Maybe I should change my mind...

[Barry Shnikov]

...about religion.

This is just too ridiculously, entertainingly bonkers!

"Claim: Airlines will not pair Christian pilots and co-pilots out of fear that the Rapture will snatch away both crewmembers capable of landing the flight.

Status: False.

Examples collected on the internet:

I just heard for the third time in as many years that some airlines will not put a whole flight crew of "Christian believers" in the same plane, just in case the "rapture theory" is true.

I guess the thought is that the plane would be left unmanned and crash into whatever and kill thousands (like 9/11) if the rapture theory turns out to be correct Bible doctrine.

I was raised a Southern Baptist and twice now a preacher has made reference to airlines pairing their pilots with one Christian (or saved)and one non-Christian (or un-saved). This is done on the pre-text that if and when the 2nd coming of Christ happens and the one Christian pilot is taken into the clouds with Christ, leaving the non-Christian pilot to supposedly land the plane safely alone. One preacher specifically mentioned American Airlines as having this policy.

{snip}
Rapture believers envision a time when the faithful will be abruptly swept into the safety and calm of Heaven, even as their less stalwart human brethren live on to battle great evil and suffering that will culminate in the end of the world. Part of that envisioning process is imagining not just the nightmare of the post-Rapture earthly existence their faith will spare them from knowing, but also the immediate effect their departure will have on those fated to remain behind. From this visualization springs the belief about airline or FAA regulations restricting Christian flight crews from serving together lest the Rapture snatch away everyone who can keep a plane in the air. Because those who accept the Rapture as an article of faith plan their lives with this event in mind, they project others must be doing so as well. The presumption is further fueled by Rev. Tim LaHaye's and Jerry Jenkins' Left Behind series of novels, in the first of which Pan-Continental Airlines' Capt. Rayford Steele weathers the disappearance of many of his passengers during an overnight flight to England."

Captain Rayford Steele? (and I don't often use that smiley)

Ahhhh dear. (wipes tears from eyes)

[Dreadful Scathe]

the evidence is overwhelming

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally Posted by Dreadful Scathe

{snip gratuitous jibe}

Isn't it too delicious?

"This is your Chief Steward speaking. Please don't panic, but are there any pilots on board? It seems that the ones who were flying the plane have gone to join gentle Jesus meek and mild without sorting out a replacement..."

[Barry Shnikov]

I just wanted to bring this thread to the first page because I can't believe people have no response to this!

Isn't it funny?

Or funny but not funny enough to say anything about?

Oh well...I laughed

[Trouble]

i actually find it quite scary. Do we not think the world is becoming an absolute disaster zone. When the likes of Jade Goody can cause this much response and the likes of these little issues coming up more and more... i find it far from funny... sorry x

[Dreadful Scathe]

Originally Posted by Trouble

i actually find it quite scary. Do we not think the world is becoming an absolute disaster zone. When the likes of Jade Goody can cause this much response and the likes of these little issues coming up more and more... i find it far from funny... sorry x

well not funny "haha" more funny "runforthehilllls"

[Trouble]

Originally Posted by Dreadful Scathe

well not funny "haha" more funny "runforthehilllls"

[Barry Shnikov]

Sorry for bumping the thread, by the way. Got a stern warning that it's against the rules.

It is terrifying that there are people who believe it because you never know when one of them may be in a position to make disastrous decisions based on this nonsense.

But the nonsense itself is as entertaining as can be. I can't wait to get my hands on one of these 'Left Behind' books. I confidently expect the story telling abilities of Barbara Cartland, the literary skills of Tom Clancy and the wit of Gordon Brown.

What if Jesus happens to 'call' while you are - um - on the job? Do you go in flagrante delicto? What if your partner isn't invited? Could be awkward, not to say painful. car drivers, motorcycle riders - I mean, do you have to get cars with cruise control in case you are taken from the driving seat of your Grand Cherokee?

It's priceless.

[under par]

Originally Posted by Barry Shnikov

Sorry for bumping the thread, by the way. Got a stern warning that it's against the rules.

I

It's priceless.

Congratulations on your 2000th post lets hope its not your last...

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally Posted by under par

Congratulations on your 2000th post lets hope its not your last...

Gosh. Shucks. I didn't even notice, y'all.

[Dreadful Scathe]

Originally Posted by Barry Shnikov

Could be awkward, not to say painful. car drivers, motorcycle riders - I mean, do you have to get cars with cruise control in case you are taken from the driving seat of your Grand Cherokee?

Don't be so ridiculous. So your car plows through a playground after you ascend to heaven ? big deal - only the evil children who didn't experience the rapture are going to be there. Yet again your disregard for logic shows you up to be a lover of turnips, or something equally insulting and clever.

[David Bailey]

Originally Posted by Dreadful Scathe

Don't be so ridiculous. So your car plows through a playground after you ascend to heaven ? big deal - only the evil children who didn't experience the rapture are going to be there.

Good point. And if they're going to have to struggle through 7 years of hell and be damned anyway, why should we care?

(Obviously I'm hoping to be in the "we" category )

[Dreadful Scathe]

Originally Posted by DavidJames

Good point. And if they're going to have to struggle through 7 years of hell and be damned anyway, why should we care?

(Obviously I'm hoping to be in the "we" category )

only 7 ? doesn't seem too bad are these dog years or human years ?

[David Bailey]

Originally Posted by Dreadful Scathe

only 7 ? doesn't seem too bad are these dog years or human years ?

No, it's 7 years of "hell" then an eternity of "Hell". The caps are important, respect the caps.

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally Posted by Dreadful Scathe

Don't be so ridiculous. So your car plows through a playground after you ascend to heaven ? big deal - only the evil children who didn't experience the rapture are going to be there. Yet again your disregard for logic shows you up to be a lover of turnips, or something equally insulting and clever.

Gosh, that's harsh. Just because you think you are Chosen doesn't mean you don't care about the ones 'Left behind'. We can't all be perfect.

[Dreadful Scathe]

If you thought that was bonkers - what about this. They have TV and Cars and stuff there you know, but clearly their education is lacking somewhat