Christopher Hitchens' epic opening statement (Must see)

The opening statement by Christopher Hitchens at the Intelligence Squared debate in 2009, which may be viewed in its entirety at the link listed below.
SUBJECT: Is the Catholic Church is a force for Good in the world?
• The Catholic Church is...

[@user-ll6us6ey9h]

I was there in the audience. What a privilege.. Poet, philosopher and genius. A perfect oration.

[@haydenwalton2766]

what an experience that must have been. I've often thought that if everyone experienced this presentation from hitch, the catholic church (at the least) would have to fold up their tent

[@playinhard]

You're lucky! I've attended several talks by Richard Dawkins in NYC, but Hitch was on another level :)

[@discharge29]

I envy you - i would not say genius as he would - just an advocate of common sense and fact

[@discharge29]

@@haydenwalton2766 unfortunately we have to be dragged back as a species because of religion - one day we will not

[@cb25]

@@discharge29 it’s comments like yours that drag us back

[@pennyp1766]

Some people simply don't want to hear the truth. I wish Christopher Hitchens were still among the living.

[@cmadden92]

Bro don’t even comment on his Passing… this is a micro aggression to living people everywhere. He would write a less than complementary profile on what you said. He had to stumble his way to the podium to educate minds like yourself. I hope your shirt is lovely because ‘crushed cardinal’ will be the smartest colour you can muster like a serious grownup person will believe. ‘Given to your number of sins.. you will best off asking for forgiveness for your sins’ - Our Holiness, the Pope. So now we must ask ourselves, was legalized Roman Pontiff torture legalized until our current times? Well I was lightly tortured in jail, but I kept most of my physical and mental faculties. I can’t move my left wrist, but God is going to make it right and vengeance is a silly thought. Watching videos like this has shown me that Mussolini will not make a comeback. “I don’t think Hitler should have a ‘happy birthday’”. It is a severe crisis to admit no adult responsibility for the promotion, protection, and covering up (in 2005) of who the next vicar of Christ on earth will be. This is why I ‘micro dose’ 400mg of LSD when I go to my weekly ‘recovery church’. But ultimately what I need from you as a reader is that about one hour from now, you will actualize the factuality of your forgetfulness of anything I spend the time to type here in this comment. Why is this? Well….. violence was committed in service of the truth.. right? They broke my bones… when will these lawyers give me the payout? Ok… so no justice? I won’t go full terrorist ever because I happen to love my neighbor, but y’all will leave me forgotten an hour from your reading. Is this not a crime scandal? Rwanda… the massacre of their siblings, has had no apology or recompense as Romeo Dallaire would have pleaded for. What have you done for them? I know it’s too hard… but maybe keep the peace with your neighbours? Hitchens is a saint… my God, I saw his portrait in my most defined café memory meeting the first woman I proposed to. And the woman I loved deeply enough to never cut my hair… well I met her when I discovered this man. Regardless, not much of what you read or hear will affect you much, but perhaps I can convince you right now to not pick up that substance you think will fix your depression. I can’t tell you much after that because the best I have is idleness, but they are looking to in-debt you for your needs. I fasted for a month in prison(with violent forcing of needles and food), but you only have to choose to not pick up that inebriate right now. I know it’s hard, but go get some shackles for yourself if you need. He/she significant other won’t help you either. If you have no food… well that’s where I’m at. But people still feed and house me right now so I’m lucky. Anyway… jail is always an option for food and shelter… just don’t kill them, okay? I realize what they do to you. Okay here’s some words I’m done with.. y’all don’t respond okay? I don’t want interaction with other human beings I just want that sweet chemical spray and taser in my cell. Maybe a little forcible robbery and street skin frisks. I promise I won’t go Al Kaida on you, but I’m starting to get scars and I think it’s only been detrimental to the help I need. But I’ll still put on a nice smile for you because love is real and I have it for my neighbour always. I read the bible a lot in jail. I miss being 20 with Jazz bars and smooth Klingons.

[@ushireborn]

he lives forever in our hearts and through his works that we have the privilege of obtaining online

[@DagDebrini]

So do I.

