A List of Apologies from the Catholic Church - Christopher Hitchens | Intelligence Squared

Back in 2009, the late Christopher Hitchens joined Intelligence Squared to debate whether or not the Catholic Church is truly a force for good in our world.
See the full session here: • The Catholic Church is...
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[@donna30044]

The religious community asks, "How can one be moral without religion?', while the real question is, "Why is religion needed by a moral person?"

[@adamc1966]

👍👍

[@swiitchy511]

Only the threat of burning forever is enough for people to act right lol

[@glenhowell6909]

Moral by whose standards?

[@MarkusUbl]

​@@glenhowell6909 humans.

[@donna30044]

@@glenhowell6909 Good question. The point, however, that Hitchens is making here (and in other of his statements throughout his life) is that, throughout history, religions have been shown to have a very poor record on morality by creating and codifying moral frameworks that allow and encourage destructive and oppressive behaviors. To more directly answer your question, though, it would seem better and more rational that a just system of morality should be unfettered by superstition and manipulative dogma predicated on superstition.

[@luckylychee9]

His courage to stand up and say what he thinks so directly and without hesitation is admirable. Many people, even those of a strong atheistic view like myself, would stumble and faulter when stood in front of so many members of public and highly religious people. But Hitchens never minces his words, nor backs down, and speaks so eloquently and appealingly. He truly was one of a kind.

[@everythingisalllies2141]

however he ought to get some of his "facts" properly verified. What happened in WW2 that everyone harps on about, is not able to be supported by hard evidence. Its 100% personal eyewitness testimony, and MANY such reports are in direct contradiction with the next. Also, there are many reports that negate these horrible claims by members of that "victim mentality" religious cult. The Red cross regular inspections found nothing, the Allies Arial hi res surveillance photos did not revealed any hint of any such occurrences at the camps. Locals knew nothing about it, No secret messages in code were intercepted by the British, who had cracked the German Enigma scrambling machine, and the Germans were unaware of it. Not one scrap of paper has been found that hints about this event, and quite the opposite, orders from even the leader of Germany himself, instructed his camps commanders to do everything possible to keep the inmates healthy and thus productive in the surrounding factories. Gassed and cremated prisoners don't make very good factory workers. Propaganda by the winners is a marvelous thing, when no one is remaining to defend themselves.

[@deanfowles3707]

Well say what you like about religion but it didn’t create all the weapons of war and destroy the natural world And turn the planet itself into a death trap. Science did. Nerd pieces of shlt that wanted to be famous slowly but surely turned this world into heII and plenty more to come. When are we gonna hold scientific institutions to account and demand that they too apologise for their abuses and the suffering they have caused. Religion doesn’t even come close to the damage that science has caused and in a much much shorter time frame.

[@rogerkay8603]

Stephen Fry was amazing and Hitchens was a good speaker too. Terrible shame we lost him. Will we see Islam follow up in four hundred years and recognise the treatment of women, or ever?

[@everythingisalllies2141]

@@rogerkay8603 would it not be ideal if in 40 years, there was no Islam or judaism or christianity?

[@XlPackratlX]

Just read more. The religious books, the POVs, the sciences, everything. You don't need to take it upon faith to guide thru those. Reading is simply the best tool for knowledge and prepares you for those conversations.

[@johnwest194]

Hitchens was one of the few people in the world who spoke the truth regarding liars and criminals and he did it with passion. There will never be another person like him and I am privileged to be able to watch and listen to his bravery to take on the accepted horrors in humans that will continue until the end of time with little or no consequences

[@MrKotBonifacy]

_"Hitchens was one of the few people in the world who spoke the truth regarding liars and criminals and he did it with passion"_ - too bad he did so ONLY when he knew he was dying from cancer anyway... Lemme quote myself (kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6aqm5Z5d96Jr8U&lc=Ugw2iuv_GOwms6lc2NV4AaABAg.9judaZQ3wbH9kWN5RQlHvn in case you've missed it), cuz it's so good it can't be missed, can it? ;-) ========= Czechoslovakia, early '70s, some bigwig Party secretary is having a meeting with local populace of some town, and talking the usual commies' horse manure, and at the end he says, or rather PROCLAIMS: - "But I promise you, comrades! - soon we'll have a real communism here!" Silence, and after brief pause a lone, elderly voice pipes up from the crowd: - A ja se neboim! Ja mam rakovinu! ("Feck it, I'm not afraid! I got a cancer!") (...) I might not be aware of all and every occurrence of our fearless Chris actually publicly criticising - no, wait! CONDEMNING, OPENLY and UNEQUIVOCALLY, this rather oppressive (women have no rights, faggots should be killed, etc.) and belligerent faith (death to all infidels!) - AT LEAST HALF as fiercely and denigratory as he used to when criticising Christianity in general and Catholicism in particular. But then again, as I said before, I might have missed some of his lectures of this sort, so kindly please direct me to them - or STFU por favore. Can or not? OK, 'nuff of this friendly banter - now let's talk concrete stuff,, shall we? Good... 1. AFAIK he dared to criticise Islam - PROPERLY! - ONLY when he knew he's dying anyway - just like that old Czech fart from the joke I mentioned at the beginning. If he DID, in fact, do that earlier (again, I'm talking "proper bashing"! - like pointing at some most outrageous acts/ behaviours, that including this peculiar, erm... "attraction" to underage girls by "one of the founders" (wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more...) KINDLY PLEASE DIRECT ME TO THOSE LECTURES. 2. Also, while at it, kindly please point to me any such public event(s) in which he (Chris) was fiercely bashing and insulting Jews and their faith. Again, a relatively mild and polite argument with some Rabbi (although you could clearly notice this disgust, or disdain, on Chris' face - or was it just a hangover?) that I watched few yrs back doesn't count - I mean this kind of uncouth, if not outright rude trashing he used to administer to Christianity and Catholicism on his every second breath. Hey, let's be FAIR, EVEN-HANDED and impartial, shall we? ======= End of quote, and well... Shall we?

