Good news for devoted Christian travelers: the days of baggage fees, and bibles lost in transit will soon be relics of a secular past. The non-profit private operator Judah 1, which has already delivered hundreds of missionaries and thousands of pounds of cargo worldwide from its Texas headquarters, has just received FAA approval to become the world's first Christian airline.
"If everything goes as planned we are looking at some time in the summer of 2019," declared founder and CEO Everett Aaron. "This means Judah 1 will have the freedom to transport as many different churches and mission organizations as we can. This is a huge honor and privilege and we give God all the glory!"
Must Follow Christ To Fly
Of course, this isn't just about market differentiation. Aaron is convinced Judah 1 will only make the skies friendlier for some of Christianity's most dedicated. "This is not available for just the general public, you have to be part of a mission team. It will be very competitive with the airlines," he explains.
"About 50 percent of missionaries lose their cargo when it travels via container and that's one of the problems we have. I know some of the trips we have been on ourselves with other missionary groups traveling, they ship their stuff via container and medical supplies and stuff either get tied up in customs, food spoils, some things just gets lost. Even the Bibles. I found out Bibles are one of the largest black market items in the world. People steal Bibles and sell them."
Once approved, the ministry plans to add several Boeing 767s capable of hauling up to 30,000 tons of cargo to their current MD 80 aircraft fleet. Already partnering with groups like Make a Wish Foundation, Wounded Warrior and Kids Against Hunger, Judah 1 hopes to build up its fleet to 20 aircraft over the next five years.
Consequences of Religious Segregation
With Christian cruises and holy travel agents already catering to a faith-focused crowd, perhaps it was only a matter of time before an airline started up, too. But some aren't comfortable with the segmentation of airline passengers on the basis of religion. As a society we're fractured enough as it is, they argue why further exacerbate those divides?
What do you think? How long before non-Christian missionaries denied access on Judah 1 cry foul? And would the reaction to this news be any different if Muslim clerics had decided to launch an Islamic-only airline?
69 comments
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Don
Golly! A new airline hiding its racist, discriminatory and ILLEGAL practices behind their religion. Where oh where have we seen this before?
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John Owens
Nothing racist about it at all, or illegal. It is a specialty airline. Never heard anyone complain about Windjammer Barefoot Cruise Gay Reunion cruises not hauling heterosexuals around.
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Catherine Ohrin-Greipp MSW
Don, you are too funny! Yep, you see it everyday.
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George Harper
Church Bus accidents involving horrible amounts of death are exceedingly common. If this is any prelude to the expectations of this new airline, I think I will take my chances and my time riding a camel. Seems that deaths due to camel accidents are uncommon.
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Carl Elfstrom
When it's time to go, it's time to go. It seems better to make preparations and be ready, than worrying about how it's going to happen, or trying to avoid it. We must take chances in life, if we are going to go any place, or do anything. Fate is inevitable.
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Carl Elfstrom
Don't forget the famous words of The Mamas And The Papas : "You've got to go where you want to go, and do what you want to do, with whoever you want to do it with.
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Lionheart
And John Lennons words: “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans”
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Lionheart
Why am I thinking that Church bus accidents, and Church mass shootings seems to be a typer of oxymoron with what one would assume, and expect, to be safe places to be? One would assume that if there was really a god looking after his flock these things wouldn't happen in these type of places. Unless of course, people are worshipping the wrong god, if there really is one. Amazingly, these events are always explained away by "the faithful" in an attempt to justify their illogical thought process.
I've actually been in that thought process, and it's darned hard to get out of it, for fear of admitting to family and friends that it was a crazy making place to be.
Ah well, food for thought I guess!
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Carl Elfstrom
Still, an immortal cannot chop off another immortal's head on holy ground. Just ask Duncan Mc Loud.
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ET
If their airline is private and paid for with Christian money, why should anyone care? Corporations operate private fleets for their organizations all the time (I imagine). If a public airline were to only cater to Christians, then one could reasonably claim discrimination. We need not trouble ourselves if any group wants to sponsor and pay for their own transportation needs.
