Air France flight 447 (an Air Bus 330) crashed off the coast of Brazil en-route to Paris on June 1 with the tragic loss of 228 lives.  This again raises questions about structural integrity of light-weight composite materials in new aircraft designs. 

Pilots, mechanics and engineers have been concerned about the aircraft vertical fin assembly and composite material surfaces.

Another issue is the political and economic ramifications that are at stake with the French subsidized Air Bus.  The attractive lease rates that Air Bus offers has put pressure on the U.S. aircraft industry.

The primary investigation of this recent crash is led by the French government and the initial reports indicate the possibility of lightning strikes and air data sensor failures that may have lead to the tragedy. But further investigation cast doubt that these reasons alone could have brought the aircraft down.
     

We now know the rudder was found some forty miles from a major debris area. This makes it seem likely that the aircraft experienced a catastrophic breakup at high altitude.  If the cause of the crash is attributed to an airframe and structural failure as the primary cause it can have far reaching effects and bring into question the airplanes that are certified to fly in U.S. airspace.
  
Proven material and certified parts provide aircraft structural integrity and the basis for air-worthiness.  If an aircraft is not air worthy it cannot fulfill the purpose for which it was built. 

In a likewise analogy, our postmodern culture threatens the structural integrity of God ordained morals and values. 

If our structural integrity and family values are called into question we cannot be the beacon of light that God needs us to be in this age of darkness.

The fabric of the church must not be weakened.  It is our responsibility to protect family values, the precious gift of unborn infants, the education of our youth, and the preaching of God’s Word.  These are the historical stabilizers of civilized life.

There are those who wish to remove the stabilizing “tail fin” of the church and remake the church with “composite” materials of this postmodern world.  This cannot be an option for the Church.  God is calling his people to their knees if He is to demonstrate His mighty power.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Prayer:  Lord, teach us to fervently pray.  Amen.