[@russhall856]

​@@nickright7747 Many millions of people are tricked by clever propaganda, even intelligent ones.😢

[@russhall856]

​@@nickright7747 Was he a politician?

[@BlueAgaveStudios]

​@@nickright7747 there's a lot of confusion in that bumper sticker right there.

[@halfon005]

@@russhall856 Author, writer mostly for Vanity Fair but has a few wonderful books

[@guitarhero2022]

This is Hitchens at his fiery best. Calmly, cooly, thoroughly tears apart piece by piece any possible foundation religion could claim to stand upon.

[@Fawlty22]

The finest fury is the most controlled. -Hitch

[@Quinty5555]

This is, in fact, what the prophets were said to have done in the Bible-- spoken out, with adamant righteousness, truth to power.

[@ajmarsh3899]

All these years later and you still speak for me, mortally gone never forgotten.

[@gazzas123]

Christians say that you can't have morality without God. Well the church has God and no morality.

[@michaelmorrison7632]

Hitchens was a drunk and all twisted up inside his bowels and his brain.

[@caeruleusvm7621]

@@abcxyz2927 They are the people with the material means to muster a military force.

[@briggsquantum]

@@abcxyz2927 No I don't. Name them.

[@orlock5510]

@abcxyz2927 wrong again

[@conflictdiamonds]

This is the finest piece of oratory excellence on the subject of the failings of religion I've ever found online. You are missed Christopher but never forgotten. x

[@conflictdiamonds]

@Pixie Pete If you think Mr Hitchens was brainwashed on the subject of religion's many vices and sins...well, there isn't much a youtube comments discussion is gonna do about that. I'd just say good luck. x

[@phildavenport4150]

@@conflictdiamonds And as eloquent, forceful and accurate his denouncements may be, they will have zero impact on that monstrous and evil organization. its worst practitioners remain hidden, promoted and lauded.

[@conflictdiamonds]

@@phildavenport4150 you might be right, however they could have an effect on anyone questioning their faith, which is general poll numbers are anything to go by is a fair few people.

[@conflictdiamonds]

@Pixie Pete Sounds like you have faith on your side and that is not the same thing. All the best though. x

[@phildavenport4150]

@@conflictdiamonds Sounds similar to conversing with flat Earthers. Theirs is a belief system based on faith, on "knowledge" revealed to them by their priests. Evidence to the contrary is roundly condemned and ignored. They refer to themselves as "truthers", "woke" and other self-serving but entirely misguided epithets. Plenty of them haul out their bible as the arbiter of all arguments relating to the shape of the Earth, the movement of Earth and other astronomical bodies, and natural phenomena. The folly of using a document written 2000 years ago by people with no scientific knowledge, addressing unrelated topics, is missed entirely by them.

[@clootscalhoun9481]

Somebody, i can’t remember who, once said “if you need the fear of hell to be a good person then you’re not a good person” And I think that is just perfect.

[@peterlindqvist9789]

As a full-blown atheist with a life-long disrespect for most religions, I can’t believe I just today discovered this genius. Such elegant and powerful rhetoric - I’m in awe..

[@thelostone6981]

As someone who once attended a Jesuit high school and is now an atheist…yeah. It’s one of the best take downs. I suggest watching the whole debate because as much as I like Hitchens, Stephen Fry’s take down is far better. IMO.

[@rerite2]

Recommended reading: Hitchen's book, "God is Not Great." And all his other books. Also, he wrote a Vanity Fair magazine article called, "Women are Not Funny," which ruffled a lot of feathers, so to speak. I wish he was still alive. I'm sure, if so, he would describe with his articulate and wise big brain all the craziness that's been happening in the political realm, as well as the turmoil in Europe. Miss his wit and humor. Thank goodness for KZbin.

[@SteveHardie42]

Just Google "Hitchslap" to see this amazing man in action. I envy you, experiencing this man for the first time.

[@peggie7126]

I am a recovering catholic. I went to catholic school from kindergarten through 6th grade. Watching The Hitch is so healing for me. I swear I have fallen in love with this man. 11111111

[@gih3297]

Stay strong

[@MM-yi9zn]

No one can come even close to Christopher Hitchens. A unique & brilliant orator.

[@JGGREY]

He was good at saying things in a certain way that sounded impressive. I read one of his books and I did not think it was that profound

[@turntablesrockmyworld9315]

@@JGGREY I think his skill was oration; having said that, his books were very good. His knowledge was broad with some depth but it is beyond most educated men to have a depth across world issues. Some of his ideas seem now to be a bit antiquated, but he even he, as a left wing socialist(also neo-con in some ways)was highly critical of the then rising "post-modernist hedonism" and its anti-scientific and anti-realist approach.

[@JGGREY]

@@turntablesrockmyworld9315 One quality that Hitchens did not have was humility. He came across to me as quite arrogant. It is alright for some rich guy who has the world at his feet to destroy the hope and faith of poor people who have very little

[@turntablesrockmyworld9315]

@@JGGREY I agree, I think he was arrogant but I think that made him what he was. We are all flawed. You need intellectually-arrogant people to push ideas, especially counter-ideas, into the public sphere. He got a lot wrong (support of the Iraq invasion, as one major example) and/or I disagree with but his attacks on religion, especially Catholicism and Islam are legendary. He was, IMHO, the last of the old guard, a bit racist (in the sense of today), a bit sexist, glass raised, not afraid of those that oppose his positions, and towards the end was further removed from the leftist ideals of today, as his brand of socialism is now more centric, if you can believe that. But without his arrogance we wouldn't have had opponents getting "hitch-slapped!" I think he was a socialist Jordan Peterson, in some sense, and today, those at the center and right might gravitate towards him.

[@JGGREY]

@@turntablesrockmyworld9315 I am not even at the level of Hitchens intellectually but I am suspicious about people who are on some sort of ego trip and making a living out of it. Why did he not debate people of similar intellect who could give him a run for for his money? But I agree he was a very effective speaker but so was Adolf Hitler

[@mxnolis]

what a classic. Miss him dearly :'(

[@deus_vult8111]

LoL

[@hamnchee]

@@deus_vult8111 I agree with your sentiment. Not only is child trafficking funny, but God wills it. Pedophiles hold the keys of St. Peter, lightheartedly, and rightfully so.