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Rev. Rene
Have we not seen this with those nice "Christian" bakers??? So what is different here? By the way, while it is deplorable for people to steal bibles, is it not wonderful there is so much demand that lots of people buy them, wherever they can get them???
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Lionheart
Yes, the Bible is the least read best seller!
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Bills Spirit
The difference between the "Christian baker" and this Christian airline would be "services available to the general public." The baker in question never claimed or stated that their business would only serve Christians. They are open to the general public and refuse to serve gay couples; which is why the discrimination case should have been won in court. On the other hand, the business model for this airline service is not open to the general public. If the article is correct, this airline service was established for the sole purpose of flying Christian missionaries and Christian missionary cargo. It's a niche business model.
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Clayton Andrews
I Agree. My question is, How do they know if you are a Christian? There is no litmus test, no identity cards or do they only carry missionaries?
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Stoodie Baker
If you read the article it says it's not open to the general public and you must be part of a mission team. I am morally opposed to the manifest destiny mentality of mission work, but I fail to see an problems, legal or morally discriminatory with this airlines proposed plan.
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Carl Elfstrom
Most Christians usually have a stupid looking grin on their faces. That's one way of telling.
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Carl Elfstrom
Who said anyone cared about it, man ? We just discuss the topics they give us. Chill out, and smoke an almost legal joint, or something. I'm listening to Led Zeppelin right now. My two CD set of Remasters from Amazon just came in less than an hour ago. Did someone mention a joint. I'll check y'all out in a few hours. I'm going to cloud nine for a while.
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Lea Weisenbach
Actions like this just keeps the wars a fueling..Its just more and more divide instead of bringing people together. Well they maybe able to get away with it by law..But I wonder what they will be hiding now?
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John Owens
Leaflets? Lifestraws? Mosquito netting?
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Carl Elfstrom
Maybe even Jesus ice cream, in a Chik Fil - a.
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Loren
They can fly the dozens headed for the ark encounter.
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Thomas L Williamson
It is amazing! I never thought that the book of Revelation would start coming alive in my generation.
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Carl Elfstrom
Myths only come alive to those who believe in them !
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Carl Elfstrom
I hope the pilot doesn't take his hands off the wheel and raise them up while talking in tongues. Jesus won't fly the plane for him, or will he ? Better safe than sorry. I'll stick with Southwest Airlines. They're about the cheapest and safest. And they make good coffee.
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Lionheart
I agree Carl. Even worse would be if one of the passengers was Benny Hinn tapping other passengers, and the pilots, on the head, or waving his white coat. There’d be no one left that was conscious to fly the plane.
I wonder if that’s what happened to the plane that was lost in the Indian Ocean? Or was it taken up to heaven in some sort of rapture? God knows! (excuse the pun). Religion sure is weird!
I’ll have one of those coffees with you anytime Carl! (w/Cream and 2 sugars please)
Peace!
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Dr. David
The problem would be which heaven the lost aircraft would go to. Would they joust, who knows holy book verses based on book and verse? Whose holy book would they use?
I guess that idea would not work, good idea though.
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Carl Elfstrom
I'll have the same thing, but add a shot of Irish Cream liqueur to mine.
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Carl Elfstrom
It might be a good alternative to drinking kool-aid. They can fly to the comet instead, if their engines are powerful enough. Or will they find themselves lost in space, while listening to To Dream The Impossible Dream over the loud speaker. I'd rather stay down here, and listen to Imagine.
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Morgan S French
This won't last long, when you get picky with who can fly with you then that's less bums in seats, lost potential revenue thus potentially higher ticket prices. Airlines have gone down for less.
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Carl Elfstrom
You could just wait around for cancellations, and fake it 'til you make it. I'm wearing a silver and gold crucifix around my neck right now. Who but a Christian would wear something like that ? Have you heard of buy now pay later catalogs ? So I get more smiles in public. And guess what will get you in the door to a free dinner at a church.