[@georgelee5773]

I recall as a lil 1st nations' kiddo, in NW Ontario (ca Nada) back in olden days, -when Moby Dick was a still a minnow- that the priest at st Mary seemed like a policeman, scary as heck! And the sisters? 1/2 a century has not dulled the fright they evoked! I once daydreamed how WONDERFUL things would have been If the conquering (conquistador) church acted like Christians, all over planet earth instead of petty thieves,, but, why cry over spilt milk!

[@Vandetta333]

Amen to that.

[@tossaja]

Humanity needs people like Christopher.. RIP big man. You are greatly missed.

[@tossaja]

@@divinelightshine everything ok my friend?

[@pauljam8197]

@@divinelightshine Easily one of the dumbest comments i have ever read.

[@mikespencer4922]

What difference has he actually made to this world?? Nothing really... waxing on blah blah blahhh. Talk talk talk.... built nothing, grew nothing...... hot air.... and went to his grave making no difference to any poor person's life.

[@tossaja]

@@mikespencer4922are you serious? books, discussion and debate does not affect people?

[@RyanJones-ew8vm]

​@@mikespencer4922I can guarantee he done more in 1 year of he's life than you have done in your lifetime.

[@AtamMardes]

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

[@Thomas-sx6mc]

Voltaire was a deist, a believer in God.

[@AtamMardes]

@@Thomas-sx6mc Maybe, but he definitely didn't believe in the God of the Bible, Allah, Yahweh, Zeus, Romulus, etc.

[@patbrennan6572]

@@AtamMardes And you omitted hundreds of others, some 900 registered gods.

[@giulianaashford3323]

We lived in Washington between 1981-1985 and Christopher became a very dear friend. In a society dominated by politics, and what had happened that day at the White House, what a relief it was for me to have Christopher talk about poetry and writers whenever he came to us for dinner! I was teaching Italian at the Catholic University of America, while attending courses for a doctorate on French and Italian literature. You were a great friend, Christopher. I still miss you.

[@GruntDestroyarChannel]

What happened in the White House?

[@janetpattison8474]

No doubt he’s moved on, however often dreams are an amazing way to connect w/ those who’ve passed away. At least that’s how it’s worked w/ my son & dad.

[@pisuoxide]

"If someone asks you to debate Christopher Hitchens, decline."

[@JOinLC351]

I miss hearing that man speak. An amazing orator with the balls to say what needed to be said. RIP Hitch!

[@beaR.agadaemoN]

this speech changed my life ... what a man ... what a mind

[@alanwebb9438]

This warms me to my core. Seriously . A person that can break the chains of parental or societal indoctrination is to be revered. It doesnt happen often. Cognitive dissonance gets in the way nine times out of ten. But Hitchens had it. He had the ability to at least foster doubt. A VERY rare trait in a person with regards to deeply held / indoctrinated beliefs. Im so happy for you! That sounds glib but think whats happened here folks.

[@alexandermccarthy]

I miss Christopher Hitchens terribly. His wit, brilliant logic, and encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject matter set him almost entirely apart from his peers. Listening to him and Stephen Fry delivering their resounding thumping to the other side in this debate, is one of the highlights of modern public speaking. I count myself as one of the fortunate ones having had the pleasure of hearing the great man speak in person. Long live science, evidence based enquiry, and the truth!

[@stephaniels5421]

Amen, brother! ;)

[@SinceretheGhost]

When Hitchens left us, there was a rush of momentum gained by all things he opposed. We are seeing the effects of his absence all too well now.

[@thomaskurnas6582]

The man is brilliant. Period.

[@bobmartin7399]

We should have saved his DNA so that he could be cloned for ever more.

[@krisaaron5771]

Imagine what he would have said about America's 35th "president". I miss Christopher Hitchens with all my heart.

[@TheQueenRulesAll]

He is still a treasure, the upside of the internet is having his lectures available to all.

