XP: Green Mountain Diapers sends bibles and intelligent design DVDs

epphd · July 2010

what.

the.

deuce.

Sam has been in cloth diapers from the beginning and we plan to continue. He uses prefolds during the day and BGs or Thirsties duo dipes at night. He is switching day cares and in order to keep CDing, we need to switch mostly to AIOs, so we will discontinue the diaper service that brings us the prefolds.

SO - I need to buy some prefolds of our own to use at home. I know the go-to place is Green Mountain Diapers. All is well in online shopping land and I click to check out their sales and seconds. And yay! Pail liners are on sale...

THEN... I noticed this:

From Illustra Media, this DVD is fascinating. It's entertaining and really gets you thinking, too. You see your baby, and baby is amazing. Neo-Darwinism cannot explain your baby's origin nor the complexity of biological life. This science-type film might be more appealing to husbands because some of it is about molecular "machines", shown in state-of-the-art animation, but you don't have to be a scientist to be wowed by this film. This has aired on PBS stations around the country. It's a must-see to get you thinking about your life and your new baby's life.

Something free from my favorite diaper site that my husband will like? Yeah! Go for it. You can't go wrong with free.

Also - they'll send free bibles.

*****

I am an atheist and scientist. The very concept of intelligent design makes my want to poke my own eyes out. Moreover, the condescending remark about science being more suitable for husbands??? ARHG!!!!

Still, I placed the order since I know they sell a good product. But I held my nose while doing it.

triumphantreturnofplanningbug · July 2010

Note to self: only buy GMD seconds. I'd rather deal with someone else's poop than that crap.

::grumbles and mumbles something incoherent about hoping that going to seminary doesn't mean she has to start supporting crap like that while secretly wishing for chik-fil-a::

papagena · July 2010

Yeah - the 'more appealing to husbands' thing really gets me. Irksome...

qtsreign · July 2010

what.the.eff.

triumphantreturnofplanningbug · July 2010

You women and your unnatural interest in science...didn't you know that they can fix that now? My poor woman-brain just can't handle fancy technology pictures like those funny bubbles on that cover. So I just spend my days on simple things like biomedical ethics while he talks about important things like the meaning of life.

izzybella · July 2010

Hmmm, I've never gotten a free bible from them, just great diapers!

goodgalpal · July 2010

I think it is weird for sure. I am used to places being PC.

I guess it is okay because it is your choice if you request the free material or not, and the seller feels good about sharing their views.

Huge DISLIKE about the negative view of women.

For sure it isn't something that I would do if selling diapers, but it isn't truly hurting anyone.

ETA- I believe in science and consider myself Christian at the same time.

Ready2006 · July 2010

Wow. I had planned to buy my prefolds there, but ended up going with a local place that was actually cheaper (and psyched I was able to support a local business). But now I'm REALLY psyched. I got beef with that, particularly as a female in the sciences.

pixy_stix · July 2010

I knew about the bibles, but missed the intelligent design stuff.

kdello · July 2010

As a female scientist (and atheist), of course the wording is lame. Beyond that, though, she doesn't include that stuff in your order unless you ask for it, so it's not really pushing her views on you. I see no problem with her promoting her own views on her own site. She has good products, so I buy them- as long as she's not putting jesus fish stickers in my order, she's fine with me. (This would hold true whether her religious propaganda was christian, jewish, hindu, etc.)

papagena · July 2010

triumphantreturnofplanningbug:
You women and your unnatural interest in science...didn't you know that they can fix that now? My poor woman-brain just can't handle fancy technology pictures like those funny bubbles on that cover. So I just spend my days on simple things like biomedical ethics while he talks about important things like the meaning of life.

What? I thought the bubbles meant it was a spa DVD - and that man was doing calisthenics (oh wait - that's a big word) jumping jacks, or maybe even was going to give a virtual massage. I didn't bother reading - I leave that up to my Dear, Sweet, Super Intelligent and Ultra In-Charge husband.

epphd · July 2010

goodgalpal:
I think it is weird for sure. I am used to places being PC.
I guess it is okay because it is your choice if you request the free material or not, and the seller feels good about sharing their views.
Huge DISLIKE about the negative view of women.
For sure it isn't something that I would do if selling diapers, but it isn't truly hurting anyone.
ETA- I believe in science and consider myself Christian at the same time.

Oh no - I didn't mean to imply that they are mutually exclusive. I was just mentioning it because I was thrown for a loop on two distinct levels - as a non religious person and as a female scientist. I know many scientists who are religious and from varied spiritual backgrounds.

epphd · July 2010

kdello:
As a female scientist (and atheist), of course the wording is lame. Beyond that, though, she doesn't include that stuff in your order unless you ask for it, so it's not really pushing her views on you. I see no problem with her promoting her own views on her own site. She has good products, so I buy them- as long as she's not putting jesus fish stickers in my order, she's fine with me. (This would hold true whether her religious propaganda was christian, jewish, hindu, etc.)

