Yes, I found the Paper Doll account scary - this was my motivation for sharing it.
I did not experience the account first hand. My account is a reconstruction based on what an Anglican priest told me. I think that my reconstruction accurately reflects the ideas that he conveyed to me. I have known this priest for 5 years and regard him as a reliable witness.
I thought that what these children had picked up from Gospel/ Good News stories is scary - their belief that the dolls without "I love Jesus" on them should be burnt. Love Jesus or else.
Most parents bring up their children trying to encourage a sense of empathy. Of course burning dolls because they were perceived to lack attributes considered favourable doesn't engender a feeling of empathy towards those who are different. It engenders a attitude of "my way" or "no way".