[@Orpheonix]

This was not a debate, this was a slaughter 💯

[@playinhard]

The other side really, really tried! I'll give them that! But they had absolutely no idea who they were facing! The link to the whole debate is in the description of the video, and I would urge everyone to click on it and watch it! :)

[@BrucknerMotet]

And, as Hitchens would be the first to point out, it was the weaknesses, failures, and immoralities of his opponents -- those intangible things that were slaughtered by Hitchens' presentation, not any person's identity or physical well being. On the field of ideas, thoughts, and free discussion, Hitchens mopped his opponents up handily. I'm not quite sure that his opponents would be so kind as to limit their attempt to slaughter Hitchens to such intangible, and therefore "safe" realms -- they might be tempted to reprise some medieval methods such as burning at the stake as punishment for having offended their delicate sensibilities with honorable, factual statements and convincing requests for them to hold themselves more accountable for their actions.

[@justiceasare8735]

😂

[@rmg12498ruth]

What a brave, heroic and great man, saying the truth to Catholic officials. Christopher Hitchens is irreplaceable.

[@kevinthomas4074]

Need him now.

[@michaelbrickley2443]

Unfortunately, he’s an atheist who probably bever learned the truth. Jesus is the Truth. Shalom

[@wobblywally-0]

@@michaelbrickley2443 and which Jesus is that? Look up "the legitimacy of the Jesus of Nazareth" and tell me again which Jesus you're talking about.

[@michaelbrickley2443]

@@wobblywally-0 why not look into Dr. Bart Ehrmans book on the historicity and then get back to me. By the way, his theory of hallucinations being what the Apostles saw has been debunked by people who know. He’s a textual critic, not a Psychologist

[@playinhard]

@@michaelbrickley2443 Really? You were born without religion, as every baby throughout the history of our human existence is and has been. You were taught and conditioned from your young age to believe what your parents did, as were those born in Mumbai, in Baghdad, or in Haifa. You (and they) are simply a product of Pavlovian conditioning. Some of us, even if the attempt was made by our parents, managed to think it through at around the age of reason. Your comment shows that unfortunately you were not one who managed to do so. :)

[@colinboyd4941]

Nobody ever expressed the truth more honestly or more eloquently. His voice is greatly missed

[@jerlewis4291]

My wife is a very serious Catholic and I remember her telling me that she could not get married in the church where she was a member because she had not been a member for over six years. Her father who only misses Mass if he is really sick told her and I will never forget him saying this was "Well, you should have written your wedding request on the envelope that you put the $10,000.00 donation in." I asked him if he had any interest in watching this. He had never heard of Christopher Hitchens, but he watched it and basically said that "The church is always telling you to confess your sins and discretions but good luck getting a priest to do it." And his brother IS a priest. What really impressed him though was how Hitchens never belittled people, nor did he ever act disrespectful to the panel. He liked that because he has always said that the biggest problems that the Catholic Church has ever had all come down to people who break the rules and expect forgiveness for their deeds. As he said, "God may forgive you but I don't have to." And he really liked the parts about Archbishop Law because there he said was the prime example of hypocrisy, "Like when I was 14 and the priest was telling me I will go to Hell if I grab a girl and kiss her, and then a year later they found the priest was having an affair with a married member of the congregation."

[@asgio27]

I think we all have stories. Our local Italian small community, the Irish priest , having a 'housemaid' , asked everyone to leave their money to the church - guess who he left his to when he died?! and much more.

[@OneAdam12Adam]

We miss you Christopher Hitchens!!! We really need you here on this planet! Gone too soon.

[@caroaber]

The Iraqi people might not agree. Ijs

[@COO415]

@IneAdam... Nope! Good riddance sayonara, adios, hasta la vista & bon voyage to the pits of hell. Now the little arrogant twat found that God is Great - that's a final retort for his famous intellectual diarrhea "God is not great". 😅

[@teos9136]

He's in heaven! I'm joking of course, he is dearly missed.

[@lightatthecape2009]

Really. God is not Great is full of errors and indicates the author lacked any semblance of intellectual honesty...Hitchens polemic is moronic.

[@daniellawler105]

​@@lightatthecape2009 list the errors?

[@SIX6SIXer]

life hasn't showed me very much love in my 42 years... and there isn't much that I've ever had to be thankful for... but having the privilege of meeting Christopher Hitchens is one time i actually felt blessed. here's to you Mr. Hitchens...

