LEGO is Satanic

[AmperZand]

I've been an AFOL for 20 years and never realised I was slipping into the clutches of El Diablo himself: http://www.cnet.com/uk/news/lego-is-a-tool-of-satan-says-priest/. I guess I'll have to melt my collection down to save my soul from eternal damnation.

...On second thoughts, I think I'll just keep my LEGO and get more. At least I'll have something to reminisce about when I'm roasting in the pits of hell!

[BrickBob Studpants]

...seriously?? First the Jabba affair and now this? Don't people have other issues to worry about? Made my day though

[Andy D]

I see this as posibbly one of two things, either...

1. The originl article is a satire. Or

2. The author is a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic.

Just MHO, YMMV

Andy D

[jodawill]

In all seriousness, though, it is interesting to note that TLG has been dabbling in a lot of things lately that aren't very kid-friendly. LotR, The Simpsons, and Back to the Future definitely aren't children's movies. I'd say that's a big departure from the smiley, everything-is-awesome sets of the 1980s and earlier.

Is that a big problem? Not really. But it's interesting to note anyway. It might make an interesting sociology article.

[Mutant Orc]

It seems I will be damned then to live in the molten pits of Lego bricks for the rest of eternity!

(It shouldn't be too bad unless it's pits of cheap Chinese plastic with bad printing )

The extract from the website that said that this 'sinful' toy form Denmark comes from the happiest place in Europe reminded me of a funny quote from the film Priest that went along the lines of- ​"If you're not committing sin, then you're not having fun"

[Lance]

I was a priest myself before I retired, and this seems very ridiculous to me. We used to use LEGO in Sunday school to recreate bible scenes, and it was very successful with the kids.

[sithewok]

Evil, my wallet could at least believe. ;)

But of the devil? Sorry. No.

[prayspot]

I was a priest myself before I retired, and this seems very ridiculous to me. We used to use LEGO in Sunday school to recreate bible scenes, and it was very successful with the kids.

I agree with you. Lego is really great for illustrating Bible stories for children and good for use in church with grown ups too!

[rob-cubed]

Evil, my wallet could at least believe. ;)

I know, right? I'm considering selling my soul to pick up a few new sets. How much do you think I can get for it?

[Krulis]

As I'm from Poland I can confirm that the said priest is author of this nonsense. But the guy is crazy , he sees satan everywhere. Acording to him other tools devil uses to corrupt youth are toys like Monster High dolls and whole Hello Kitty merchendise.

Luckily psychos like him are in minority here.

Edited April 3, 2014 by Krulis

[Faefrost]

The article was published on April 1, so it may just be someone having fun. Of course you never know. Although I am deeply disturbed by this Hello Kitty porn connection! Who will protect the children!

[eurotrash]

Aha! That'd probably explain why I frequently shout

"SWEETBABYJEEBUS!"

whenever I stand on one of those Satanic bricks.

[ShaydDeGrai]

Well, I can't really speak to his allegations about Hello Kitty being an extension of the porn industry (actually I can think of a couple HK related items that kinda support that position ) but finding Satan in a box of Lego makes about as much sense to me as seeing the Virgin Mary in a slice of burnt toast and calling a press conference. Some people will see exactly what they're looking for regardless of whatever they happen to be looking at.

As for the increase of "angry" minifigure exp<b></b>ressions, sure, not every head has a bland smile. Then again half the newer exp<b></b>ressions strike me as conveying "constipated" than "angry" but I suppose an article titled "Lego is Costive" wouldn't be nearly as interesting.

Edited April 3, 2014 by ShaydDeGrai

[weavil]

So I guess Witchcraft is safe to practice again? Or should I convert to Legoism. (Yes make Lego a religion)

[Faefrost]

So I guess Witchcraft is safe to practice again? Or should I convert to Legoism. (Yes make Lego a religion)

If I can prove to the IRS that I am a Priest of Legoism does that mean I can declare my Lego sets on my taxes? BRILLIANT!

[AmperZand]

The article was published on April 1, so it may just be someone having fun. Of course you never know.

