That’s Not Judgement Armor. THIS is Judgement Armor
Lost was the child, we all once did hide
There for the Grace Of God Go I
From armorofgodpjs.com:
The whole Armor of God Pajama set will help your children to depend on God to protect them from their fears, doubts, and uncertainties at night so their sleep can be restful and peaceful.
Now you might be thinking to yourself, "yeah, Satan's going to be real goddamed scared of your pillowy shield and…um…book." But lemme tell ya, the set bonuses on these things are unholy. Or…um…holy, actually. Very goddamned holy.
The Army of God PJs are based on a reading of Ephesians 6:10-18, which reads in part…
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. And so help me God if I have to come in and tell you kids to shut the hell up and go to sleep one more time, I'm getting the belt.
Are these two little crusaders just to die for? What I love most about these Rod and Todd inspired PJs is that on cue you can grab your Belt of Truth (I know way too much about this product), and yell "I got yer truth right here!" Also, while the boy looks like he's currently on a Jesus steroid rage (JEROID Rage), the girl is the perfect picture of serenity, completely unaware that in just 5 short years she'll be out on a strip in Detroit turning tricks for blow. Ironically, she'll be wearing that same outfit, with the same facial expression.
(Link found at Andrew Sullivan.)
August 28th, 2006 at 9:38 am
The one thing that they don’t mention is how many raids on Jerusalem it will take to aquire a full set.
August 28th, 2006 at 10:45 am
$39.95 for a set of PJ’s? Oh sweet an activity book, consider those things SOLD!
Reminds me of the Family Guy potty training book: “You’re a Naughty Boy and That’s Concetrated Evil Coming out of your Backside!”
August 28th, 2006 at 10:51 am
I’d like to see two holy spec children take down Satan. He’s a friggin’ 20 person raid.
The girl should definitely spec Shadow.
August 28th, 2006 at 11:41 am
This is funny and sad at the same time. Why are war metaphors are so often used in a religion about a guy who preached peace? Also, these pjs are clearly evoking crusader imagery, which is hardly a defenisive image. Chuck Norris needs to do a roundhouse kick to the head on any parents who buy this stuff. Real christians have no need to poison their kids mind with this crap.
Dave (someone crucified my cool internet name)
August 28th, 2006 at 3:29 pm
Undies of Chastity offer protection from Catholic priests.
August 28th, 2006 at 9:01 pm
will any of you sign my guild charter? I’ll give you five gold and a blessing.
August 28th, 2006 at 10:51 pm
Amber and other readers I invite you to read Eph 6:10-18? It says:
Read this and you will understand what the symbology of the clothing is. Yes it is a little corny, but then so are Batman jammys and Superman jammys. This is no different, and plus Jesus Christ is a real bona fide superhero. The armor is symbolic. Christians are peaceful but we are also ready to defend ourselves against evil. We are lambs, but we are not lambs to the slaughter. When we talk about taking up “the whole armor of God,” we mean a spiritual armor to defend us against Satan. Real Christians do not make war. I too am sad to see His glorious name used in the making of war, and so we agree on something at least.
I have read your site and I sense that you have had troubled times in your past Amber. There is a darkness that hangs over you that could be lifted with the light of God. I have added you to the list of people I pray for. I pray that you will someday come into the light of God and know the joy that is Jesus Christ. I pray for you Ms Amber Night, and you will continue to be in my prayers. I will send you an email also so that if you have questions you can talk with me.
August 29th, 2006 at 5:10 am
I see the Darkness hanging over Amber turning her into something like Batman.
but instead of going around saying “I’m Batman,” she’ll go around saying “I’m Amber Night.”
.. wearing batman jammys.
August 29th, 2006 at 5:30 am
Why would you want to go and do a thing like that? Don’t make me raise up and get my jihad on.
August 29th, 2006 at 6:00 am
lol … probably too far … but … lol
August 29th, 2006 at 7:38 am
So…I think what I hear you saying is that you’re going to pray. For me. Um…thank you. That’s very kind of you.
No need, no nee…ahh, got it thanks.