[@alex.velasco]

@@deus_vult8111 psychopath

[@2russo.phobic4u]

@@deus_vult8111 LOL crusaders LOST the crusades 🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelmorrison7632]

Hitchens was a drunk and all twisted up inside his bowels and his brain.

[@chriskapinos8734]

A blistering Hitchslap to the Catholic church, which it absolutely deserves!

[@weRarmy_weRBL]

couldn't agree more!

[@AtamMardes]

"Religion began when the first scoundrel met the first fool." *Voltaire*

[@tiborzkarate1]

The church representatives sitting in front row looked defeated, dismayed and devastated at the same time......they didn't expect this revelations.

[@1man1bike1road]

its hard to argue against the truth, what have they got they clame to know what happens to you after you die that should be enough to tell a person they are all liars

[@jacquesblaque7728]

The truth hurts, and can set you free.

[@Martive_Led]

All with their arms tightly crossed, while firmly grasping elbows. Tells volumes

[@maxxwellbeing9449]

Hitchens was a master at exposing the truths that no religion could possibly deny. You could safely say that he treats all religions with the same respect by eloquently exposing all of their atrocities with a vigor that is equal to all. No one could do it better and so articulately than Christopher Hitchens.

[@squidjames7735]

Has he tried his wiles against Buddhism, Hinduism, the peaceful religions? I see he tried to get the low lying fruit … no respect

[@maxxwellbeing9449]

@@squidjames7735 The point is that there is no evidence of God. Not just the Christian or Islamic Gods, there is no evidence of any. So regardless of the religion, it’s based on a falsehood praying on weak minds. Here’s another clip. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaSXZ4B8q7VgqdE

[@TheTheotherfoot]

@@squidjames7735 Mainly because neither Buddhism or Hinduism are telling the western world that they, the christian church, are the only ones with the morals, and ethical values and the right to influence the rulers of the western world.

[@DigitalPadawan]

​@squidjames7735 those aren't trying to dominate the country he was born in and the country he lived in.

[@maxxwellbeing9449]

@@squidjames7735 All religions are man made nonsense, Hitchens exposes the most radical, why bother with the ones that aren’t trying to force everyone to think like they do?

[@iantpls]

One of the greatest 15 minutes of truth.

[@mikewazowski350]

I was an altar boy with a Roman Catholic church. I was 10, and waiting after a wedding for my parents to pick me up when the pastor of the church came to the pew. He started to touch my arms and leg while talking to me about joining the priesthood as an occupation. I revolted and removed myself from the pew. He told me to join him in his office so we could discuss things more. I recalled the other altar boys telling me about a priest who had gotten another altar boy drunk on wine and they were caught in the office. The boy was removed from the school and the priest left the diocese. Recalling this I left and went out front to wait for my parents, averting the pervert from abusing me. I had always thought he was a molester and so did the other altar boys. We did not like working mass with him because he was creepy odd. When I heard he had died I danced a jig. The church protects these abusers. They hide them. They move them around and they turn a blind eye to the crimes because they do not believe they are crimes.

[@Dan16673]

I had dinner once with someone who almost completed priest school and he said the amount of pedos was unreal and cause him to leave

[@afreespiritpoetandking261]

I had the same revolt at a young age

[@kriskabin]

Thanks, Mike W. for telling us your story. You're brave. I'm glad you were able to get away from that predatory priest. It's absolutely awful, a pedifile using the protection of the catholic cult/church to prey on children. 😡🤬

[@benibluefoe]

Revolted at age 8, after a nun knocked me unconscious for asking a question any kid growing up on a ranch could answer with certainty. Her story did not correspond with what I had observed since I was old enough to be given chores. So I asked my question. She responded by striking me so hard, my head bounced on the wooden pew bar and according to the classmates, I slid to the floor and hit my head on the kneeler. I was unconscious long enough for the nun to bother calling my mother and my mother driving the hour+ to the town with the church. Neither the nun, the parish priest, their superior, their peers nor subordinates apologized for the trauma. Whenever it came time to go to catechism school, church, or any attendance of any event I ran away and hid. As it was an hour+ drive to the town with the catholic church, my parents could only spend a bit of time looking for me. When they drove off, I knew I was safe from the church for another day. No amount of ."godly" love claims could convince me the catholics were anything but monsters. Later, and with knowledge from numerous exposés the monster became phenominally brutal and vile. My father (the one who forced catholicism on us) lived long enough to learn about his religion, but he never acknowledged nor apologized for what he put us through as a "good catholic".

[@joebrowne9217]

You should have went to the police. By not going You helped cover up for him also. Sorry to put it like that.

[@couped243]

Just an amazing human being. Wish I could have seen him in person.

[@wardropper]

You just did : )

[@couped243]

@@YankeeWoodcraft Sir or Madam I don't condone any crimes against humanity by anyone including priest and pastors who rape kids. I spent 27 yrs investigating crimes like these commited by theists, atheists or anyone. They should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I also don't believe in talking donkeys and snakes. The great thing about this country is that you are free to believe and support whoever and whatever you want. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@couped243]

​@@YankeeWoodcraft Your point is noted. I never knew this man when he was alive. All I know of him is what I've read in books and seen here. Based on the little I know he seemed like a decent person. There are some positions that he had that I don't necessarily agree with and that's ok. I don't feel that my disagreement on some of his positions makes the man human waste. with regard to the topic of discussion here, the Catholic Church, and religion in general, I side with him. I'm not aware of his position on atheist committing crimes. I can't believe that any decent human being would condone crimes committed by anyone. There is plenty of data and studies out there regarding atheist vs theist committing crimes. One such study I can point to was conducted @ UCONN by anthropologist Dmitris Xygalatas and speaks to this. You can also take a look at data provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons regarding this topic. Only like .1 or 2% of convicts are atheist all others believe in a deity of some sort. But I digress, I'm not one to try and change anyones mind regarding these topics and I don't post here attempting to do so. I believe people should be free to believe what they want. Again, I appreciate your thoughts and the conversation.