The Telegraph broke the story in the English-speaking world after it was originally published in Polish. The Telegraph has confirmed that it is not an April fools.

I see this as posibbly one of two things, either...

1. The originl article is a satire. Or

2. The author is a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic.

Or he's a publicity junky. On the other hand, I quite like your idea that he's a couple of bricks short of a complete set.

Edited April 3, 2014 by AmperZand

[Freddy Bricker]

Oh look, someone on the internet made a crazy accusation and is getting attention for it. Yeah, let's all act surprised

Edited April 3, 2014 by Freddy Bricker

[weavil]

If I can prove to the IRS that I am a Priest of Legoism does that mean I can declare my Lego sets on my taxes? BRILLIANT!

It would be listed as a non-profit, so you could buy them tax free! Plus you could write some off on your taxes as a business expense!

[rob-cubed]

I like it! Although not sure Legoism is a religion or a cult? Either way, tax-free status and corporate write-offs, here we come...

A buddy is "ordained" in the Church of Subgenius and legally married my friend. If they can be recognized as legitimate, so can we. I see cakes with LEGO bride and groom toppers in my near future. Vows: "May we bond forever without Kragle."

Edited April 3, 2014 by rob-cubed

[lightningtiger]

Every now and again some person comes up with this stuff.....I remember years ago some minister claimed that Barbie dolls were evil and the devils work ! LOL

Now claiming that Hello Kitty leads to porn.....okay, hello Doctor Phil ! LOL

Legoism......I like too !

Actually I feel the Kragle is Lego's Satan though ! LOL

Edit - Hang on......did anyone read the fine print - the date April 1st !

Edited April 3, 2014 by lightningtiger

[Faefrost]

(actually I can think of a couple HK related items that kinda support that position )

To be fair, those weren't actually official Sanrio items. They came from a weird sublicensor who had gone well outside the terms of their contract, and Sanrio did land on them hard as soon as they found out about it. It would be kind of like if the good folks over at DK suddenly decided to publish a "Lego Kama Sutra" all on their own.

[just2good]

Edit - Hang on......did anyone read the fine print - the date April 1st !

The Telegraph broke the story in the English-speaking world after it was originally published in Polish. The Telegraph has confirmed that it is not an April fools.

[robuko]

The article is deliberately sensationalist. The Father does make very fair points. We did not grow up with zombies and angry faces on our Lego. It is good that children are given role play models with a balanced range of expressions. I have not checked but the explicit conflict bias in many themes probably does give a big weight to anger. How many parents want angry role models for their child?

[Aaron]

In all seriousness, though, it is interesting to note that TLG has been dabbling in a lot of things lately that aren't very kid-friendly. LotR, The Simpsons, and Back to the Future definitely aren't children's movies. I'd say that's a big departure from the smiley, everything-is-awesome sets of the 1980s and earlier.

Is that a big problem? Not really. But it's interesting to note anyway. It might make an interesting sociology article.

Those themes are hardly inappropriate for children. In today's world, it's not uncommon to find children who play games like Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty, do drugs in elementary school, and become parents before they've even become adults. LOTR, The Simpsons, and Back to the Future are very very mild compared to, well, most things. If anything, they're imaginative, humorous, and witty enough to actually be a good influence on children. As an atheist, I find many of the arguments about "Satanic material" or "offensive content" to be outright insane and nonsensical.

[jodawill]

Those themes are hardly inappropriate for children. In today's world, it's not uncommon to find children who play games like Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty, do drugs in elementary school, and become parents before they've even become adults. LOTR, The Simpsons, and Back to the Future are very very mild compared to, well, most things. If anything, they're imaginative, humorous, and witty enough to actually be a good influence on children. As an atheist, I find many of the arguments about "Satanic material" or "offensive content" to be outright insane and nonsensical.

Have you ever considered that we might have those problems (in part) because children are exposed to adult media too early in life?

I'm not saying the Lego sets are inappropriate. I'm just saying that, for example, The Simpsons isn't a show I'd let my kindergartner watch. It's just not age-appropriate.

Just playing devil's advocate here, of course. I'm not making any claims. I'm not a sociologist.