Episcopal Church Disaster 2011: Titanic Or Apollo 13?
Episcopal Church Disaster 2011: Titanic Or Apollo 13?
By Ladson Mills
Special to Virtueonline
August 18, 2011
By now most have heard the joke that the only difference between The Episcopal Church and the Titanic is they had a better band. I do admit to holding a fascination for disaster stories. This attraction may explain why I love the Episcopal Church so much. How comforting it is to have a new disaster to experience on a weekly basis. It may also explain why I appreciate the story of Apollo 13. It is nice to also know that even the worst disaster can sometimes result in a positive ending. Hope springs eternal.
I find, however, more than just a passing difference between these two events. The Titanic is the story of a culmination of decisions contributing to a culture of institutional arrogance. This ultimately lead to destruction disaster and appalling loss of life; most which might been prevented. Apollo 13 in contrast is about clarity of mission reflected in its ability to problem solve. The result is that decisions were made on the belief that failure was not an option. In spite of this catastrophic event not only were lives not lost, but led to what is recognized as one of NASA's finest hours.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org
By Ladson Mills
Special to Virtueonline
August 18, 2011
By now most have heard the joke that the only difference between The Episcopal Church and the Titanic is they had a better band. I do admit to holding a fascination for disaster stories. This attraction may explain why I love the Episcopal Church so much. How comforting it is to have a new disaster to experience on a weekly basis. It may also explain why I appreciate the story of Apollo 13. It is nice to also know that even the worst disaster can sometimes result in a positive ending. Hope springs eternal.
I find, however, more than just a passing difference between these two events. The Titanic is the story of a culmination of decisions contributing to a culture of institutional arrogance. This ultimately lead to destruction disaster and appalling loss of life; most which might been prevented. Apollo 13 in contrast is about clarity of mission reflected in its ability to problem solve. The result is that decisions were made on the belief that failure was not an option. In spite of this catastrophic event not only were lives not lost, but led to what is recognized as one of NASA's finest hours.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org
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