[@debbieallen8396]

I saw him in 2008 at the American Humanist Conference in DC. It was my first conference with humanists and atheists. I'm still at it in 2023. I didn't realize until much later how lucky I was to meet him in person. Christopher Hitchens seemed, in life, as he does in his videos. I have a photo of us together during the book signing following his talk. I was grinning, and he was eyeing me with a look of irritation. For me, he's delicious and unforgettable. His words may have stopped, but his inspiration is forever.

[@ifgfqageneration6939]

Mouthpiece for George Bush and Cheney in the invasion of Iraq. 1 million dead.............................................

[@lizgichora6472]

Moral responsibility and common sense; thank you Christoher Hitchens.

[@56cdross]

Can you explain the intention of your post @deniscollins6244? I am unsure why you posted what you did. Love to hear your reasoning and intention/purpose.

[@tempestive1]

What? Common sense sucks. Do you use common sense, conclusing it's safe to cross the street cause there's almost no traffic at 2am, or do you still look both ways and listen for the sound of engines?

[@Goodkidjr43]

Hitler, Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot had THEIR atheistic moral responsibility and common sense. Didn't work out for millions who died unjustly.

[@56cdross]

@@Goodkidjr43 - having something and exercising that something are NOT the same thing. Think it through. You didn’t before you posted and, it shows.

[@rembrantvanryn7019]

@@tempestive1 Common sense makes you look both ways.

[@Alex-mn1fb]

I religiously (pun intended) come to watch this speech every few months. Hitchens is always on point.

[@apimpnamedslickback5936]

It’s one of my favorite videos. Must’ve watched it 20 times 5 months ago

[@bodhiapurva3887]

@@apimpnamedslickback5936 After hearing this video just once, that was more than enough so you must like horrific crime details.

[@richiesimons4403]

Oh Mr Hitchens. How this world misses you and still needs you. A warrior of and for the truth. RIP Christopher Hitchens.

[@Logiconfire]

Poor booze soaked Hitch.

[@musiclover9361]

​@@Logiconfire, he wasn't poor and an ad hominem he would have laughed at.

[@jdoe9518]

If only he rose from the dead and he truly would be your saviour. The message no one is coming to save you is lost so many.

[@schwarzwolfram7925]

@@jdoe9518You know those ads starting to pop up with the hook "He gets us"? I see it much closer to "He FORgets us".

[@S_P64]

According to his creed, he does not rest at all

[@johnwright9372]

The world is poorer for the loss of Christopher Hitchens. One of the towering intellects and speakers of the age.

[@davidfitnesstech]

Having Christopher for a while is better than not having him at all.

[@XYisnotXX]

Yea indeed even if only for the loss of his stand on the war in Iraq and what a magnificent success it has been after all the killings

[@MrKotBonifacy]

_"The world is poorer for the loss of Christopher Hitchens" - no, not "the world" - just the sect of blind followers of him. THE WORLD couldn't care less, and neither it was any "loss". Just yet another besserwisser gone, nothing to see here, go home folks.

[@GenerationX1984]

But he smoked and that's why he died of esophageal cancer. Don't praise him for his genius. Criticize him for his 1 weakness.

[@MrKotBonifacy]

@@GenerationX1984 Smoking kills, y'know... or so they say. Should he never smoked, he'd live forever, wouldn't he?

[@starcrib]

I listen to this entire symposium once a year on New Years Day. Christopher Hitchens has always understood the inherent hypocrisy and evil that conjures in Organized religious orders. 🌿🌐🌿

[@jeffbaer5851]

Don't underestimate the depraved, sick, twisted ideologies of people in "unorganized" religions. In many cases, they're simply sex / death cults posing as religions. The very CONCEPT of religion invites, begs for, and WELCOMES corruption and filth.

[@starcrib]

@@jeffbaer5851 ✨️🟥✨️- absolutely. Vipers telling wild stories !!

[@scomo532]

Religions are generally political institutions and possess all their attendent faults.

[@busawulf]

Many years ago I told a group of people that if I were to be an acolyte or apostle of anyone, it would be this fella. Most of them had to go look him up on line. A worthy mentor and a worthy speech in his memory. Wish he was still around. RIP.

[@siggifreud812]

indeed. inspired by Socrates.

[@sandrahatherley2184]

Miss him also....would love to hear his opinions on Isreal/Hamas.

[@bodhiapurva3887]

Would Hitchens have wanted followers like organised religion have? His first name means "Bearing Christ", ha ha.

[@weet1978able]

This right here, is the evisceration of not only The Catholic Church, but of religion as a whole. Logic and fact debunks magic every time, and the logical among us have never had better people to speak for us than the two gentlemen who appeared during this debate (Mr Stephen Fry being the other). As a contest, this was never a fair fight, and the look on the faces of both the panelists and their supporters in the audience show the blind faith they have carried around with them being dismantled. Bravo Mr Hitchens, bravo.

[@pyellard3013]

I am not sure that Blind Faith can ever be challenged.. For many Catholics (and other religious) the sons of thetr Church simply don't compute..Same with evolution.. Most religious believe their were Dinosaurs but still beleive in the creation story of Adam and Eve... 🙄 😱

[@brianfreeman8290]

Yes. The face of the nun in the front row told a story by itself !

[@1Kent]

We need voices of sanity and reason like this now more than ever.

[@Sbannmarie]

Ain’t that the truth!

[@mojohn1634]

We have enough Jewish “atheists” trying to destroy western civilisation as is

[@valery668]

The world is poorer no longer having this spectacular thinker and writer. I had the privilege of shaking his hand in San Francisco and I will never forget his measured, hooded, cool assessment of me standing there and his kind words of acknowledgement. During his presentation that night he used his priceless description of heaven: "A celestial North Korea".

[@siggifreud812]

his wit was unmatched. if he had tried stand-up comedy, he would have killed it.

