Pilot reportedly promoted Christianity on flight - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Astrocloud · 02-09-2004, 08:01 PM

As much as I'm annoyed by people coming to my door to indoctrinate me... I would much rather have them knocking on my door where I can tell them to go away -than have them pushing their religion on me while I'm stuck in an airplane.

Is this appropriate?:

Quote:

Coffee, Tea Or Jesus?

NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2004

(Photo: AP)

(CBS/AP) An American Airlines pilot asked Christians on his flight to identify themselves and suggested the non-Christians discuss the faith with them, the airline said.

The case was handed over to the airline's personnel department for an investigation, spokesman Tim Wagner said Sunday.

"It falls along the lines of a personal level of sharing that may not be appropriate for one of our employees to do while on the job," he said earlier.

American's Flight 34 was headed from Los Angeles to New York's John F. Kennedy Airport on Friday when the pilot asked Christians on board to raise their hands, Wagner said.

The pilot, whose name was not released, told the airline that he then suggested the other passengers use the flight time to talk to the Christians about their faith, Wagner said.

"Well, you have a choice, you can make this trip worthwhile or you can sit back relax, read a book or watch a movie," passenger Amanda Nelligan told WCBS-TV of New York the pilot said.

She also said the pilot called non-Christians "crazy" and that his comments "felt like a threat."

"What went through my mind, and I chatted with the person next to me, was 'Is this our last flight?'" she told Channel 2's Lou Young.

She said she and several others aboard were so worried they tried to call relatives on their cell phones before flight attendants assured them they were safe and that people on the ground had been notified about the pilot's comments.

The pilot also told passengers he would be available for discussion at the end of the flight. Wagner said the pilot had just returned to work from a weeklong mission trip to Costa Rica.

Because of privacy issues, there would likely never be any announcement about what kind of punishment or reprimand the pilot may face, Wagner said. The pilot was not scheduled to fly during the weekend, he said.

taliendo · 02-09-2004, 08:08 PM

I think that people talk about faith a lot. Well, at least I do - it bores the shit out of a lot of my friends.

When people discuss their faith it has to be in a comfortable environment. People tend to get hot headed and judgmental when in disagreement over religion. It probably would have fetched a hilarious reaction though.

Not to jack the thread, but any one see The Big Kahuna? it discusses some very good themes on the subject.

Giltwist · 02-09-2004, 08:26 PM

I must say, even as a somehting which resembles a Christian, I find that inappropriate for two reasons. One, suggested religion at 35,000 feet is more likely to cause panic than anything else, as was mentioned in the article. Two, It gives the passengers no real avenue of escape to be in a cramped space for several hours on end. Imagine being stuck in an elevator with a Jehovah's Witness, and you get the idea.

Side note: for all we pick on the Mormon's and teh JW's I must applaud their bravery for being both able and willing to openly discuss their beliefs, most people Can't.

Nomad · 02-09-2004, 08:36 PM

This Pilot (ASSHOLE) should be terminated ... just who the Hell does he think he Is, calling the Non-Christian passengers crazy.

CNN

The Pilot asked all the passengers that were Christians to raise their hands, and then to look around, and everyone who doesn't have their hand raised is crazy.

Video Is 3.91 MB
Download link

nanofever · 02-09-2004, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Giltwist
I must say, even as a somehting which resembles a Christian, I find that inappropriate for two reasons. One, suggested religion at 35,000 feet is more likely to cause panic than anything else, as was mentioned in the article. Two, It gives the passengers no real avenue of escape to be in a cramped space for several hours on end. Imagine being stuck in an elevator with a Jehovah's Witness, and you get the idea.

Side note: for all we pick on the Mormon's and teh JW's I must applaud their bravery for being both able and willing to openly discuss their beliefs, most people Can't.

I could talk about my athiestic view on spirituality and life, but I have enough respect for other's beliefs that I keep my beliefs to my self unless someone else approches me on the topic. If everyone else would do the same the world would be a much better place.

bermuDa · 02-09-2004, 09:58 PM

I've talked the subject to death, but i'm always up for a good argument.

I do wonder if he really meant atheists when he said "non-christians" though.... o_O

chavos · 02-09-2004, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Giltwist
I must say, even as a somehting which resembles a Christian, I find that inappropriate for two reasons. One, suggested religion at 35,000 feet is more likely to cause panic than anything else, as was mentioned in the article. Two, It gives the passengers no real avenue of escape to be in a cramped space for several hours on end. Imagine being stuck in an elevator with a Jehovah's Witness, and you get the idea.