[@lorcanroche2987]

Life is perception. How we see Life gives rise to how we feel and experience it. Listen if you can to Alan Watts. Try to learn TM (transcendental meditation). Avoid alcohol and stupid people. But understand that if you are self aware and self reflective then you are going to be lonely. Most people are disappointing. But we have to work hard to find the ones that aren't. Good luck

[@Breca]

@@lorcanroche2987 Hear hear !

[@myflatlineconstruct]

I'm forever jealous. To breathe the same air

[@nealgrimes4382]

@@lorcanroche2987 I will keep drinking and avoid you.

[@mogznwaz]

I was there in the audience. What a privilege.

[@Xavier_Coogat_the_Mambo_King]

I'm very jealous. I would have loved to see him speak at any event, but especially an appearance as iconic as this one

[@neontetra1000]

I cannot believe that monologue did not receive a standing ovation. I half expected the cardinal to remove his frock and denounce Jesus when faced with the full weight of such compelling evidence to warrant the annihilation of religion. I can only assume the crowd was half full of idiots that believe the fairytale and that tempered the fervour. It certainly riled me Up . I need a cigarette after that verbal caning.

[@gigicolada]

@@neontetra1000I feel the exact same way! His passion is so contagious. Hearing all those atrocities lined up like that.. what a man. He knew his stuff.

[@davidohara7669]

@@neontetra1000 You are not going to get a snake oil salesman to repent that easily. The cardinal is totally corrupt.

[@mikem820]

As a victim of Catholic Church ‘affection’ for children when I was 12 I wish someone had shown this courage back then

[@playinhard]

I SO get that, even if it happened to several of my friends during my 1st year in boarding school in France in 1968, and thankfully I was spared! When it was found out, he was quietly transferred to a parish 30 km away where they had lost their priest, and he rose through the ranks until he died in the 90's. I can only imagine how many others he molested! :(

[@pizmo25]

I'm sorry that happened to you. Stay strong.

[@DB-qw6xq]

Really? Or are you just lying to further an entrenched opinion?

[@georgefurman4371]

I am 64 and at my 6th 7th years of age lived the wrath of nuns and lascivious Catholics.

[@kent223]

@@DB-qw6xq his entrenched opinion is that he didn't want to be abused I assume. You troll.

[@Pyongyang99]

10 years on this is the best opening to a debate ever made

[@michaelmiller6878]

Epically orated by a true master of the English language.

[@AFMMarcelD]

“If god really wanted people to be free of wicked thoughts, he should have taken more care to invent a different species” -Christopher Hitchens.

[@flighty9999]

This man was brilliant- why choose a quote like this, which is anything but?

[@gregbailey45]

There are only two species I'm aware of who kill for pleasure. Chimpanzees and humans, and we share 98+% of DNA with the chimps, more than any other species.

[@marciajones2993]

@@nothinghere1996 No proof there was a Jesus. With all the atrocities that go on in the world. I doubt there is a God. ❤️💙

[@marciajones2993]

@@nothinghere1996 People have the bible and believe it. Lots of religious books and lots of Gods. It’s a toss up of what God you get, by the place you were born. 💙

[@DanLetts97]

He wasn’t just about atheism. He was a beacon of logic and reason

[@jerometaperman7102]

Logic and reason inevitably lead you to atheism.

[@delvictor7570]

Atheism is childish lol

[@andreaputerschmidt3594]

I keep asking myself what he would say to our "times".... All those lies and the cruelty. His voice of reason is so missed

[@timwatts9371]

@@jerometaperman7102 Not always.

[@jerometaperman7102]

@@timwatts9371 - At least until some real evidence crops up.

[@stevejones7574]

We sorely miss this brave, brilliant man.

[@kurts605]

More people need to watch this. Many more people. What a brilliant man. This is epic!

[@scottb4389]

I wish so much that Christopher Hitchens could be a voice in today's society,culture,politics . Such a beautifully brilliant person.

[@br5448]

he got out in time not to suffocate in this

[@offensivebuddist319]

he would be cancelled

[@SI-qp7cm]

He is and will always be. KZbin houses his greatest speeches of which there are many. To live forever

[@simonlaplace9790]

@@offensivebuddist319 by his intellectual descendants

[@br5448]

he might just run back to the grave? Things so bad...