I just have to say, to nobody in particular: I read 20-40 blogs a day. I never see the kinds of comments on those blogs that I occasionally get here. Why does nobody pray for Raph? Why does Psychochild get a pass on using his “power of the media” to stop corrupting our children? Why no comment floods on Abalieno? (cue vertical camera pullback, holding my arms out looking to the heavens) Whyyyyyyy?
August 29th, 2006 at 7:51 am
Umm Mr. “A Christian”. I think maybe you should go find the scripture about “casting pearls before swine”. Had you understood the meaning of this verse, you would not attempt to enlighten this blog with religion and righteousness. We can but hope that someday the scales of darkness will no longer cloud their sight.
August 29th, 2006 at 8:13 am
I wonder who else is on this guy’s list?
Anyway, I’m waiting for the Yellow Pajamas of Justice to be available.
August 29th, 2006 at 8:23 am
I wonder if having a list of people to pray for comes off a bit like Romper Room’s Magic Mirror? Remeber that?
“I pray for Billy and Sally and Mommy and Daddy and Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and most of all I pray for Amber because she’s seriously got some baggage.”
August 29th, 2006 at 9:53 am
First off, it’s a damn shame that the word Symbology has come to mean not just the study of symbols, but also the use of symbols (which by most people would be called symbolism). Second, you are comparing Christian religion, faith, and the big J to Batman and Superman. Smooth move, let’s just go ahead and come out with Church endorsed cartoons, action figures, and all sorts of ways to make a few select people rich off of people’s religion. This is indeed different. If kids don’t buy superman PJ’s, there isn’t the threat that Satan is going to eat their soul while they sleep, though I imagine now DC comics is already writing up the ad-campaign.
Oh snap, troubled past = good in for preaching! I’m even a christian and this bothers me, everyone’s had a troubled past, that’s what defines us as a person. I’m all for praying for other people, but get off your self-inflating kick and stop telling people about it, like God is going to put you on the express to heaven just because you brag about praying for people who you think are covered in the darkness of satan’s loin cloth.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:46 am
Sweet. I got 0+1 this time. That never happens!
Resident Jesus freak has there heart in the right place and at least it wasn’t some rant about how Amber is going to hell for making fun of the +2 holy avenger jammies. But prosteletyzing (I so mangled that word) should really be directed at people who are more receptive. Since it’s ‘guess about Amber’s life’ week, I get the impression that she is pretty happy with whatever spiritual life she currently leads, and the last thing she needs is someone to tell her she’s got it all wrong.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:52 am
Raph has two people to delete comments, Psychochild is too lovable, and nobody can get through more than three sentences of Abalieno’s stuff in the first place, let alone comment spam him.
Also, in all honesty, I think their blogs have more focus, as they write purely about games with the very occasional personal entry. They’re also more serious and academic about their stuff. Which isn’t to say I think you should be more serious, but, y’know. I’m willing to bet Lum gets his share of wacky comments.
August 29th, 2006 at 11:10 am
The strange comments Lum gets are either from me or from flamers. And I’m cool with flamers. They are the wind beneath my wings. I’m mostly just curious as to what attracts other such…um…diversity.
August 29th, 2006 at 11:15 am
Amber should start her own cult, plenty of crazies to go around.
August 29th, 2006 at 11:39 am
I hereby nominate my sister for Sacrificial Victim of the Week.
August 29th, 2006 at 1:19 pm
I am soo totally offended, as a lifelong resident of the Detroit area. I fully expect an apology from Amber. There are no streetwalkers turning tricks in this city that look anything like this girl in 5 years.
I would think you would need to add 40 years to this girl before she has sunk this low.
August 31st, 2006 at 1:10 pm
To Amber, you among thousands of others have gotten a laugh from these pajamas. They were not created as a joke or a spoof, the person who designed the pj’s was creating for parents and children a tangible way of explaing the scripture of Ephesians. Each piece of armor is explained and how it applies to our spiritual lives.
To Dave: The reason that there are war metaphors in Christianity is that everyones life is a struggle, whether we are consious of it or not. For the unbeliever (those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour) the struggle is within. for Christians the struggle is to maintain our relationship with our Saviour and not let it become overshadowed by the evils of the world and our own selfishness.
