Airline pilot asked Christians to share their faith with other passengers

WHNT ^ | 2/8/2004 | Associated Press

[yonif]

New York-AP -- American Airlines says one of its pilots asked Christians on his flight to identify themselves and discuss their faith with non-Christian passengers.

Airline Spokesman Tim Wagner says American Flight 34 was headed from Los Angeles to New York on Friday when the pilot asked Christians on board to raise their hands.

The pilot told the airline that he then suggested that other passengers use the flight time to talk to the Christians about their faith, and added that he'd be available for discussion at the end of the flight.

While the pilot had just returned to work from a weeklong mission trip to Costa Rica, Wagner says, "It falls along the lines of a personal level of sharing that may not be appropriate."

He adds that American Airlines' personnel department is investigating the matter.

[Sam Cree]

"I don't see the problem but those that are offended by religion are."

It may be more that those who are of other religions are.

[Anij]

"He's paid to fly not to preach."

So, he was multitasking! ;)

Seriously though, I've been in the missionary field for more than 30 years now, and don't feel this was/is likely to produce any converts to Christianity. More than likely, those on the plane who had not yet accepted Christ would have felt more like *captives* for the duration of the flight!

Perhaps next time (if there is one), the Captain might consider using Chick Tracts instead. The one entitled "This Is Your Life" is inoffensive, and gets right to the point. (I use it myself).

OTOH, maybe they will show "The Passion" for the in-flight movie one of these days. What do you think? (Me neither!).

The bottom line is folks, Christians shouldn't HAVE to be *told* to share the Gospel with such a "captive audience!" LOL! I sure would have, but using a much more casual (AKA back-door) approach.

How many here are aware that of all the people in the US of A claiming to be born again Christians today, only 5% have ever shared the Gospel with ANYONE!?

Sobering thought, no?

In the love and peace of Christ, - Anij.

[Fledermaus]

That's nice. You just compared a Christian announcing his faith and asking others to witness to a lunatic, Islamic fanatic!

Voting for Kerry this November? Because that kind of bigotry needs to be kicked out the GOP.

[Fledermaus]

What if the gay flight attendant decides to have all the gays on the plane identify themselves, and talk about being gay to you?

You mean they don't? Funny, it seems I can't go out to eat, watch TV or listen to the radio with someone telling me they are gay and I have to accept it.

You over react. Don't fly American if you are offended. It's just that simple.

[Sam Cree]

Interesting post, thank you.

I'm happily married to a Jewish lady, and have basically been living that life for 30 years, bringing up the kids to be Jewish, etc. So I know I'd have felt a little offended, or maybe just weird, if proselytizing from another religion was directed at me or my family while we were confined in an airliner. Especially if from the cockpit, and even more if most of the passengers had taken the captain up on his suggestion.

It's kind of like, it could have been nice to know ahead of time, if that was going to be part of the program.

On the other hand, when one religion, Islam, seems bent on death, hatred, and the destruction of Western civilization, we really learn to treasure and cherish Christianity and what it has meant to the world.

[tdadams]

You seriously don't think there's anything inappropriate about imposing this kind of religious proselytizing on a captive audience at 30,000 feet? You're nutty.

Honestly, it's that kind of attitude - that you have a mandate and a right to convert everyone who crosses your path, whether they want to hear it or not - that turns so many people off from religion. It comes across as very sanctimonious, condescending, and arrogant for you to be telling grown adults what's best for them (in your opinion). Do you not think that triggers a "who are you?" reaction from most people?

It's very counter-productive if you want to know the truth. Give that some thought.

[EggsAckley]

Grow up please.

[Fledermaus]

Look who is talking!

[Crosscarrier19]

The only reason anyone would complain is if they either weren't a Christian or they weren't doing their calling as a Christian. we are called to spread the good news to anyone and everyone, not just when we feel comfortable doing it. if it were like that then no one would get saved. if we all complained when we were asked to witness to someone then where would this world be today. its only "inappropriate" when you aren't prepared and didn't expect to be called to witness. Always be ready to do it and it will never be "INAPPROPRIATE".

[1rudeboy]

Can someone direct me to an airline that asks single women to identify themselves, and are open to a discussion?

[saquin]

Wow, you resurrected this year-old thread just to add your personal brand of nuttiness?

Next time you're on a plane I hope you don't mind at all if the Muslim pilot instructs all Muslim passengers to raise their hands and then asks them to "witness" to their seatmate. Have a good flight!

(Evengelical Christians are their own worst enemies. The self-righteousness is nauseating. You will not bring anyone to God with such arrogance.)

[Dr.Zoidberg]

Hmmmm...

I wonder if the pilot was having a British Airways moment?

One engine down and half the U.S. to go......

"This is your pilot speaking, how many of you back there believe in God?"