Side note: for all we pick on the Mormon's and teh JW's I must applaud their bravery for being both able and willing to openly discuss their beliefs, most people Can't.

amen...

Demonism · 02-13-2004, 06:55 PM

there are constantly these crazy ladies on the train in NYC talking about 'PRAISE THE LORD' and 'JESUS IS OUR SAVIOUR' and bullshit like that. and they keep talking, most people just sit quietly. but sometimes someone will get pissed and be like 'SHUT THE FUCK UP ALREADY, STUPID BITCH' and everyone claps

FishKing · 02-14-2004, 01:55 AM

Demonism,
I am with you. STFU. If I want to hear about "Jesus is aour saviour", I will go to church.

I will say this though, there are no athious in a FOX HOLE.

God Bless

thingstodo · 02-14-2004, 04:41 AM

Here we go. Another example of christians pushing their faith down on other people!! That is what pisses me off. These folks just don't understand why everyone isn't a christian and think it is their job to convert everyone.

And worst of all, they don't even understand what they believe or why, they just blindly follow what an old ruler (Constantinople) created out of paganism in early christianity. That's why there are so many pagan rituals wrapped in christian ritual.... such as the date of christmas, the yule log, the christmas tree.... and that's just from the christmas holidays. And this dude just did all this for political reason. Check out the history.

So, I don't push my opinions on other people - I'd prefer they didn't do this to me!

And to christians it's not about spirituality: if you don't believe their way, regardles of what ever religion you do believe, you are going to hell!

tecoyah · 02-14-2004, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by FishKing
Demonism,
I am with you. STFU. If I want to hear about "Jesus is aour saviour", I will go to church.

I will say this though, there are no athious in a FOX HOLE.

God Bless

quick note....from personal experience. Yes there are atheists in foxholes, silly quote if you ask me.

This pilot was way out of line, and needs to be reprimanded. Apparently his "missionary" experience got the best of him, and as usual, brought the worst to everyone else.
Unfortunately this sort of poor judgement has come to be expected from the born again type. Pity....christianity would be pretty cool, were it not for all the assholes who push it.

Charlatan · 02-17-2004, 09:17 AM

I had heard that the pilot said that those who raised their hands were crazy... Implying that to show your religious affiliation so openly would be deemed crazy.

I'm fairly certian that was how one eyewitness on the plane told the story.

shakran · 02-19-2004, 08:17 AM

IMHO, the pilot is analogous to the bus driver. I pay him to drive the airplane where I want to go. I don't want his opinion on religion, politics, or for that matter anything that doesn't have to do with aviation. I say, shut up and drive the airplane.

raeanna74 · 02-20-2004, 08:19 AM

He was excited about his previous missions trip but forcing his passengers to be his captive audience was inappropriate. It's fine to talk about your beliefs and offer to tell about your experiences. Religious ferver is a good thing. Pushing it, making other's feel they are a captive audience, especially when you have the control (piloting) over their means of transportation - that is inappropriate. He probably made a number of people who would have listened under other circumstances a bit antagonistic toward listening in the future.

Dilbert1234567 · 02-20-2004, 09:44 AM

i hate asshat bible thumpers, if it was a mutual discustion more power to you, but this is just moronic, dont fire him, make him sit through 3 weeks of sensitivity training.

sprocket · 02-20-2004, 06:17 PM

What horrible judgement on the pilots part. In a post 9/11 world when these kind of religious spoutings coming from the cockpit of an airplane, anyone should be able to see how uneasy it could make the passengers.

smarm · 02-22-2004, 05:02 PM

A religious zealot in control of the airplane, what could go wrong?

02-09-2004, 08:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
taliendo Insane Location: an indelible crawl through the gutters	I think that people talk about faith a lot. Well, at least I do - it bores the shit out of a lot of my friends. When people discuss their faith it has to be in a comfortable environment. People tend to get hot headed and judgmental when in disagreement over religion. It probably would have fetched a hilarious reaction though. Not to jack the thread, but any one see The Big Kahuna? it discusses some very good themes on the subject. __________________ -LIFE IS ABSURD- Last edited by taliendo; 02-09-2004 at 08:15 PM..