I agree, which is why I still ordered.

humynone · July 2010

eh...she never hid their family viewpoint...its in the fish on the bottom of most pages. I doubt she means to discount women...just that left brain thinking hubbies might like the mechanical animations?

imo...they are good sellers who try to do good by their customers. I can buy from that happily and am glad to support them...though I personally wouldn't mix my business and beliefs soclosely. Disclaimer: I'm a Lutheran/Christian who believes in being a steward of the planet, loves science, and thinks evolution / creationism compliment each other nicely.

epphd · July 2010

humynone:
eh...she never hid their family viewpoint...its in the fish on the bottom of most pages. I doubt she means to discount women...just that left brain thinking hubbies might like the mechanical animations?
imo...they are good sellers who try to do good by their customers. I can buy from that happily and am glad to support them...though I personally wouldn't mix my business and beliefs soclosely. Disclaimer: I'm a Lutheran/Christian who believes in being a steward of the planet, loves science, and thinks evolution / creationism compliment each other nicely.

In the spirit of harmony, I am not touching that one with a 10 foot pole Wink

I have heard nothing but good things about the seller; your point is well taken.

andrealynn0707 · July 2010

I admit this is one reason I never ordered from them. I bought from moderndiapers when she was still in business instead. I don't necessarily need every company that I deal with to share my religious views, but I had another option, so I went that way.

I do think that she does a good job with keeping it out of your face on her site.

humynone · July 2010

epphd:
In the spirit of harmony, I am not touching that one with a 10 foot pole
I have heard nothing but good things about the seller; your point is well taken.

lol...appreciate it epphd Smile

tiggergirl0325 · July 2010

humynone:
Disclaimer: I'm a Lutheran/Christian who believes in being a steward of the planet, loves science, and thinks evolution / creationism compliment each other nicely.

Right there with you!! I have a BS in Bio, my DH has both a BS and a Master's in paleontology, so it's a given that we both fully believe in evolution. But we're both quite religious and don't see why God couldn't have set evolution in motion, just like the movement of the solar system, etc. I always say you can know the biology behind reproduction and still believe there is something special and spiritual about the birth of a baby.

That being said, I'm not a fan of "Intelligent Design" at all since they leave absolutely no room for evolution.

aspade · July 2010

Hmm. If GMD did send me a bible or other Christian propaganda, I would have been pretty miffed. However, they never have, and I've ordered from them many times. Their customer service is awesome, and I've had nothing but great experiences ordering diapers and supplies from them. I don't think I ever paid attention to their religious leanings, and I dare say, who really cares if in fact they're not shoving it down their customers' throats?

epphd · July 2010

aspade - you have to specifically order the DVD or bible. They are free, however.

I placed the order. However, going forward I admit that may not order from them/her. If I can find the same product elsewhere for a similar price, I will probably look elsewhere. The more I think about it the more I am concerned that the profits, however small, from the diapers - go to paying for bibles and ID DVDs that are given away to promote a belief system that I don't share.

smurfetteinred · July 2010

Meh. It's buried pretty deep on the site considering that most people have no clue it's there until someone finds it and posts about it on here (as happens every 6 months or so). I never knew about it despite being all over the site until that very thing happened. I don't agree with it but it's not going to stop me from ordering a quality product from a company with good customer service. I don't agree with some of the view points of some very close friends but they don't push them on me and they're good friends so I'm still going to continue being friends with them.

I think all the crazy religious ramblings on the bottles of Dr. Bronners are wackadoodle too but I'm still going to keep cleaning my house (and sometimes myself and my children) with it because it's one of the best ef options out there and I like the product.

I totally understand your issue with it, it just seems like one of those things that I'm not willing to get myself worked up about.

ETA - I love it that you use the phrase "what the deuce"

mh2t · July 2010

This is actually one of the reasons I buy from them (the other being that I love their prefolds). As a Christian who sees nothing wrong with discussing the faith, it's refreshing for me to see her openness about her beliefs (in a non-offensive way, IMO) in this PC age. And since, like people have said, she doesn't just include them in every order, no harm, no foul. I guess I don't understand what would be so offensive about someone promoting beliefs that are different than yours, as long as they're not ramming them down your throat? That said, you're certainly within your rights not to buy from them, especially if it makes you uncomfortable to help such promotion through your checkbook.

terri_doula2010 · July 2010

Man, I can't wait to tell my athiest husband what I'm getting him with our next diaper order. He'll be so thrilled!