[@einnaoeilifu2648]

Christopher Hitchens, what class, standing up for his friend Stephen Fry. That’s real friendship, and they don’t men like that anymore.

[@arriuscalpurniuspiso]

Poet, philosopher and genius. A perfect oration

[@corra7]

Where are all the intellects of today gone? Miss him!

[@BeachLover6571]

We’re right here!!

[@StonedGossard_]

if I could bring back anyone that isn't my mother, it would be this man, an unmatched intellectual and one of the sharpest orators and writers the world has ever known

[@indranidutta1945]

Aye aye

[@rationalist47]

If possible I would resurrect Hitchens over both my mom and dad, or even myself.

[@_..-.._..-.._]

Hitchens _isn’t_ your mother? I’ve always assumed he was.

[@_..-.._..-.._]

@@rationalist47 Exactly! I know it sounds untrue, but for the sake of humanity, (and my dislike of religion) I would swap with him. He could start back at 35 with all his knowledge.

[@user-pt1cz4ot1e]

@@_..-.._..-.._agreed. He’s so much more important than I could ever be.

[@anne2423]

Only Hitchens, with his acute intelligence and eloquence, could deliver such extensive Napalm to the face of ignorance. I miss you Hitch, and glad I lived in your time.

[@Armchairhobo]

As a Christian I certainly can handle having invective thrown in my face but this sounds like what Satan with a degree from Harvard would speak... Nothing but accusation of the "Others" with not a word of condemnation for the evils of atheistic/secular men & women which easily rival & surpass those of Catholics.

[@michaelbrickley2443]

@anne2423, ignorance? As in, no faith in Yahweh is sheer brilliance?

[@Backwoodsmachinist]

@michaelbrickley2443 What you just asked/assumed was never said or implied. You made that leap to the extreme. Calling someone ignorant doesn't automatically make someone else brilliant, nor does it imply it. People such as yourself who cannot use basic logic and rationale thought when they read something and choose to make emotional based leaps of thought are a disgusting scourge to this planet. You allow yourself to be lead in whatever the wind blows. You are mindlessly malicious to free thinkers in this respect

[@michaelbrickley2443]

@@Backwoodsmachinist you do go on and on and on. Hmmm. The whole world except a small 10-15% share that doesn’t, believe there is a personal God. Approx. 50% of American Scientists believe in God with the vast majority of them following Yeshua.

[@Backwoodsmachinist]

@michaelbrickley2443 Even if every human on earth believed in god it still wouldn't have any effect on whether or not god exists. The amount of people that believe something doesn't effect whether it's true or not. Many people believe things that are false.

[@desdenova1]

Christopher's Hitch-slaps will reverberate until the heat-death of the universe.

[@willmpet]

Christopher Hitchens was praised by one of my friends who was the president of the American National Secular Society, he was always kindly to anyone who asked him questions and always stayed to answer any questions that they had! She was very impressed by him!

[@adymorris7347]

Wow! What a speech! When the atrocities are listed it makes your skin crawl. Well done Christopher - you are missed.

[@roberthawkes2023]

What about the atrocities of man, the ones who hate religion. Will we just forget about all the killing these evil bastards have done. Let’s start with Hitler, who murdered millions of innocent people because they where Jews.

[@4faxache935]

@@roberthawkes2023 If you want to go back to the beginning, that's if you happen to believe in fairy tales ie the bible, then you will very quickly see that the one person who killed/committed the worst atrocities on humankind was ------------------------- god himself.

[@roberthawkes2023]

@@4faxache935 ….. looks like your the one that needs a history lesson.

[@roberthawkes2023]

@@4faxache935 ….. how can you say that, you don’t believe that God exists.

[@4faxache935]

@@roberthawkes2023 Correct, all i'm doing is showing you what your big man done according to his autobiography, his words, not mine.

[@harrypowell9050]

What an intellect! His knowledge and logic live on. He died too soon. I admire and aspire to his eloquence.

[@carolmiller5713]

If Christopher Hitchens (may he rest in peace) ever came after you it's best to just surrender. One of the sharpest minds of mankind.