As a parent we all want the best for our children, physically, mentally and spiritually. And if we can provide for them a tool to use to understand that God provides for us ways of protecting ourselves spiritually then we should be thankful. Will the actual cloth of the pj’s protect them form wiles of the Devil? NO! But studying the word of God and praying will, a person does not need “corny”pajamas to be protected from evil spirits or to know that there is Salvation through Jesus, the pj’s are just a physical way of explaining what can be done spiritually.
To Syntax: Romper Room’s magic mirrow? How old are you anyway? I thought blogs were for young people?
To Bug Hunter: True casting pearls before swine is a fitting verse for all of the blogs that have been discussing the pajamas because it is obvious that most of the people that are participating are unbeilevers, but how will they hear the truth if we (Christians) remain silent?
To Bartoneus: Has there been people to take Christian symbols and use them to make a profit? I am sure. Is the Armor of God PJ’s doing that? Do you personally know those people? I think not. But I do and I know for a fact that the PJ’s were not designed for anyone to make a profit. As for Bible based action figures, yes they do exist, along with games and t-shirts and a whole lot of other items that Christians purchase to use in their daily lives. Does this make them bad people for buying something that is God related? and does it make the person selling it a bad person? That is not for us to judge, they have to answer to God for their actions. We live in a country where we are free to choose, if you choose to buy the pajamas that is good, if you choose not to buy the pajamas that is fine, and everyone has the right to voice their opinion as well, but it would be good to get all of the facts before rash statements.
August 31st, 2006 at 1:57 pm
Stacy24, The reason people are making fun of these pjs, other than the fact that they’re downright silly looking no matter what they’re supposed to be is the “soldier of Christ” is a complete oxymoron. Jesus was a peaceful man. He preached love, compassion, tolerance, and forgiveness. This crusader soldier image is so wildly out of sync with who Christ really was that it goes beyond silly. Yes I understand that you are saying it is imagery to help children understand Ephesians but it is wildly inaccurate imagery.
WWBJD? He wouldn’t be caught resurrected in those pjs that’s for sure.
Dave (someone stole my cool internet name)
September 1st, 2006 at 5:56 am
Dave
The picture does not do the pajamas justice. They are very well made and of excellent quality, but that is not the issue. I do not think that they look any more silly than wearing a huge sponge with legs on a nightgown. In todays society you can take an object that is used to clean the shower, kitchen sink and wash cars and make a billion dollar business out of it and everyone buys into it and doesn’t think twice. I think the real issue is not how the pjs look but for what they stand for. Because of the Christian conotations and the spread of the Word of God it has really hit a nerve with satan and he using all of the power he can get to fight back.
As for the oxymoron of “soldier of Christ” there are several references in Scripture to being a “soldier” of and for Christ –Phillipians 2:25 Paul is writing to the Phillipians and he refers to Epaphroditus as his companion in labor and fellow soldier. 2Timothy 2:4 Take your share of the hardships and suffering which you are called to endure as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
You are most correct in saying that Jesus was peaceful and preached love, compassion, tolerence and forgiveness. And fortunatley when he resurrected wearing a robe and not pj’s and 40 days later ascended to Heaven he left the Holy Spirit here for us so that we too may have those spiritual gifts. Because in the last couple of weeks with the deluge of negative e-mail, and blogs that the Armor of God Pj’s has received it would be very easy to become discouraged and say ugly things back to these people, especialy when the comments are more than just jokes about how corny the pj’s look and they go over the line and make lewd remarks about the children and things that they themselves would do in the pj’s if they came in adult sizes. It would be very easy to lash out at them and return comments but that is not what the Armor of God Pj company is about. Through all of the negativity they have remained steadfast in their faith in God and put it in His hands.
The pajamas were not made to be crusader style outfits so that the children would look like they are ready to pillage and destroy the next village
Just like it is wrong to dress a kid in a cowboy outfit and say “OH look he is ready to go destroy an Indian village” Just because some cowboys killed Indians doen’t mean that they all did. Just because a person looks or dresses a certain way doesn’t mean that they will automatically behave a certain way, people behave (love and hate) based on the feelings, emotions, and decisions that comes from the person inside, from the things that we have been taught by our parents, and our experiences in life. Our actions are a matter of choice.