I think that is all ridiculous. I'd be pissed if I'd found that too. I just don't want to be searching for something as non-religious as diapers and find religious stuff. Same would go for political crap, etc. I just want my diapers/baby goods, man!

smurfetteinred · July 2010

mh2t:
This is actually one of the reasons I buy from them (the other being that I love their prefolds). As a Christian who sees nothing wrong with discussing the faith, it's refreshing for me to see her openness about her beliefs (in a non-offensive way, IMO) in this PC age. And since, like people have said, she doesn't just include them in every order, no harm, no foul. I guess I don't understand what would be so offensive about someone promoting beliefs that are different than yours, as long as they're not ramming them down your throat? That said, you're certainly within your rights not to buy from them, especially if it makes you uncomfortable to help such promotion through your checkbook.

You said it better than me. I just don't get all the offense in this post. I'm not an atheist however I don't believe in intelligent design. But even though that flies in my face I'm ok with others believing whatever they want to believe. She just sells them on her site, she's not asking you to buy them. When did having different beliefs from you and promoting those beliefs equal offensive in this country?

MrsGo4Hockeychick · July 2010

epphd:
The more I think about it the more I am concerned that the profits, however small, from the diapers - go to paying for bibles and ID DVDs that are given away to promote a belief system that I don't share.

eh, unless you're going to start asking every shop you buy from what charities and political organizations they donate to, this is a little extreme. If you're pro-choice, what would you do if cotton babies supported a pro-life group? Or, if you're pro-life, what would you do if apple cheeks supported an abortion clinic? I mean, the same could be said for any shop owner. If they're not shoving their beliefs down your throat, I fail to see the big deal.

CrunchOoEezyMama · July 2010

Try Diaper Rite prefolds from now on. They are of equal quality and sizing, they are made ethically. Abby's Lane sells them. They are so in demand, I think they will be back in stock later in July.

tmp-214118062502913 · July 2010

I consider myself a Unitarian Universalist, agnostic, and one who does NOT believe in creationism. That being said I have never had a problem supporting GMD. They make a good product, they offere great customer service. Most people in this country have some sort of view on religion, and I highly doubt most believe the same way I do. They just don't put it on their site. You never know what the money from your purchase is going to support - it could be intelligent design, it could be pornography, it could be HFCS treats for their toddlers... I actually like GMD because they are so upfront with who they are and what they support.

epphd · July 2010

This is actually such an interesting conversation - thanks ladies, for keeping it civil

(and I apologize for the post if it is old news on this site - I tried to ensure that it wasn't something that comes up every week or so before I posted, and didn't find anything but, obviously I missed something.)

ANYWAY.... you are right that all companies may use profits to support something I don't. And I have certainly thought about that. But that it is advertised anywhere on the site and that the DVDs and bibles are given away free - it necessarily implies (IMO) that the profits from the dipes go toward purchasing or distributing them. And since it is very clear that this is the case, it is easier for me to make the determination to choose not to support them (in the future, that is!)

I don't doubt that the owner is a wonderful person - and I have no problem patronizing businesses run by people of any belief system... but in this case it is more or less spelled out that my money (albeit little of it) will go to purchase materials to promote beliefs I don't share. If she had "Jesus fish" or crosses or bible quotes all over the site, but did not give away materials, I would give the site a side eye, but continue to order. Kind of like the Dr. Bonner's example.

So, it's really that I have the easy opportunity to "vote" with my checkbook. If Kelly's Closet gave away free pamphlets on vaccines and autism, I wouldn't purchase there either. Or if Jillian's Drawers offered free DVDs on Obama's links with terrorists, I would shop elsewhere.

And hey - if you are a Christian and you support what the owner is doing, then by all means you should order there. I have zero problem with her doing it and I appreciate her being up front about it. I just won't patronize the site in the future.

My exclamations in the post are really more of utter shock - it's not something I expected to see when ordering diapers

tmp-214118062502913 · July 2010

I fully agree with vote with your checkbook, and I don't blame anyone who would choose to NOT shop GMD because of this. Honestly, I bought there because I thought the only decent PFs came from there. Then I found the ones I got gently used from Jillian's Drawers and the ones my friend handed down to me worked just as well. I haven't shopped at GMD since. I choose to vote with my checkbook at stores where I do feel that I have something in common with the owner, based upon their blog, FB page, etc. If I can find the same item in two places but "like" the one company more, I will go there. Even if the price is slightly more I will. And maybe some people choose GMD because of her belief in itelligent design.

jwpbride · July 2010

mdjunebride:
Most people in this country have some sort of view on religion, and I highly doubt most believe the same way I do. They just don't put it on their site. You never know what the money from your purchase is going to support - it could be intelligent design, it could be pornography, it could be HFCS treats for their toddlers... I actually like GMD because they are so upfront with who they are and what they support.

Yes

Want a personalized experience?

XP: Green Mountain Diapers sends bibles and intelligent design DVDs

Re: XP: Green Mountain Diapers sends bibles and intelligent design DVDs

Choose Another Board

Search Boards