I’m Back, Did You Miss Me? Appropriateness of Singing I am a Child of God

[Johnnie Cake]

I fly quite often and have been overseas on work related issues…which in part explains my absence from MD&D and also the fact that I just needed to take a break from posting on MD&D.

So last night my return flight from San Francisco International was an experience for the ages.  It was a relatively uneventful flight until it came time for us to land in SLC.  Due to unusual weather conditions, the pilot warned us that we were going to experience some turbulence.  Boy was that an understatement.  In all my years of flying, I can only remember one other flight where conditions were this extreme.  Let me just say it was white knuckle time.

As we approached the airport…the turbulence was so server that people were literally screaming out in panic and fear.  I could hear some passengers screaming out in vocal prayers to their God to save them, while others were trying to send last messages of love to kinfolk.

As an experienced airline passenger I tried to take all of this in stride, but I must admit that the experience had even me thinking that maybe, just maybe this was it…but under pinning this was the knowledge that planes are specifically built to withstand this kind of extreme stress to wings and plane so countering my concerns was the knowledge that we would be ok…and I put my trust in the planes design and the experience of those piloting the plane to get us safely on the ground. 

As we made our first attempt at landing…the violent turbulence was so bad that the attempt was aborted…the captain wisely accelerated the plane for another try.  We circled the Salt Lake Valley for a second and then a third and final attempt which the captain explained if unsuccessful we would then be diverted to another airport.

It was during this last attempt that the turbulence seemed to be particularly sever and the mood on the plane seemed dire. Fear spread throughout the plane from outright panic as passengers realized the uncontrollable precarious nature of our situation.  I could hear audible cries from many passengers and saw uncontrollable tears of fear on many a passenger. As we made our last approach, amid the turbulence and panic there could be heard a single soft voice over the audible screams and cries, a lone sister missionary returning from her missionary service…began to sing out loud…”I am a Child of God” others began to join in…as a clam over took those who had only moments before failed to confront their fears.

While being a non-believer I must admit that it did kind of trigger my gag reflex…for the believers it did seem to calm them down.

While there were no religious surveys taken either before or after the flight…and speaking only from my biased anecdotal take on the event, believers fear death just like everyone else…and speaking only for myself…seemed to fear it more than this secular non believer who recognized that no power from earth or heaven was going to tide the events as they played out.  That with or without a God…that plane was either going to land safely or succumb to the powers of nature and crash and that there was not a single thing any of us could have done to alter that course. The events would play out just like anyone of the millions and billions of random events play out in the lives of human beings in any given day…just as they always do.

Edited April 14, 2017 by Johnnie Cake

[thesometimesaint]

With every breath we are calling out "I want to live".

[JulieM]

17 minutes ago, Johnnie Cake said:

I fly quite often and have been overseas on work related issues…which in part explains my absence from MD&D and also the fact that I just needed to take a break from posting on MD&D.

So last night my return flight from San Francisco International was an experience for the ages.  It was a relatively uneventful flight until it came time for us to land in SLC.  Due to unusual weather conditions, the pilot warned us that we were going to experience some turbulence.  Boy was that an understatement.  In all my years of flying, I can only remember one other flight where conditions were this extreme.  Let me just say it was white knuckle time.

As we approached the airport…the turbulence was so server that people were literally screaming out in panic and fear.  I could hear some passengers screaming out in vocal prayers to their God to save them, while others were trying to send last messages of love to kinfolk.

As an experienced airline passenger I tried to take all of this in stride, but I must admit that the experience had even me thinking that maybe, just maybe this was it…but under pinning this was the knowledge that planes are specifically built to withstand this kind of extreme stress to wings and plane so countering my concerns was the knowledge that we would be ok…and I put my trust in the planes design and the experience of those piloting the plane to get us safely on the ground. 

As we made our first attempt at landing…the violent turbulence was so bad that the attempt was aborted…the captain wisely accelerated the plane for another try.  We circled the Salt Lake Valley for a second and then a third and final attempt which the captain explained if unsuccessful we would then be diverted to another airport.

