Aug 21st, 2017

The Christian Fighter Pilot is it Possible?

Posted in Aviation News

 

Can someone be a Christian and a fighter pilot? The role of Christians in the military has been debated for years. Of course in Bible times, King David of Israel was known as a valiant warrior even as a boy. It is estimated that he was about 13 years old when he slayed Goliath.

Alvin York has been a classic case study. A devoted Christian, he initialed petitioned to be a conscientious objector during World War I. Later he served, winning the Medal of Honor for his heroics in France in 1918. In fact he was recognized for his bravery by both France and Italy as well. Later an Academy Award winning film was made of his life, starring Gary Cooper.

 

However, what about the year 2017? How do the values of Christianity fit or not fit with the vocation of Christian Fighter pilot? I recently ran across a website dedicated to this question. It is entitled “Christian Fighter Pilot” (http://christianfighterpilot.com/). The site is run by fighter pilot Jonathan Dowty who is an Air Force F-16 pilot and has served around the world.

In addition to the question of the Christian’s fit as a fighter pilot, Christianfighterpilot.com also examines the issues of military religious freedom and Christian service. The site is refreshingly candid. Regardless of your views, I think you will find the website to be very clear on their points and they provide evidence and insight for their positions.

The United States has a long tradition of Christians fighting for freedom and liberty around the world. The Christian Fighter Pilot site chronicles that tradition and points out the importance of protecting religious liberty at home as well — Even as a Christian fighter pilot. The site also contains an excellent recommended book list.  I appreciate all the time and effort devoted by the website’s authors.

3 Responses to “The Christian Fighter Pilot is it Possible?”

  1. Avatar photo

    the destruction of innocent civilian populations began in earnest in ww1 and the aerial premeditated bombing of civilian populations by all armies became horroific in ww2. many officers chose ground warfare over flight crew since they had more control over colleral damage……the sermon on the mount in quite clear,,,,,if you are engaged in warfare that is determined to destroy non combatants,,,,,you are a war criminal and not a christian,,,,or just a convenient christian or a worst case hypocrite…….capeesh?

    Reply
    • Avatar photo
      doctoraviation

      Dear Viet Vet,
      Thank you, you raise some valid issues. In balance, I would say that being a Christian is not determined by our sin (see Ephesians 2:8-9), however, a professing Christian should live in accordance with the Scriptures or legitimate doubt can be cast on the validity of the one confessing to be a Christian. The other point that I would raise is that many fighter strikes are against solely military targets. Having said that, the considerations you raise are indeed valid. In particular in World War II leaders had to consider bombing of civilian populations, Marshall, MacArthur, etc. seriously wrestled with the issue. Everyone must answer for their decisions some day. This is not a matter to be taken likely. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  2. Avatar photo

    i stumbled across tommy lee jones as macarthur,,,,, a ,full and free movie on youtube…called “the emperor”…..a tale,,,,a poem….a song…..but catharitic…of the eternal verities DEATH AND RESURRECTION…..as an epistle of sorts it gives me some peace…..unlike “On the Beach”,,,,,with gregory peck,,,,,that is so stark that it has haunted me since 1958 or so…….

    Reply

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