Sharing the word,
forcing not same
by Allison Adams
reporter

   Forcing beliefs or religion on others by using scare tactics is unquestionably wrong.
   Asking people to publicly display religion is ridiculous.
   Even more ridiculous and invasive is asking others to think about why they are not Christians.
   For most, religion is a matter of personal preference, not of public discussion.
   The American Airlines pilot who asked Christians to raise their hands aboard Flight 34 a couple of weeks ago should be fired immediately.
   First, he used his rank to force his comments on the passengers. When I am on a plane, I listen to the pilot because he is in control of my life. As well, being on an airplane is a little bit confining.
   If one does not agree with what a pilot says, he cannot get up and walk away. There is no place to go. There are even intercoms in the bathrooms.
   Second, the pilot insulted passengers by calling the non-Christians “crazy.”
   I am a Christian, but I do not believe those who are not Christians are insane.
   I am not speaking for God, but I think he cringed at this comment. I believe the Bible says not to pass judgment.
   Third, look at the situation. People were aboard an airplane heading to New York City when the question of religion came up.
   Does this remind us of anything?
   Just the mention of flying brings anxiety to most of us; add a threatening message about religion from the man who holds your life in this hand, and this creates terror.
   Passengers were scared of a 9/11 repeat, rightfully so.
   I believe in freedom of speech, but sometimes it is taken too far.
   The world is full of radical people who will stop at nothing to get a message across. Using fear or one’s position to push beliefs on others is unethical.
   I wonder how many people walked off of that flight a born-again Christian? I would venture to say not one. It appears this pilot did more harm than good.
   The sad thing is we will most likely never know his name or what became of his job because of security reasons. This knowledge is a freedom we do not have.
   This man made a personal threat to a plane full of people. He made others feel uncomfortable and scared. He should not have the privilege of being a pilot anymore.
   American Airlines should fire or demote this man. I am sure there is an opening in the cargo pilot department. At least there, he cannot offend passengers.