBCraig]

If the person in question is on life support, it's not Ouija, it's facilitated communication.

[Sam A. Robrin]

the Bible explicitly states "not to mess with spirits"

I think "mess with" is used by Jesus some 500 times, isn't it?

"Verily, verily, I saith unto you, fucketh not with that occult shit, lest ye be in for my Father opening up an urn of smite-ass on thee."

[Jim Johnson]

If the person in question is on life support, it's not Ouija, it's facilitated communication.

This works better with my cat Ivan than with Lauren.
By the way, most of the posts made under my name are really written by either Ivan or a Teddy Bear named Gemini using the FC method.

[Jim Johnson]

the Bible explicitly states "not to mess with spirits"

I think "mess with" is used by Jesus some 500 times, isn't it?

"Verily, verily, I saith unto you, fucketh not with that occult shit, lest ye be in for my Father opening up an urn of smite-ass on thee."

Righteous Shit Bro!

[Pat K]

The board used to have sequins on it too.
But Hasbro had to take them off, when it was
found the only spirit that could be contacted
was Liberace.

[Jim Johnson]

the Bible explicitly states "not to mess with spirits"

I think "mess with" is used by Jesus some 500 times, isn't it?

Yes, exactly.  Jesus also tells Matthew "don't have a cow" and tells Mary Magdalene he needs "space".   I forget which Gospel.

"Upon hearing that Mary Magdalene was a Lady of the Night, Jesus expressed concern.  Mary Magdalene said unto him, let me oil thy feet using my hair, that seemed to turn you on before, to which Jesus replied, I think I need some space."  Bubba, Luke 34:683