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Thomas L Williamson
The only people complaining, are those who are friends and alies of the anti- Jesus movement and those that reject Christianity and the love of our Father In Heaven. There are many who have invaded our country that desire the elimination of our religious rights. They have pressured our politicians to change, "Freedom of Religion" into the current damnation of "Freedom from Religion." Read you Bible! Jesus warned us and John warned us in the book of Revelation. Also, look in 1 Peter 4:12
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Lionheart
What “love of our Father In Heaven”? Are you talking about that mythical god that is supposed to have drowned every man, woman, and child, on the face of the earth, apart from one family led by a drunkard?
If I’m not mistaken it’s that same mythical “loving” infanticidal God that supposedly killed the first born of all offspring to get one over on Pharaoh. Didn’t he also send plagues? If it was me, I would have dealt with Pharaoh differently, than taking it out on little children. But hey, I’m just a mere mortal.
So, when I hear things like “The love of our father in heaven” I realize how duped most of Christianity is. They obviously haven’t read that fictitional horrific book, full of blood, gore, slavery, and stoning, all approved by your loving god of course.
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Don
Jesus also said to whip slaves (Luke 12:47) and kill nonbelievers (Luke 19:27) - not to mention all the children your god murdered. Try reading the Bible instead of telling others to, as it is obvious you are unaware of the majority of its contents.
Also, freedom of religion IS freedom from religion. Learn what words mean.
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Dr. David
Thomas, once again it is only about Christianity and forcing it down our throats. I don’t believe what you do and I am not part your "our." No one is eliminating your religious rights, it is just buzz words. It is making religious rights stronger for all, not just Christians and that is what Christians scared. I want Freedom from Religion and that is okay except in the eyes of the radical right.
I don’t own a Bible or believe in Jesus and have gotten along just fine. My beliefs are different than yours, yet I am an upstanding person who does right for others, all others, and does not have a need to convince people to follow me.
If God is so powerful why does he need all the believers to spread the word and try to force people to believe it?
Peace to each and everyone of you and may you find solace in your different books of faith.
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Catherine Ohrin-Greipp MSW
Yes, one of my favorite books is by Dan Barker, "God the Most Unpleasant Character in all Fiction." A good read and can be informative for those who thought they knew their bible.
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Thomas L Williamson
It is verified: The Anti-Christ is amoung us.
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Lionheart
It is verified: You have been majorly duped.
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Captain America
Stop trolling individuals for their beliefs. Why is it that you are on every thread causing conflict? The answer is really a simple one....you are an idiot! You will make the excuse of spirited debate but we all know that simple isn't true!
You are the same type of person who instigates wars amongst man or bullies someone from behind the keyboard! No matter your beliefs spreading hate is a disservice to humanity.
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Lionheart
Thank you Captain America for your thoughts. I understand that reason and logic can be very difficult to grasp, I merely point out the obvious in my comments for those who are still willing to reason, and question, their belief structure.
As a person that has gone through recovery from being involved In religion, Christianity in particular, I welcomed thought provoking logic to help me get through it.
You need to understand that there are many people still in recovery from deep indoctrination, and have been deeply scarred. If I can bring a smile, to those still in recovery, I will continue to do so.
I’m sorry you see my comments as hate. That is because if your perspective. I know, I’ve been where you are. It’s not a nice place is it? But trust me, there is hope, and real love, and a better life at the end of the tunnel.
May your life one day be truly blessed with freedom of thought, and freedom from religion.
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Plarp
Well said.
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Linda Happenny
Thank you! I have been bullied here and I only came here to express my thoughts on issues and been attacked. I thought this would be a safe place to talk and learn, but I find it is not. If you can't be civilized than it is on you. There are thousands of us and a few here? Why is that?