[@sandrahatherley2184]

Well, that's a silly description of heaven....no one knows what heaven is. Love him for sure.

[@roberttompkins6489]

In my opinion Hitchens was the greatest public intellectual of the last 30 years. He was the Voltaire of the modern era. We need more like him.

[@Norralin]

I mean, he obviously wasn't. He wasn't a philosopher and contributed very little new or revolutionary. But, he was a beast at navigating already existing ideas.

[@roberttompkins6489]

@@Norralin Name another modern public person (or private) with the intellectual command of so many topics as Hitchens. I can think of none. I'll wait.

[@zedcarr6128]

Thank goodness for the Internet. Forever and eternity, we can shine a light on The World with videos like this. 🥰 R.I.P. Christopher, you influenced and inspired many people during your career and life. Your words and thoughts will go on in the hearts and minds of those people for a VERY long time.

[@peterg5383]

the irony of "RIP Christopher..."

[@AngryGnome87]

​@@moe_bot if Republicans somehow gained control yes, it will 😂

[@cargo_vroom9729]

The only reason God hasn't fired the Catholic Church as his PR team on Earth is that he doesn't exist.

[@siggifreud812]

under-rated comment !!!

[@jvtaxi3766]

Correct

[@Inquisitor2024]

Yes. He does. I've FELT his presence ❤

[@siggifreud812]

@@Inquisitor2024 nope. sorry, all you felt was another delusion. I feel sorry for your disappointment(s).

[@jameshunter2025]

​@Inquisitor2024 as long as you don't burden others with your feels,good on you😢

[@johnaliff3908]

As an ex Catholic i can unreservedly add an AMEN to Hitchens list!

[@deusvult2559]

You were catholic as much as imam mohammed abdallah

[@martinknox303]

I became an ex catholic in 1996 when I left a catholic primary school. I despise catholicism in it's entirety

[@YKKY]

Hitchens was simply the best, he gave me the courage to leave Catholic Church, he gave me the courage to speak up for victims of the Catholic Church and to this day, he inspires me to be good without god.

[@scomo532]

You don’t need to be religious to accept God. And you don’t need a religion to find God.

[@YKKY]

@@scomo532 god doesn't exist, go away

[@AndyWarpol]

I have never wanted to be smarter than when I watch this man speak. I feel so inadequate and simultaneously so inspired.

[@Soapandwater6]

Hitchens' courage is inspiring, too. It takes a lot of courage to stand up and speak against an institution as powerful as the Catholic Church.

[@davebanting876]

Well said my friend. He finds the words we struggle to find and speaks for so many. Expresses the thoughts we can't quite articulate but really, really want the scream at the world

[@Lee-cx4eq]

Never gets old.

[@darcyoneill9377]

Agree; it's even still necessary.

[@Call_Upon_YAH]

They with ears to hear, let them hear: Through the Holy Spirit, God has put it on me to preach to those lost in the devil's deceit! Hear me when I say, ye that are Catholic have been deceived and know not God. Ye worship Mary, praying to her; when God tells his to worship none other than him. It is idolatry. Catholicism has its own Bible and teachings, which are blasphemous to the word of God: the Holy Bible. As ye follow the teachings of man and not God; ye hear the pope, but not Jesus, yet ye claim to be his disciples! These are but a few things I named ye dwell within; there are many more. I tell you now to repent of your sins, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and you'll receive the gift of the Holy Spirit upon asking the Father! There are *NO* sub-divisions of Christianity. You're either a disciple of Christ or not. A Christian is someone who follows God's word, not a religion. Who obey the Father and follow his will; not man's nor their own heart's. Unless you keep Jesus' commandments, think not the Holy Spirit will dwell within you! They who heed this message and did what was stated with an open heart to God... Read the Holy Bible (KJV) daily and every time before you read, pray to the Father and ask: "Lord I ask that you give me understanding of your word, that I interpret it the way you want me to, and none of my own. I ask you in Jesus' name, amen." Revelation 22:8-9 KJV 8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. Acts 2:38 KJV 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Luke 11:13 KJV 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? John 14:21-24 KJV 21 *He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.* 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, *If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.* 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and *the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.* 3 John 1:11 KJV 11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. *He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.* 1 John 3:6-10 KJV 6 *Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.* 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: *he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.* 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 *Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.* 10 *In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God,* neither he that loveth not his brother.

[@wobblywally-0]

@@Call_Upon_YAH desperate much? Maybe you should watch the full debate.

[@twntwrs]

@@Call_Upon_YAH Ah, here we have a fine example of what Mr. Hitchens once described as "white noise".

[@LifeOfRy]

@@Call_Upon_YAH”more BABBLE” - Hitch

[@johnhannigan8265]

What a magnificent speaker,he presents very rational and reasoned arguments.

[@CrunchyDark]

The Socrates of our time. He will ripple through time.

[@Mayhamsdead]

Eloquence, elegance, and intellectual vigor. These are the three things that define Hitchens when it comes to his oratory prowess. We miss him.

[@TheAdadadada]

What a profound and courageous stance to take, then, to be willing for it to be made public! He was one in a million! A rare an precious crusader for truth and reality!

[@davehshs651]

*The Catholic Church is striking proof of the adage, "Absolute power corrupts, absolutely."*

[@justinamusyoka4986]

It's a dangerous church,they hide but strike back like an eagle.

[@mojohn1634]

@@justinamusyoka4986 Spoken like a true blood sucking Jew

[@philliphopkins6903]

I met Christopher just after one of his book launches. Yes ,he was a Genius, and yes he helped expose why good people do evil things in the name of religion. .... Absolutely brilliant man ....... I miss him so much.. Thank you Christopher.

[@AenesidemusOZ]

Hitchens and Fry - singularly, wonderful orators. Combined, a force to be reckoned with. Both preternaturally intelligent and articulate.

[@MKRM27]

Fry? Stephen Fry? Don’t make me laugh. He shouldn’t be talked of in the same breath as Hitchens.

