Photo and Commentary ©2024 by Robert Howson
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Blame it on freedom of religion, blame it on tolerance, or blame it on apathy; whatever the reason, I find it almost impossible to imagine a sign such as this showing up on the reader board of an American airline. We were just getting ready for takeoff on an international flight aboard a plane from Qatar when the sign appeared on the screen. We, of course, recognized Qatar as a strongly Islamic nation whose many followers customarily bow toward Mecca as they offer their prayers. Out of concern for the safely of the other passengers, the airline encouraged the devout believers to remain seated. I suppose one could hypocritically belittle them for this compromise with modernity, but that’s not the weakness I’d like to focus upon. Instead, let’s consider our own personal and collective shortcomings.
It would be easy to excuse ourselves by suggesting bowing with our face to the ground is a cultural ritual, something most Westerners haven’t adopted. Perhaps that’s true, but I suspect it goes deeper than that. What if one of our own national airlines, out of concern for the safety of its passengers, elected to flash a sign reading: FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL PASSENGERS, PLEASE PRAY BEFORE TAKEOFF? My guess is the FAA would immediately be contacted over fear the plane hadn’t successfully passed its required two day checkup.
I suppose a few atheists might take personal offense, but that wouldn’t be the cause for concern from most of the passengers. Our freedom of religion should be valued, for if it isn’t freely given, then it can’t be genuine. Still, we shouldn’t let our passiveness become so diluted that it degenerates into apathy. I want that plane I’m on to pass every inspection detail imaginable. I want the pilot and the rest of the crew to be at the top of their game. But even more, wouldn’t it be great if all those on board wanted the hands of the One who created each one of them to have His hands wrapped around them?