Humans so easily associate certain things to certain activities, the pajamas are made to look the way they do and explained in the book that comes with them so that the children will understand how to apply Spiritual armor to help them in dealing with spiritual war, not so that they can destroy other physical human beings. Believers in Christ teach their children the things that Jesus taught the disciples, to love God with all of our hearts and to love our neighbor. It is our own choice to decide to follow Jesus or not.
September 1st, 2006 at 7:19 am
Stacy: I guess you aren’t a human because you don’t easily associate these certain things, huh?
I know you are saying that the spiritual war is an individual war between the person and their spirit. But, resurrecting the garb of crusaders and dredging up the bad feelings of the attacks of the western world on the middle east? These guys should have created Dominican robes for the kids and covered all their bases.
September 1st, 2006 at 8:52 am
Taste is very subjective, but let me know when Armor of God sells as big as Sponge Bob, and I’ll concede the point.
I can’t speak for Amber, but from what I know of her and her blog, you need to realize that *everything* she says is said with tongue firmly planted in cheek. You may not like her style of humor but her jokes about the children are just that. I’m sure (again I can’t speak for her) she means no ill will towards little Christian children who model Armor of God pajamas.
lol
Okay, look. The single biggest reason that your product is generating such hillarity is because they look **EXACTLY** like a pair of pajamas that was made to look like the armor of a crusader. So are you trying to tell me that this was a wild coincidence? That this Armor of God just happens to accidentally look like crusader armor?
No, I don’t think you’re trying to say that at all. Because there’s no question that the product was modelled to look like crusader armor. As an ex-Christian myself, I know that modern Christianity is rife with crusader imagery. There’s even a lot of you who still think the crusades were a heckuva good idea.
So, given that the jammies were made to look like crusader armor, what other conclusions would you have us draw? That yes, the armor looks like something you’d go and butcher saracens in, but no that’s not what we’re trying to imply? At least a sponge’s worst crime was to overcook a crabby patty.
It would be wrong to dress a kid in a cowboy outfit and tell them to slaughter indians. It would also be wrong to dress a child in a crusader outfit and tell them to slaughter saracens. Neither case is generally true, so your analogy doesn’t really apply.
Yeah, well *all* crusaders (by definition) killed Muslims. You’re asking us to have an open mind, so I’m asking you to open your mind to that concept.
What your company is doing is creating a physical tool for children to connect to their spiritual struggle. That’s fine and dandy. But the folly of this product is that you are using symbols of hate, conquest, greed, and aggression to make this connection. I’m not saying that’s what you are teaching your kids, but it sure seems like an implied endorsement.
BTW, I know you’re not trying to teach your kids to hate/pillage, but giving them the imagery of a hater/pillager isn’t exactly the best start.
September 1st, 2006 at 10:36 am
Stacy24: It honestly doesn’t matter if I know these people, they are selling pieces of fabric to parents/children that will keep them safe and peaceful during the night. The site they are selling them on is a .com site, they’re making money from this. It’s perfectly fine for you to (albeit in an overly long-winded way) defend your friend’s financial endeavors, but calling my statements rash is not appreciated when they are 100% accurate: these people are making money off of children’s religious insecurities.
You’ve already judged your friend’s actions as righteous, and chosen to defend them, so don’t tell me not to do the opposite.
September 11th, 2006 at 10:06 am
[...] The reason this question is relevant is because almost everyone is afraid of a pushy religion. Throughout history a lot of bad things have come from a religion being forceful, and this has caused everyone to be understandably hesitant towards anything bearing the mark of religion. These reactions have caused many religious people to become very defensive, even to the point of posting on people’s blogs in defense of their exploitative pajamas. This has developed as a begrudging tension between religion and popular culture. [...]
September 14th, 2006 at 11:49 am
Why does Psychochild get a pass on using his “power of the media” to stop corrupting our children?
1) Because I have a spam filter that catches some of those types of posts.
2) Because I don’t think people expect much child-friendly stuff from someone named “Psychochild”. You should have picked a scarier pseudonym.
Have fun.
September 14th, 2006 at 1:04 pm
Oh do tell.Old enough to know better and still too young to care