[@AenesidemusOZ]

@@MKRM27 Why not?

[@douglasspencer745]

If I could speak with 10% of the ability of Christopher Hitchens I’d be happy

[@PrimoStracciatella]

''How can this church say it has any moral superiority? It has difficulty catching up to what ordinary people regard as common moral and ethical sense." 10:00

[@tOoAtEa]

Hitchens was THE GREATEST speaker of all time!! Any time I see a post with Hitchens, no matter how old it is... I watch!

[@deusvult2559]

You just search confirmations to your wrong thinking

[@andycapp8843]

This my second time of listening to this oratory and whilst I am now in my twilight years and unable to retain the points raised for any length of time, it was a second awakening. I left the church at 15 years of age, some 12 years of ear bashing experienced by the thumping of a mysterious, hand written book by mortals called Bible, when one of the elders, a matronly woman suggested I no longer visit the house of God because puberty was effecting negatively my ability to sing in tune. Since that memorable day I have only walked inside one of these houses of sin for funerals, weddings and christenings as a spectator rather than a participator to support others with whom I share my wonderful life. I accept fully, if religion brings joy and peace to the life of others then it is a force of good as is alcohol and nicotine. I do however believe that religion, like nicotine and alcohol is also poisonous and can destroy your life. Interesting also, there are very few comments from religious preachers, these chosen people of god who constantly insist on telling everyone they meet how to conduct their lives according to their views. Christopher doesn’t preach, his words are a request, an invitation to think carefully about how you wish to enjoy your life, preferably without the intrusion of preachers, of which there are many enjoying a period of time in their lives in custody because of their god’s direction or so they will let you believe. Enjoy religion if that is your choice but please don’t bring it to my front door. I thank Christopher for that comment.

[@thelastpilot4582]

I have just ticked the like button, if I was allowed I would have ticked many more. I agree with every word.

[@patrickconnor9871]

The reason You left the church is becuase you were following people . People are sinners ,dont follow people follow the creator .

[@andycapp8843]

@@patrickconnor9871 on what or whose authority do make such a ridiculous remark. You have no insight into my life or the church I attended, yet you have the audacity to tell me why I left the church. You are no better than the preacher who stands in the pulpit and tells the congregation they are sinners, many of which are now serving custodial sentences for paedofilia. Like many who live their lives in fear of hell and damnation you speak of a creator with no proof whatsoever. Once you begin to realise the faith you are so afraid of is false, you will become a free man.

[@_Sloppyham]

@@patrickconnor9871 the creator sucks

[@basic6154]

@@patrickconnor9871 the pope is gods priest on earth.and infallible. either god loves torture and child rape,which according to the bible he does,not to mention slavery and ethnic cleansing and unending torture.Or it does not exist and is a story,told for thousands of years,formulated and reformed to protray the jewish people as gods chosen. And reformed to give roman emporers a better story to the masses

[@pantalisyianni8393]

A wonderful truth speaking person sadly gone but not forgotten.

[@davidfinch7407]

Maybe you'll meet him in Heaven. Oh, wait...

[@schwarzwolfram7925]

@@davidfinch7407 I don't think you believing in the afterlife simply makes it real for you only. You can't change reality with the sheer inability to cope with it.

[@michaeladams5332]

He was a legend and hero of truth.

[@dyinteriors]

Christopher was one of the greatest advocates for secular morality and the demolition of the church to ever live. He will always be a hero to me. I feel a pang of sorrow every time I realize this wonderful and supremely articulate man is gone.

[@wolfthequarrelsome504]

Where does mortality come from? As it's objective, that is, "morally"binding, it can't come from any one person which it binds. So where does it from?

[@johngaunt2806]

@@wolfthequarrelsome504 I assume you meant morality? Mortality comes from errors in cell division. Morality isn't objective. Obviously.

[@S_P64]

I am not sure the anyone could ever really demolish the Church

[@colonagray2454]

Given enough time it will be replaced as those that came before it. In any case i wouldn't want to get rid of churches of any faith, but would prefer they keep to themselves

[@afroatheist-isnowafroantit6154]

You are missed, Mr. Hitch! I love your debates.

[@rayg2568]

What a fantastic speaker,so eloquent and concise painting a picture in the minds of the listener,like an Angelo or Da Vinci. I miss him so much.

[@Areflection4]

Hitchins left a vacuum not yet fully fulfilled, miss his voice so much.

[@m.e.1297]

Such a brilliant mind taken from us. I never tire listening to this man.

[@idaclement2994]

No, just a couple of Smug Nihilists......

[@h-j.k.8971]

What do you mean *taken* ?

[@janicem4382]

Thank you Christopher, coming from an ex-Catholic, this had to be said and needs to be repeated again and again until there is no more Catholic Church.

[@ChevMalibu67]

And that's your Christian response?

[@Lyricistnz]

@@ChevMalibu67 Did you read what this man said?

[@kristine8338]

The Church will never change.

[@wendysalter]

Thank you for your courage and erudite wisdom Christopher. Miss your presence and guidance in this world.

[@georgeash4008]

The drunk is burning in hell.

[@colinellicott9737]

A magnificent man who died too soon, his bravery to take on massive, influential, and dangerous organizations is inspiring.

[@Drj-69]

I love this guy. I wanted to have his children. I have followed him before that was possible because he predated the internet. I am glad that this internet generation gets to listen to this man's words of wisdom...

[@kensanity178]

The Catholic Church needs to apologize for poisoning the minds of the weak and desperate, and filling their heads with false hope.

[@batouttahell454]

They should be closed down

[@MickDickinson]

The man. Always on fire with righteous anger.

[@joevignolor4u949]

I'm sure there were people in that auditorium that wished they could set him on fire. It was much easier for the Catholic Church to control people and rip them off back in the good old days when they could threaten people with fire for challenging them.

[@larrygarland3728]

@@Denis.Collins , If you have to ask, you've already lost any honor and integrity you might have possessed! IOW: Religion is BAD!

[@Tessmage_Tessera]

@@Denis.Collins Hi battle against institutionalized evil, you mean.