[@bobwilson7192]

I'm not a person of great intelligence. i had to down load this speach, so that i could digest all that was said. i was raised in a catholic household. since I was about 12 or 13 (I'm now 62), I started to question the things I was told, by not only my family, but by my educators as well. To me, a man of simple thoughts, it just didn't make sense. I thought I was a bit weird in my deliberations. It went against What was accepted. Then I read 'The God Delusion'. It Reinforced the thoughts I had been having all these years.

[@a.musica1914]

Agree, and what about islam, even worse

[@cb25]

Oh dear. Do you realise how many logical fallacies are in that book. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water and go to Christ.

[@carolineleiden]

He is so missed. We need him now more than ever, in this day and age.

[@barryfoster453]

Amen to that, Caroline. The world (rather the West) has gone even madder after he left us. And I didn't think that was possible. We live in a truly insane time.

[@stephenwinchester6668]

This is the truth!!

[@mrluke13]

I assure you he believes in God now

[@michaelstrauss4406]

@@mrluke13 He probably does. And I assure you God agrees with him on everything else.

[@NZRainbowGillian]

@@mrluke13 The thing I'd like everyone to at least agree on is that only the dead can actually experience the truth. Every person living should stop pretending they have the answers from 'on high', and using it to justify harm. Agnotics say simply we can't prove or disprove the spiritual, and act accordingly, not following any one set of teachings.

[@UseADamnCoaster]

Hitchens was so influential on me as I was questioning my faith, eventually leading me to atheism. Sucks I never got to see him demolish bad religious and political ideas in person. RIP legend

[@georgetait386]

Literal goosebumps watching this

[@shawnbiesiada1741]

To be able to speak so clearly, so pointedly and essentially do it without notes is deeply impressive regardless of whether you agree with what he's saying or not. He's was one of the best orators out there

[@cb25]

An amazing liar

[@Cheximus]

​@@cb25 point one one lie. Three if you're feeling ambitious.

[@KEP3365]

@@cb25an amazing liar? What is he lying about?

[@tiafolla]

@@cb25 We notice you didn’t specify even one. Who’s lying?

[@spol1622]

@@cb25 could you give some examples?

[@patbrennan6572]

I was born into the Catholic curse through no choice of my own but have since made a full recovery.

[@ashwayn]

The path is long and covered in thorns lol How strange I was born in 1942 YES I am old Mother as i found out after 1953 was a Witch 1953 in UK witch craft act removed father went to war became a medic and saved lives even the \Germans and Italians he was Pagan also but i did not know until later

[@josephmaxwell5033]

Heading for hell at a rapid pace!

[@johnhahn9085]

Very clever, in a snarky boring kind of way.

[@christinebuddi1275]

Full recovery. That's gotta feel freeing. Working on that now

[@johnhahn9085]

Off to Mass today! And get this: It’s by my own choice yet!!

[@pavel9652]

Being a Catholic priest in this debate is like being in ground zero of extinction level asteroid impact.

[@3joewj]

I wonder how his debate with God went...😆

[@pavel9652]

He defeated it with Hitchens's razor.

[@krash66]

Mic Drop! WOW. That was more than a take down or a punch in the gut. That was a heavyweight Knockout! You are sorely missed in this day and age, Mr. Hitchens!

[@Mike-be7uk]

Omg, eviscerated completely before they started. Savage and entirely appropriate. RIP CH

[@davidmoffitt5681]

An unbelievably lucid, logical, historically accurate dissection of where organized religion has gone off the rails. An amazing mind and intellect that leaves one awestruck.

[@psychlos21]

When I was younger, I would have gladly thrown away my university education if I had the opportunity to study under Christopher Hitchens. Brilliance Squared.

[@nkesteren]

Channel your inner Hitch and guess what he would say to this and to everyone putting a thumbs up here.

[@patmctigue447]

Did you not have a pulse back then ?? Cream suit tells it all big show n bigger mouth !!!

[@RMR1]

Brilliance cubed, even. Or quartic... or ...quintic or decic or ... OK, brilliance squared works.