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Carl Elfstrom
Personally, I usually don't have an agenda, and haven't in many years. Therefore, I usually have lots of time to minister on this blog., unlike most people who have more responsibilities. Besides that, not a whole lot of people have such a way with words, or the ability to express themselves in writing, like the gross minority of ULC ministers who post comments on this blog. Then too, regardless of how lovely it could be, in all actuality this is not a good place for the overly sensitive, or faint at heart.
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Carl Elfstrom
This blog is a great place to learn patience and tolerance of others, which are both highly spiritual traits. Pleased to meet you. Won't you guess my name.
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LtBil Drat
It's a private business. Just like the cake business, if they claim religious reasons, it's covered.
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Zowie
I'm curious. Do you really think this is a religious rights issue? Somehow I don't. Imagine if a smaller, less established group tried to pull something like this. Let's say for the sake of argument a pagan group tried to do this. (Because my beliefs fall under this umbrella term.) The pagan group refuses service to any and all adherents of the major faiths. Do you still think most people would find it acceptable? Cause I sure don't. Christianity gets a HUGE free pass in this country. It is NEVER questioned, no matter how silly their "beliefs" are. (I use scare quotes on beliefs in this instance, because somehow these Christians' "beliefs" always line up with their personal bigotry, rarely if ever supported by scripture and sometimes even going against it. For example see "pro-life" groups.)
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Carl Elfstrom
I only use the Bible for rolling papers. Other possibly good uses for it would be toilet paper, and doggie dump paper, since newspapers are better read, and then recycled. However, it seems totally absurd to read such nonsense, and I am appalled that anyone would ever make such a suggestion.
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Guy leaving Note
I think at least either the pilot or co-pilot should be a non-christian in case of rapture.
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Bob Anderson
Guy leaving note: That hadn't occurred to me...good point! LOL
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Linda Happenny
I don"t care because I'm not God-centered and I don't fly.
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Carl Elfstrom
I'm glad you know you don't have wings, but right now I'm listening to Stairway To Heaven, and it makes me wonder...just take a toke and pass it down. Your stairway lies on the whisperin' wind. And she's buying a stairway to Heaven. ....whether she thinks so, or not. Blessed be !
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Carl Elfstrom
Keep up the good work, Linda. I love reading your comments on this blog. You're a significant member of our team. And if you feel bullied around here again, let me know, and I'll bully them back for you.
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Linda Happenny
I don't believe in heaven or hell. Toking is out of the question since I have over 29yrs clean. My stairway will take me to go the Otherworld. Whispering Amethyst is my name and I come from under the earth with power of love and healing, Blessed be
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Carl Elfstrom
In all seriousness, I have a 24 year chip in my pocket, and started going to meetings when I was twenty, in 1983. My home group in one program is called G.I.G.N.A., and in the so-called other program it's called the 33rd st. Group. You may also know me by the name Raven Apollo. Hang in there, and keep the Faith. Blessed be !
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Bill Fox
This falls into the "I don't care" category. I don't have to use the airline if I don't want to. Sadly, the religious affiliation is often (I don't know that this is the case here) used to attract paying business. Why not make it free for Christians and everyone else has to pay?
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Gerardo
It takes an inordinate amount of money to run an airline and an even bigger amount to make it profitable. I understand the noble ideals involved around this project but if you start to segregate soon you will realise that there are really not many people with pockets deep enough to finance missionary trips and wether there is revenue or not the big jets’ monthly payments have to be covered along with both flight and ground crew fees, insurance, fuel and apron space. I wish you the best of lucks but honestly do not believe in your survival.
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Carl Elfstrom
Why not just wait around the airport for cancellations ?
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Allen
This is quite incredible in so many ways. First of all Church Christians do not follow the Messiah, they follow anything that Paul wrote which opposes the Messiah So many times. Thirty X I've counted. Like the questions asked, how could they know if one followed the Messiah or Paul? Just pointing out that Muslims have endlessly pushed their Sharia law over Yahuah's instructions for Pure worship, Church Christians are so afraid of sharia law, but are more afraid of complying with YHWH's instructions for eternal life. Say one thing do another, reminds me of Nancy Pelosi hiding behind all of her walls. I approve of this particular Airline doing what it's doing. Shalom, Allen
As they say, “They give God all the glory”.....until that is, when a plane crashes killing all on board. Then they’ll be asking for your thoughts and prayers, which as we all know, does absolutely nothing.