[@justinamusyoka4986]

Children were murdered at Canada residential school and buried in a mass grave.

[@flippy66]

@@Denis.Collins ...what?

[@aaron6178]

Hitchens at work is like an ozone blast of cool, fresh air for muddled minds. The clarity, substance and authority of every word is a gift to the future. I would contend that every religion class in every school should include a final semester called "Hitchens 101". The amount of scales that would fall from eyes would fill an ocean.

[@siggifreud812]

agree 100%: Hitchens 101 a mandatory 25 minutes of truth, coming soon to all sunday bible study classes and catechism seminars. MAKE IT THE LAW !!

[@1111shee]

Grateful that Hitch left recordings for us to enjoy for posterity. Some legacy!

[@Harpo.jr70]

He says things that people think and are afraid to come forward and say. A greatly missed man.

[@uschurch]

As someone not shy to say, also publicly, exactly the same things he said I can tell you that people like that are tacitly prevented from communicating. Shadow banned if you like. The greatest stupidities and crassest atrocities are told, discussed and justified on the most powerful communication platforms and skeptical and critical voices are being drowned out with garbage or simply not allowed to speak (post, upload, publish). These uncomfortable truths are not ready for public consumption. Too much old money, new money and powerful clans would be threatened.

[@nuzzi6620]

Lol what? His views and rhetoric have been mainstream for decades now. Religiosity hasn’t been fashionable for nearly a century.

[@JLFAN2009]

It's comeuppance: he says things the Church does not want to hear, just as her preachers are constantly telling people what they *presumably* are supposed to hear (as opposed to what they want to). No wonder Pope John Paul II began opening up about a number of issues Hitchens brought up, lest the truth get disseminated through other means. As usual, it was about order and control: the CHURCH had to take the initiative by admitting, acknowledging, and apologizing -- before being confronted with these things.

[@andrewfleury5614]

@@nuzzi6620 tx all

[@chrispalmer7893]

@@nuzzi6620 I think you have to qualify that with regional specificity. I'd love it to be universally true, but there are plenty of places where it isn't.

[@forrestgreen9369]

What a brilliant man!

[@theartguy6776]

I wish I had heard of this man when I was younger. Would have saved myself a lot of pain.

[@gustav91]

What pain exactly u are talking about?

[@MKRM27]

@@gustav91Is that a serious question? Assuming you’ve watched the video, you’ve heard the facts around the crimes of the church. Well, simply take your pick about the pain that these evil people cause.

[@Jaymsie.]

The look on some of those peoples faces was priceless. But it’s not all their fault. They’d been duped by their religion, and the delusion has been Hitch-slapped. On one hand I give them credit for volunteering to engage in a dialogue with someone like Mr. Hitchens. Yet part of me feels they should be fortunate for even being allowed a space at the table during a conversation about the truth.

[@lunainezdelamancha3368]

I miss Christopher Hitchens....a very wise man. Fortunately I still have Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins...

[@darrenthomson1930]

I lost count of the hours and hours I spent watching him take religion to bits. Loved it, loved him :)

[@Crusader33ad]

Wonder how he’s doing now?

[@sundog486]

@@Crusader33ad He's living in our memories as a great man who was not afraid to speak the truth.

[@Crusader33ad]

@@sundog486 - well he knows the truth now. May God have mercy on his soul. Hope he repented before he died.

[@a.j.7264]

He had balls to spare!

[@alanwilson8407]

@@Crusader33ad in a fair reality, choking the hell out of that rat, Ratzenberger.

[@RobVespa]

I, and many in the world, miss you, Mr. Hitchens. Your absence is felt. No one will ever fill your shoes.

[@michaelmorrison7632]

Hitchens was a drunk and all twisted up inside his bowels and his brain.

[@georgeash4008]

I don't. I am glad he is burning in hell for his sins.

[@campbellcrum8478]

@@georgeash4008 such contentment! Nestled within the bosom of the exterminator, free and safe from the fire that he brings to those that don’t bow to him. Such good morality you have.

[@robertcottam8824]

@@georgeash4008 Are you a Christian by any chance? If not, where does such an ignoble desire come from? On can be certain that you believe in one type of god or other.

[@georgeash4008]

@@robertcottam8824 Nope. But I love thinking of Hitchens burning like a nice log on a fire. I hope he has the cell next to Ayn Rand.

[@justonesandzeros42]

I think Christopher Hitchens knows more about the Catholic Church than the Catholic Church does

[@cliddily]

Ironically his name is Christopher.

[@ms.annthrope415]

Knows what the catholic church wishes to forget and bury.

[@ostrich67]

As an ex-Catholic I can tell you that they don't encourage their members to delve too deeply into their horrific history. As for the people who join the clergy, most are gay and shamed into thinking that they're going to hell for that.

[@pjj.5649]

This is the truth. And, more than the CC wants to know because then they would have to face the pain of who they are and what they have done to others in the name of a delusion.

[@jillmortlock8439]

Spot on. Facts, logic, history. He stood up in a way religion never has.

[@michaeleasler5249]

The greatest indictment of the church that has ever been uttered. Of course he is exactly correct on all counts. We miss you, Mr. Hitchens!

[@shikharsrivastava6029]

can't even begin to imagine how Hitchens would have interpreted the current world.

[@carolynbrightfield8911]

Instead of the Sun revolving around humans, now it's man is the cause and centre of climate chage. Nothing's changed. Man is still at the centre, he's even the centre of womanhood. Fascinating.

[@hififlipper]

"If there were no Hitch in the universe, we couldn't invent one." says a quote about him on one of his books.

[@wardropper]

I think it's now beyond interpretation. It's in a desperate state. He might even have admitted that divine intervention is now necessary ... But on this topic he really knew what he was talking about. Absolutely compelling. All he needed was to learn to distinguish better between individual, instinctive human morality itself and the corrupting snares of institutionalized religion. Anarchy without a moral compass is no answer, and how to find that compass is the question.

[@twntwrs]

@@wardropper And that it certainly, conclusively, is not through religion is a fact.