[@KLmoxie]

Hitchens is gifted and possibly one of a kind for this generation. Some people may not know that his mother and her partner (who was a clergyman that was defrocked) took their lives early in 1973. This may be one of the reasons he's studied religion and committed to being a free thinker. He has lifted the veil on many who were indoctrinated, abused, and died by the church.

[@michaelallen1396]

Well I'm sure he's with her now.

[@ostrich67]

@@michaelallen1396 He would not believe that.

[@jamesSwhite]

Well, he's right about a lot of things and not right about some things, it's relative. Love the guy. I am not religious. He's a beacon of light and truth for sure. Mis him dearly ❤

[@lauriefrancisco1084]

Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to express oneself like that? One of the things that amazed me about Mr. Hitchens was his ability to sound passionate but remain calm, to be respectful in the face of the facts that he related, to be fair, and, quite frankly, to have the guts to do ANY of it! And I agree with others who have commented below that we sure could use his frank and discerning intellect now!

[@cht2162]

Absolutely. Let's ban abortion and keep on pumping-out more and more humans until there is nothing left of mother earth. The church sits contemplating 'higher' things while the earth as we know it dies.

[@Thepourdeuxchanson]

I think history will honor him through whatever ages we have left to us, as a magnificent voice for reason, clarity of thought, and compassion.

[@stevestackpole6817]

I wish I had seen this sooner. How one man can completely dismantle the entire Catholic Church. Pure genius.

[@mesafintfanuel8439]

Also protestantism.

[@Ericwvb2]

And in just 20 minutes!

[@flighty9999]

I don't quite understand why other religions must defend themselves from the atheist religion.

[@tehanua4383]

That wasn’t his goal. He wanted Justice, not acknowledgement. Watch and read more of his work, it’s an outcry for recognition of crimes by a clandestine religious organization

[@timothycahill7535]

It's something that comes naturally,........ from an Englishman.

[@paulynhoffman5990]

I can watch his lectures all day. My Son introduced me to him and I can’t get enough of him. The world has lost a genius.

[@deanvo503]

Your son do you a great favor.

[@luismangiaterra1031]

Paulin Hoffman, you can follow him to where he is right now and you can listen to him some more.

[@deanvo503]

@Paulyn Hoffman u hurt budy?

[@luismangiaterra1031]

@@deanvo503not saying now or anytime soon but much later, you sayed you could listen to him all day. Plenty of room for more lovers of the dark, where he is now.

[@deanvo503]

@Luis Mangiaterra what he was physically is probably in an urn or six feet under the ground, now, what HE REALLY WAS probably disappeared with the death of his brain and the parts of which it was composed but his legacy lives on and continues to influence millions of people, You are a bitter and hurt man because what he said contradicted your beliefs and you come here to leave vile comments, .look within yourself, lest the "darkness" you fear so much come from yourself.

[@kpspkyes]

Can we all just agree that there is death and nothing else and get on with the relative complexities of trying to get along with each other?

[@Viky.A.V.]

That was really powerful. It's such a pity he's not with us anymore.

[@marylpierce1256]

I miss you terribly Christopher Hitchens. Our world once again needs your voice; we miss you.

[@gigicolada]

So moving. He nearly brought me to tears with his passion. What an honor it would have been to see him speak.

[@haleyguthrie3113]

Jesus we need this man right now

[@kawasakiwhiptwo5821]

LOL.

[@musiclover9361]

"I'm debating Christopher Hitchens. Got any advice?" "What's the topic?" "Religion." "Don't."

[@jeanhawken4482]

The brilliance of education at work. A most wonderful human being.

[@davidnewland2461]

Ifind myself inaweof the depth and breadth of his education.

[@ounkwon6442]

also homosexual - thankfully in personal closet, not on public parade.