02-09-2004, 08:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
Nomad Heathen Location: California	Pilot reportedly promoted Christianity on flight This Pilot (ASSHOLE) should be terminated ... just who the Hell does he think he Is, calling the Non-Christian passengers crazy. CNN The Pilot asked all the passengers that were Christians to raise their hands, and then to look around, and everyone who doesn't have their hand raised is crazy. Video Is 3.91 MB Download link Last edited by bermuDa; 02-09-2004 at 11:30 PM..

02-09-2004, 09:58 PM	#6 (permalink)
bermuDa don't ignore this--> Location: CA	I've talked the subject to death, but i'm always up for a good argument. I do wonder if he really meant atheists when he said "non-christians" though.... o_O __________________ I am the very model of a moderator gentleman.

02-14-2004, 04:41 AM	#10 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	Here we go. Another example of christians pushing their faith down on other people!! That is what pisses me off. These folks just don't understand why everyone isn't a christian and think it is their job to convert everyone. And worst of all, they don't even understand what they believe or why, they just blindly follow what an old ruler (Constantinople) created out of paganism in early christianity. That's why there are so many pagan rituals wrapped in christian ritual.... such as the date of christmas, the yule log, the christmas tree.... and that's just from the christmas holidays. And this dude just did all this for political reason. Check out the history. So, I don't push my opinions on other people - I'd prefer they didn't do this to me! And to christians it's not about spirituality: if you don't believe their way, regardles of what ever religion you do believe, you are going to hell! __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

02-17-2004, 09:17 AM	#12 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	I had heard that the pilot said that those who raised their hands were crazy... Implying that to show your religious affiliation so openly would be deemed crazy. I'm fairly certian that was how one eyewitness on the plane told the story. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

02-09-2004, 08:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
Giltwist Insane Location: Pennsylvania	I must say, even as a somehting which resembles a Christian, I find that inappropriate for two reasons. One, suggested religion at 35,000 feet is more likely to cause panic than anything else, as was mentioned in the article. Two, It gives the passengers no real avenue of escape to be in a cramped space for several hours on end. Imagine being stuck in an elevator with a Jehovah's Witness, and you get the idea. Side note: for all we pick on the Mormon's and teh JW's I must applaud their bravery for being both able and willing to openly discuss their beliefs, most people Can't.

02-13-2004, 06:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
Demonism Upright	there are constantly these crazy ladies on the train in NYC talking about 'PRAISE THE LORD' and 'JESUS IS OUR SAVIOUR' and bullshit like that. and they keep talking, most people just sit quietly. but sometimes someone will get pissed and be like 'SHUT THE FUCK UP ALREADY, STUPID BITCH' and everyone claps

02-14-2004, 01:55 AM	#9 (permalink)
FishKing Tilted	Demonism, I am with you. STFU. If I want to hear about "Jesus is aour saviour", I will go to church. I will say this though, there are no athious in a FOX HOLE. God Bless

02-19-2004, 08:17 AM	#13 (permalink)
shakran Tone.	IMHO, the pilot is analogous to the bus driver. I pay him to drive the airplane where I want to go. I don't want his opinion on religion, politics, or for that matter anything that doesn't have to do with aviation. I say, shut up and drive the airplane.

02-20-2004, 08:19 AM	#14 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	He was excited about his previous missions trip but forcing his passengers to be his captive audience was inappropriate. It's fine to talk about your beliefs and offer to tell about your experiences. Religious ferver is a good thing. Pushing it, making other's feel they are a captive audience, especially when you have the control (piloting) over their means of transportation - that is inappropriate. He probably made a number of people who would have listened under other circumstances a bit antagonistic toward listening in the future. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

02-20-2004, 09:44 AM	#15 (permalink)
Dilbert1234567 Devils Cabana Boy Location: Central Coast CA	i hate asshat bible thumpers, if it was a mutual discustion more power to you, but this is just moronic, dont fire him, make him sit through 3 weeks of sensitivity training. __________________ Donate Blood! "Love is not finding the perfect person, but learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." -Sam Keen

02-20-2004, 06:17 PM	#16 (permalink)
sprocket Psycho Location: In transit	What horrible judgement on the pilots part. In a post 9/11 world when these kind of religious spoutings coming from the cockpit of an airplane, anyone should be able to see how uneasy it could make the passengers. __________________ Remember, wherever you go... there you are.

02-22-2004, 05:02 PM	#17 (permalink)
smarm Insane	A religious zealot in control of the airplane, what could go wrong?