[@Berniewahlbrinck]

True! He used the word "Indian" in his speech ...

[@willb1157]

The only Teacher in my school (Norbury Manor Boys) to regularly hit us during class was Miss Hopwood the Religious Education Teacher. Preaching "The Love of Christ" and the teachings of the Bible. That says it all.

[@jonfox8010]

May his ideas always be to the forefront of our minds. RIP

[@terryhill545]

What a Brillant person.He is so missed.

[@mojohn1634]

He’s boiling in hell

[@angelamaryquitecontrary4609]

Every. Freaking. Day.

[@mikefufuffalo8487]

Every now and then I have to rewatch all these. We need someone new like this. NEED!

[@jean6872]

You mean *Sir* Kier Sumer, England's next prime minister.

[@horizonblack]

Look into Aron Ra

[@redwave5268]

This Man was the embodiment of Courage.

[@redwave5268]

@@YankeeWoodcraft Hitchen’s faults? Such as?

[@khaledelsayed5357]

Oh wow. Talk about a heartwarming blast from the past….I remember this from when I lived in the uk….Chris and Stephen were beyond excellent that night.

[@abbbee8918]

He always wanted to be called Christopher

[@satanslittlehelper3817]

Well done, Hitch. 🖤

[@anthonyhewetson5086]

I think that if I were a member of Catholic leadership present during this amazing list of crimes, read out lucidly and relatively calmly, I would have questions for my leaders. If they didn't have sensible answers, I would have questions for myself. If I didn't have sensible answers for myself, I would quite being a part of Catholic leadership.

[@bhatkat]

Afraid the only question they actually took seriously is "How are we going to deal with this?" Remember how cardinal Law claimed the only real problem was the press? Showed his attitude that the church should be able to own the press along with the rest of the world.

[@TRUECEL14]

Are you Catholic?

[@thefirm4606]

One would hope, but that doesn’t always seem to be the case

[@WhoThisMonkey]

Narcissists don't have the ability to self reflect.

[@justinamusyoka4986]

Whether they apologized or not,still continue with the vices undercover.Vatican means divining serpent.

[@YeetLord666]

Ohhh how the world needs him today. I still miss his talks, so I end up re-watching his old debates.

[@AnteZivkovic]

What an intellectual battleship this man is.

[@iananderson6705]

It's also unbelievable the vast lands that they snatched in Africa when independence happend. Hundreds of thousands of hectares taken and the people thrown of their land to grow coffee. But hell it was all done for the spiritual health of Africans.

[@ein-rw7uy]

Apologies mean nothing. Those who have committed crimes must be convicted whether alive or not. Also, money reparations must be paid. If the Canadian government commits to pay for its crimes so must the church.

[@___________________121]

Money reparations are now capped to around $20k per victim. Before it was capped, one victim successfully sued the Church for USD$21 Million dollars.

[@earlgreco8636]

Thank You for bravely standing up Mr. Hitchens. You always say what needs to be said and what needs to be exposed. It's the only way toward hope that such human atrocities won't be repeated.

[@arfurloin1]

Most excellent argument against the hypocrisy of the catholic religion.

[@endpc5166]

A magnificent speech, very informative & depressing.

[@melaniemaec1]

He was so brilliant and right on the money!

[@justbe1451]

I truly appreciate this guys truth, his words should be played in every church to every member. Without followers, the church would not exist.

[@francisward9609]

I love the uncomfortable folded arms on the front row of the audience,the knowledge that they are hearing the truth that they have chosen to ignore all their adult lives

[@francisward9609]

@@pixiepete6431 You need to be a bit more specific ,he's quoting facts,actual apologies from popes for the dreadful things done in the name of God.Bunch of bloody charlatans masquerading as messengers of our creator

[@DeniseDeClue]

The perfect New Year's sermon.

[@FYMASMD]

I went through this video and wrote down all of his arguments and have a paper in my wallet with these examples on it for quick usage. I am long done being polite with religious fanaticism. Thank you Hitchens.

[@philsymes]

Wonderful stuff. Hitchslaps galore. The Catholic Church makes the Cosa Nostra look like angels by comparison. 👍

[@LilikoiJammin]

My parents suffered with thinking their firstborn who died went to limbo. They never forgave themselves for the rest of their lives.

[@1man1bike1road]

yeah that was an evil practice which was just meant to extort money off the parents

[@rridderbusch518]

Same with my husband's mother. She went from fabulous to depressed for the rest of her life -- but never quit that damned Catholic church!

[@lupea8079]

Limbo is a theory believed by some Catholics, not an actual doctrinal teaching of the Church.

[@cecileroy557]

@@lupea8079 It was preached in church...Therefore, to the parishioners, they believed it was dogma. What a horrible concept....

[@randstahl4869]

Thanks for broadcasting this lecture. Rock on!

[@alexk3806]

The true intersection of passion and intellect, morality and reason, this man was a gift to us.

[@pharaohakhneton9553]

His untimely death has been the greatest loss not only for atheists, but also for all those who like to look at and know the reality of our world, to know what organized religions have done.

[@Jamal-jv8yc]

A legend. The world needs more people like him.

[@yousuck6222]

It is illegal to behave or think as Hitchens did.

[@vbachman6742]

He's one of a kind.

[@dennisk5500]

Damn sure wouldn't wanna be on the other side of THAT debate

[@mariuspessah2991]

Putting my religious views aside and hearing him present this lecture in the rationale and erudite fashion I must say that his intellect and logic are indisputable . A supremely brilliant thinker and orator who sees history clearly and without blinders . We have to rid ourselves of xenophobia and hatred toward others for a different belief system . Purely brilliant .

[@whirledpeas3477]

Hitchens was and is such a genius gentleman

[@jeffl977]

Hitchens at his best, compelling and succinct. This world feels less wise without you.

[@yousuck6222]

We are a few years from the first buttfuckers grand opening.

[@squidjames7735]

Lol

[@UberTheWolf]

@@squidjames7735 Can you not add anything outside of lol?