It was during this last attempt that the turbulence seemed to be particularly sever and the mood on the plane seemed dire. Fear spread throughout the plane from outright panic as passengers realized the uncontrollable precarious nature of our situation.  I could hear audible cries from many passengers and saw uncontrollable tears of fear on many a passenger. As we made our last approach, amid the turbulence and panic there could be heard a single soft voice over the audible screams and cries, a lone sister missionary returning from her missionary service…began to sing out loud…”I am a Child of God” others began to join in…as a clam over took those who had only moments before failed to confront their fears.

While being a non-believer I must admit that it did kind of trigger my gag reflex…for the believers it did seem to calm them down.

While there were no religious surveys taken either before or after the flight…and speaking only from my biased anecdotal take on the event, believers fear death just like everyone else…and speaking only for myself…seemed to fear it more than this secular non believer who recognized that no power from earth or heaven was going to tide the events as they played out.  That with or without a God…that plane was either going to land safely or succumb to the powers of nature and crash and that there was not a single thing any of us could have done to alter that course. The events would play out just like anyone of the millions and billions of random events play out in the lives of human beings in any given day…just as they always do.

Wow!  Sounds terrifying.  I guess if some found comfort in singing a song that is dear to many, that makes sense.  I also understand your thoughts on it too though.

As to your question about being missed....you do liven things up around here, so yes, you were missed (IMO).  Things are a lot more interesting with you participating! I'm waiting though for someone to post a "you were gone?" post.  Wonder who will be the first?  

Edited April 14, 2017 by JulieM

[Ahab]

I won't be fearing death when it is my time to go but I will be hoping it will be over with soon rather than being a long, stressful, painful or aggravating experience.

Even if I'm being teleported/ transfigured/ translated in the wink of an eye I will be wanting to wink my eye very quickly.

 

[JLHPROF]

Glad to have you back!  (And safely).
You reminded me of this news story from a couple of years back - http://myfox8.com/2015/06/04/teen-girls-survive-in-frigid-utah-waters-for-3-hours-by-singing-church-songs/

Those who are afraid for their life find comfort in prayers and hymns.  It's perfectly natural.  Also believers fearing death is natural.
I am not afraid of death, but I am afraid of both the suffering and the transition.  I am just not afraid of what comes after.

29 minutes ago, Johnnie Cake said:

 That with or without a God…that plane was either going to land safely or succumb to the powers of nature and crash and that there was not a single thing any of us could have done to alter that course. The events would play out just like anyone of the millions and billions of random events play out in the lives of human beings in any given day…just as they always do.

You have no way of knowing that.  Miracles are recorded every day.  Some explain them away and some accept them as the miracles they are.

Was your objection to the exercise of faith to find comfort simply because you didn't share that faith and it was done publicly?  Or because you didn't think it made much difference.
There may or may not be atheists in foxholes.  But there are far fewer of them there than in the safe places.
 

Edited April 14, 2017 by JLHPROF

[SteveO]

32 minutes ago, Johnnie Cake said:

 I put my trust in the planes design and the experience of those piloting the plane to get us safely on the ground. 

You think those pilots said a prayer?

[rodheadlee]

Sissies.

[Johnnie Cake]

19 minutes ago, JLHPROF said:

Glad to have you back!  (And safely).
You reminded me of this news story from a couple of years back - http://myfox8.com/2015/06/04/teen-girls-survive-in-frigid-utah-waters-for-3-hours-by-singing-church-songs/

Those who are afraid for their life find comfort in prayers and hymns.  It's perfectly natural.  Also believers fearing death is natural.
I am not afraid of death, but I am afraid of both the suffering and the transition.  I am just not afraid of what comes after.

You have no way of knowing that.  Miracles are recorded every day.  Some explain them away and some accept them as the miracles they are.

Was your objection to the exercise of faith to find comfort simply because you didn't share that faith and it was done publicly?  Or because you didn't think it made much difference.
There may or may not be atheists in foxholes.  But there are far fewer of them there than in the safe places.
 

I don't believe in magic, miracles or special super powers for healing the sick.  Life is what it is...natural, unpredictable and very random...and certainly not fair in how it pares out life's harsh realities...prayers not withstanding. 

