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Playmobil Demands Pastor Stop Crucifying Toys

By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 2, 2009 5:17 AM CDT

(Newser) – Playmobil has demanded that a German pastor stop using its toys to depict Bible scenes, reports the Telegraph. One plastic human figure has been given breasts to be a naked Eve, and another has been nailed to a cross. Photos of the altered figures have been posted on the internet. "We are quite tolerant if this is done in the privacy of the home but if someone crucifies a Playmobil figure, then this is a completely different dimension," said a company spokesman.

Lawyers have warned the pastor that he is violating copyright and doing so for his own benefit. He insists the figures have been put to far more outrageous uses by others. He also has made it clear that Playmobil is not responsible for his figures. "Not all in the Bible figures and scenes are available to purchase," says a disclaimer on the website featuring photos of the characters. "It is a deliberate and creative adaptation."

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A German pastor has modified Playmobil figures to illustrate Bible stories.

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It's true that I did use a hairdryer to soften the figure for the crucifixion because the fingers wouldn't spread out properly otherwise. Then I let it harden before I could nail it to the cross. - Rev. Markus Bomhard

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