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Doesn't cost anything, though.
You might try creative visualization techniques, while meditating in theta, while listening to a bi - naural beat frequency CD. Then tell me prayer doesn't work. Things only work when done the right way. Ignorance is no excuse.
Wow Carl. It sounds quite complicated, but could this be the answer to all of life’s ills. Do you know if this technique has been offered to those laying ill in hospital, especially children dying of cancer?
This could be the answer to the ever increasing cost of medical insurance. There’s a Nobel Peace prize waiting for something like this. I look forward to hearing about its success, on the national news, very soon.
In the meantime, do you think this “theta” thing might work for my worsening hair loss? ?
If it does, Lionheart, let me know. I've been bald for many years. If it doesn't, you might try the Hair Club For Men, or even Minoxodil. Good luck !
I was just making a suggestion. You don't have to get all huffy and puffy about it. It's just something I read about. I'd like to know if it works, too. So try it and tell me, Lionheart. I'm getting tired of rubbing this lamp, waiting for a genie to appear. Well, it happened to Tony Nelson. I've got the first season on DVD. It's like, if one thing doesn't work, try something else. Just don't give up hoping for something better. I heard that someplace, too. It seemed to fit in good where I put it. Like quoting the song No More Tears, and Go for the gusto ! Cheers !
Trust me Carl, I'm not getting all huffy and puffy. Many of my comments are tongue-in-cheek remarks and are meant to be read as being light hearted.
Peace! Let's have a coffee ☕️
I'm exactly the same way, Lionheart, and retract that comment. I don't always see myself clearly in others, until it is pointed out. Thankyou, sir.
There was a man that proved he could rid cancer with certain notes in music....this was back in the 50's but of course this was suppressed. I have heard to watch out for the 5G network now coming out can alter our cells? Protect yourself with copper and magnets? Sound is certainly a healer and destroyer!
Prayer not work? You are just as accurate as if I said "prayer works". There are copious reasons why prayer not appear to work in a myriad of cases. Love helps those who are in tune & help them selves. IE ---- > This is one... I Sent You a Rowboat ... A very religious man was once caught in rising floodwaters. He climbed onto the roof of his house and trusted God to rescue him. A neighbour came by in a canoe and said, “The waters will soon be above your house. Hop in and we’ll paddle to safety.” “No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me” A short time later the police came by in a boat. “The waters will soon be above your house. Hop in and we’ll take you to safety.” “No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me” A little time later a rescue services helicopter hovered overhead, let down a rope ladder and said. “The waters will soon be above your house. Climb the ladder and we’ll fly you to safety.” “No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me” All this time the floodwaters continued to rise, until soon they reached above the roof and the religious man drowned. When he arrived at heaven he demanded an audience with God. Ushered into God’s throne room he said, “Lord, why am I here in heaven? I prayed for you to save me, I trusted you to save me from that flood.” “Yes you did my child” replied the Lord. “And I sent you a canoe, a boat and a helicopter. But you never got in.” Prayer DOES work. There is a reason if prayer not work.
I’ve heard that story many times before. I’m just wondering how that silly analogy works with all the prayers that weren’t heard by the 6 million Jews who died during the holocaust. And how that works today with the many little children whose bones are only encased in thin flesh starving in Africa and elsewhere.
But I will grant you that god does seem to answer prayers when I see soccer players cross themselves and look up to the sky when they enter the game, and they go on to score a goal.
I’m wondering if your god has got his priorities all wrong, what do you think?
By the way, my soccer team in England isn’t doing too well, so if you could send a request to your god to help them along, I’d very much appreciate it. He obviously loves soccer. I’ll let you know if it worked.