[JLHPROF]

8 minutes ago, Johnnie Cake said:

I don't believe in magic, miracles or special super powers for healing the sick.  Life is what it is...natural, unpredictable and very random...and certainly not fair in how it pares out life's harsh realities...prayers not withstanding.

I understand that.
Other people do believe.
So is it the public actions during a time of crisis of those who do believe that " trigger your gag reflex"?
We all take comfort in something.  You apparently take comfort in the randomness of the universe.  Perhaps the idea that there is a plan behind the harsh events of life is discomforting to you.  The idea that there isn't is discomforting to many.
Personally, if I knew for a certainty that this life was it, there was not God, and we just live and die, I'd probably have offed myself in my twenties when I had nothing to live for other than hope in God.
 

Edited April 14, 2017 by JLHPROF

[Ahab]

1 hour ago, Johnnie Cake said:

As we made our last approach, amid the turbulence and panic there could be heard a single soft voice over the audible screams and cries, a lone sister missionary returning from her missionary service…began to sing out loud…”I am a Child of God” others began to join in…as a clam over took those who had only moments before failed to confront their fears.

Wouldn't have been my top choice, but, okay.

Did you/they sing any other songs?

Kumbaya, maybe?

I would have promoted a singing competition with some big red X's.

[HappyJackWagon]

Welcome back. Thanks for sharing. I've never had an experience remotely close to that but I can imagine the fear on board. If I were to guess, I'd say that there may have been a snowball of emotion that intensified as the experience played out, and as one person screamed out in fear, and then another, it actually increased the fear causing more to cry out. It's all very natural but very interesting.

Even as a TBM I think I would have been annoyed at the "spontaneous" singing. It's kind of one of those events of lore where everyone is supposedly moved upon by the spirit at the same time to sing. I think it's more likely that one person begins because it brings comfort and then others join in. I'm glad it brings them comfort. I'm the type that would have held tight to the arm rest and never uttered a sound.

[Jeanne]

Glad you're okay JC....I missed you!

[pogi]

2 hours ago, Johnnie Cake said:

The events would play out just like anyone of the millions and billions of random events play out in the lives of human beings in any given day…just as they always do.

I'm not sure how that thought brings comfort to the nonbeliever who is knowingly approaching their entry into the eternal nonexistence and separation from loved ones.  

I think the intriguing point about this is that the believers had somewhere to turn for peace.  As soon as they were able to fix their attention on their eternal identity, their fears subsided.  It was not their faith that God would save them from crashing that calmed their nerves, it was their ability to embrace death as another step in life.  It was their faith that they are eternal children of God that brought them calm.  

Your story reminds me very much of this wonderful video:

P.S. Glad to hear that you are safe and back for more.

 

Edited April 14, 2017 by pogi

[cinepro]

On 4/14/2017 at 10:54 AM, Johnnie Cake said:

I fly quite often and have been overseas on work related issues…which in part explains my absence from MD&D and also the fact that I just needed to take a break from posting on MD&D.

So last night my return flight from San Francisco International was an experience for the ages.  It was a relatively uneventful flight until it came time for us to land in SLC.  Due to unusual weather conditions, the pilot warned us that we were going to experience some turbulence.  Boy was that an understatement.  In all my years of flying, I can only remember one other flight where conditions were this extreme.  Let me just say it was white knuckle time.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

While there were no religious surveys taken either before or after the flight…and speaking only from my biased anecdotal take on the event, believers fear death just like everyone else…and speaking only for myself…seemed to fear it more than this secular non believer who recognized that no power from earth or heaven was going to tide the events as they played out.  That with or without a God…that plane was either going to land safely or succumb to the powers of nature and crash and that there was not a single thing any of us could have done to alter that course. The events would play out just like anyone of the millions and billions of random events play out in the lives of human beings in any given day…just as they always do.

 

At the very least, your experience shows you what religion can do.  Even if people weren't expecting God to intervene, their beliefs could give them a little peace and comfort that whatever happened, it was somehow His will.  That peace and comfort is real.   

As long as the pilots aren't throwing up their hands and saying "Jesus take the Wheel", it can't hurt.

