Pilot suggested passengers discuss Christianity during LA-to-New York flight

SFGate.com ^ | 2/7/04 | AP

[CoolGuyVic]

An American Airlines pilot flying passengers from Los Angeles to New York asked Christians on board to identify themselves and then suggested that non-Christian passengers discuss the faith with them, the airline confirmed Saturday.

The pilot, whose identity was not released, had been making flight announcements before he asked that the Christians on board raise their hands, said American Airlines spokesman Tim Wagner.

[Lunatic Fringe]

Shut up and fly the plane...

Discussing religion in public is rude.

[ClintonBeGone]

Discussing religion in public is rude.

I'll be damned if God is going to ride in the back of your bus or anyone else's.

[DC native]

Yikes, I would be afraid the pilot was a terrorist asking his most hated victims to identify ourselves so his friends could cut our throats.

[Sunshine Sister]

Okay......so I guess it's not okay for a private citizen to talk about Christianity? Does the government own the airlines? What about this is deserving of an investigation?

[CoolGuyVic]

"Discussing religion in public is rude."

Its more than just rude.

Religion and planes do not mix.

[GeronL]

Anything that happens to him is up to airline, not the government.

[Double Tap]

Probably because some of the passengers complained, rightly so.

The first time some pilot announces over the PA that the passengers should "discuss" religion, I'm getting off of that plane ASAP. Even if I have to get arrested to do it.

[Modernman]

Okay......so I guess it's not okay for a private citizen to talk about Christianity? Does the government own the airlines? What about this is deserving of an investigation?

Forcing a captive audience to listen to your religious views like that is pretty rude.

The government is not investigating this- it's the airline.

[the invisib1e hand]

I will never forget flying from NYC to Florida on 9/6/01, for the obvious reason, and also for the monologue we had to endure from the male stewardess.

As we passed over the Capitol District, the attendant regaled us with a revisionist history which can basically be summed up with this: all good things are from the Democrats. It was really sickening.

It's probably better to not proselytize a captive audience if it's unsolicited.

[hope]

I suppose sharing a faith based on love, mercy and forgiveness can be a horrible thing to some people...When will it be outlawed?

[Prodigal Son]

Forcing a captive audience to listen to your religious views like that is pretty rude.

Aye. It is.

Plus can you imagine trying to enjoy your flight if lots of people took him up on his suggestion? 'Brother, I notice you didn't raise your hand when the pilot asked who was a Christian- would you like to hear my testimony?' Or, 'The Holy Koran says...'

It's not what I want on a flight.

[quantim]

Yikes, I would be afraid the pilot was a terrorist asking his most hated victims to identify ourselves so his friends could cut our throats

I thought the opposite - maybe the pilot got a tip a batch of al-Qaeda nutcases were scouting the flight...

[Doe Eyes]

I suppose sharing a faith based on love, mercy and forgiveness can be a horrible thing to some people.

What do you believe happens to those who do not share your faith?

[sinkspur]

I'll be damned if God is going to ride in the back of your bus or anyone else's.

He's not in the bus.

How would you feel about a Jewish pilot asking all the Jewish passengers to identify themselves, then proselytize about Judaism?

Captain, fly the plane. Don't sell me Amway, vitamin supplements, or your version of God.

[RightWingMama]

Religion and planes do not mix.

You're obviously not a white knuckle passenger.

[Bogey78O]

Yea, once I went out to buy a new office chair and the guy salesperson helping me get it down decided to talk to me about how bad Bush is acting. I don't mind talking about politics but when I'm trying to buy something let's keep it professional.

[Consort]

Maybe his agenda is to get it into the courts so that discussions about religion on public transportation can be officially banned. Sneaky but effective?

[Dave S]

I'll be damned if God is going to ride in the back of your bus or anyone else's.<P. He will if its someone elses airline.

[Modernman]

It's not what I want on a flight.

Nobody on that flight paid for a Sunday school class. I don't think it's anyone's business to be asking me about my personal religious beliefs. Especially someone who should be focusing on flying the damn plane.