Children in the U.S. could soon be playing with a talking Jesus toy, a bearded Moses, Daniel in the lion's den and other biblical figures, as company One2Believe convinced Wal-Mart to sell Bible-based toys to promote the Christian faith to children.

David Socha, founder of One2believe, the company which manufactures the dolls said he is optimistic the demand for "God-honoring" toys will increase as children will be attracted to toys that focuses on Christian teachings and morality.

He said, "We get a lot of people, even people who are not of faith, don't go to church, saying 'I've got a four and a six-year-old and I don't know what to get them any more.' If you go in a toy aisle in any major retailer, you will see toys and dolls that promote and glorify evil, destruction, lying, cheating.

"In the girls' aisle where the dolls would be, you see dolls that are promoting promiscuity to very young girls. Dolls will have very revealing clothes on, G-string underwear."

In mid-August, Wal-Mart announces it would provide a two feet shelf space in at least 425 of the 3,300 company stores across the U.S. for the Bible-based action figures. The "Tales of Glory" dolls will be competing against most popular action figures like Bratz, Barbie, Spiderman, Superman and others.

Current demands in the U.S. ties Transformers and Spiderman in the top to places in the action figure market.

The 12 inch-high (30cm) Jesus doll is quoting verses from the scripture while the figure of Daniel in the lion's den is expected to entice the child's imagination.

Socha said the toys is also offering "something faith-based that is not only fun to play with but also is solidifying a person's spiritual wherewithal and their spiritual journey."

Socha has a reason to be optimistic as figures from the Association of Christian Retail show a steady climb in Christina products, including books, music, clothes and gifts from a $4 billion industry in 2000, to $4.6 billion in 2006.

At least 12 percent of American spend some $50 a month on religious products and another 11 percent spend $25-29 a month, according to a study made by the Baylor University.

Nancy Guthrie, of the ACR said the release of Mel Gibson's movie "Passion of the Christ" were instrumental for awakening the public's interest in Christian media and entertainment.

Guthrie said, "Over the past decade there has been a significant openness in the broader market place for Christian products. All kinds of retailers have recognized that there are a lot of people out there who want books and music and gifts that reflect their faith."

Wal-Mart spokeswoman Melissa O'Brien the retail giant would concentrate in the America's South and Mid West in marketing the religious toys, although a few outlets in in California and north-east Pennsylvania will also stock the figures, which are aimed at three- to 12-year-olds and all come with a book telling their story.

She said, "It's really a test to see how consumers will respond. We anticipate there may be parents and teachers who would find these toys beneficial in teaching biblical stories."