Until they figured out they had a Jonah in their midst and throw you out the emergency hatch, of course.

Edited April 15, 2017 by cinepro

[Tacenda]

I would have passed out before any singing happened. Glad you're okay JC!

[bluebell]

2 hours ago, Johnnie Cake said:

I don't believe in magic, miracles or special super powers for healing the sick.  Life is what it is...natural, unpredictable and very random...and certainly not fair in how it pares out life's harsh realities...prayers not withstanding. 

That's fine, but why would someone exercises their differing beliefs make you gag?

Isn't that a little extreme and intolerant?

[Ahab]

18 minutes ago, bluebell said:

That's fine, but why would someone exercises their differing beliefs make you gag?

Isn't that a little extreme and intolerant?

Yeah. This is Johnnie Cake, ya know.

[BlueDreams]

4 hours ago, Johnnie Cake said:

While being a non-believer I must admit that it did kind of trigger my gag reflex…for the believers it did seem to calm them down.

Well then, you're gag reflex probably need some readjusting. 

Even on a secular level, your observation of how a song calmed people's emotional responses has validity and purpose. I just finish reading (sort of, it was audio) a book called "The Body Keeps the Score." It's all about the treatment of trauma. In one of the chapters it talked about the power of mantra, song, and patterned rhythm/movement to help with overwhelming or trauma related events. They used the example of the South African reconciliation courts. When the experiences became overwhelming, they would break into (local religious) song to ease the experience, calm participants, and continue on through the trauma event.

It would make sense that it would need to be a song or experience already associated with something calming, meditative, or to a higher purpose to really work. A song from the Lion King wouldn't probably work as well as something that ties them to community, attachment, and safety. I'm a Child of God brings back safer childhood memories, a sense of being tied to something greater than that moment, and is generally soothing.

Honestly, it seems too reactive to pull out gag-reflexes for something that genuinely can have benefits....even if it doesn't work specifically for you.

 

With luv,

BD  

Edited April 14, 2017 by BlueDreams

[Meadowchik]

24 minutes ago, bluebell said:

That's fine, but why would someone exercises their differing beliefs make you gag?

Isn't that a little extreme and intolerant?

A gag reflex tends to be an involuntary response. What I understood is a description of a feeling, not any voluntary reaction. It just is.

[pogi]

22 minutes ago, bluebell said:

That's fine, but why would someone exercises their differing beliefs make you gag?

Isn't that a little extreme and intolerant?

What better way to spend your last minutes then gagging in antipathy of religious expression?

[Ahab]

3 minutes ago, pogi said:

What better way to spend your last minutes then gagging in antipathy of religious expression?

I need to learn how to attach pictures to posts on this board.

A cat gagging on a hairball. Imagine that.

[BlueDreams]

15 minutes ago, Meadowchik said:

A gag reflex tends to be an involuntary response. What I understood is a description of a feeling, not any voluntary reaction. It just is.

I usually save my gag reflex for things like blow-out diapers, skunk smell, bullying people, and other nauctious things. You know, things that are gag worthy. Not childhood religious songs. Or any people's earnest moments of prayer or faith, whether of my religion or not. 

 

Something's wrong IMHO if I start acting that reactively to something that innocuous.

 

With luv,

BD 

 

Edited April 14, 2017 by BlueDreams

[Ahab]

Yes we all know something is wrong with Johnnie Cake, and yet we love him anyway.

Come here, Johnnie Cake.

I have a hairball for you.

[Tacenda]

He could have used a better expression than that, but I would probably react the same way, with that song. Because not everyone has parents that the song portrays. But I give the missionaries credit for trying, they probably didn't have time to deliberate on what song to come up with.

[Ahab]

11 minutes ago, Tacenda said:

He could have used a better expression than that, but I would probably react the same way, with that song. Because not everyone has parents that the song portrays. But I give the missionaries credit for trying, they probably didn't have time to deliberate on what song to come up with.

Kumbaya. Most people know the words to that one.

Or maybe even Row Row Row Your Boat.

Laughter would also be good medicine.

Someone could have pretended to ride a bronco or bull in a rodeo.

Edited April 14, 2017 by Ahab