[@peteabrh-fairest9463]

The great Christopher hitchens and the Great Stephen Fry made exceptionally well presented facts as regards the Catholic church. Their combined insight, lucidity, knowledge and precognition of the said subject matter was phenomenally well and factually delivered. Subscribed. 👏🇬🇧👏

[@missvic659]

I left the catholic church when I found out our priest used my brother for his sexual needs, Father Crowl was his name, he was always pleasant and nice to the girls and no one believed he could do such a thing, until he was moved to another church! This Congress has a lot of Fascists who prove who they are, by talking about freedom while simultaneously trying to pass laws to take them away from us. The people with the most money never have enough, some pay us so little while profiting immensely from our hard work and sweat, They are the people that are trying to bring back slavery for their own selfish greed. Even George Orwell tried to warn us with his books. When will some of us stop being so gullible and believe the loudest squeaky wheel?

[@progpuss]

He was a shining light in the darkness of human religious behaviour, and what an oritor, nature giving talent.

[@julir3754]

In your face! Simply outstanding.

[@trafyknits9222]

This video renews my deep belief in secularism, enlightenment and the unflinching pursuit of truth. Hitchens brings me to tears every time. His intellect, eloquence and passion is so missed.

[@nadm.191]

I am 100% sure you know only one face of the so-called (European) Enlightenment.

[@Logiconfire]

Poor booze soaked Hitch. His greatest love in life was alcohol and that always darkens a life. Now he is silent except for screams of terror.

[@algorhythm1454]

@@Logiconfire did you start writing dramas whilst at nursery school, or is it a later-life effort?

[@kristinahollie]

Just wanted to cheer myself up so I come here to watch my favorite speaker of all time.

[@playinhard]

I very often feel that way myself! :)

[@voiceover2191]

Yes, we all need a dose of Hitch every now and again and this debate was epic and the pro-Church camp was utterly defeated, resulting in a most embarassing vote at the end.

[@DeeArr]

RIP Christopher. I've read your books. You are sadly needed now and sorely missed.

[@timothyhowson2775]

What a man. So very,very missed.

[@fatsiddog]

I was a closet atheist until this debate, now I proudly wear it on my sleeve. Thank you Mr. Hitchens. Listening to him never gets old.

[@EgonFreeman]

I don't think that's the point, or close to it. Be who you are, don't hide it, but don't be prideful. I'm an agnostic atheist, but I don't mention it outside of topical discussions. Half of the point, I think, is to just get on with our lives. And one final thought: truth, no matter what it is, will surface - it will be found out, not because there are so many looking for it, but because it only takes one to find it. The only truths that may remain obscure or lost in time are personal truths, or "reasons" - the answers to the question "Why?"

[@fatsiddog]

I am certain that is the point, it was and is my experience. As for the truth, I agree with you, truthfully :)

[@fatsiddog]

Sam Spade Main reason, family is very religious. Stating my non belief didn’t make for a fun Christmas. :)

[@kawasakiwhiptwo5821]

lazyAZ dog doesn't it feel great lazy dog? I've been an atheist for 20 years and nothing has felt better than coming out of that stifling closet into a free world filled with that breath of fresh air. Christopher Hitchens is my hero and no one has made me feel more confident in my decision to free myself from my religious chains.

[@fatsiddog]

it does feel great, free as a bird :)

[@willroberts3991]

A brilliant man and incredible orator who's debate skills were impeccable. A voice of reason and critical thinking who is incredibly missed.

[@mikeyj.philly]

I LOVE listening Christopher Hitchens. I am however confused as to why he seems to always attack Christian faith by criticizing the Institutions of the church, which by no means whatsoever represent the average Christian believer who is, on average non-denominational in the 21st century. It would be as if I attacked the medium of music by criticizing the music industry. One is a parasite living on the underbelly of the other.

[@willroberts3991]

@mikeyj.philly8940 Mr. Hitchens tended to go after the institutions of religion i.e. the leadership and the overall structure and implementation of said organizations. He was critical of not only Christianity but of Islam and Judaism as well. He was critical of organized religion as a whole.

[@mikeyj.philly]

@@willroberts3991 but most Christians would argue that organization ITSELF goes against the gospel. Jesus famously mocked the apostles for building an official temple where people "go to pray" as if there even needs to be a place for that

[@willroberts3991]

@mikeyj.philly8940 But the leadership of said organizations is still that, the leadership. And unfortunately a lot of those leaders do questionable if not outright horrible things under the guise of devine sanction. What Mr. Hitchens points out is the hypocrisy and corruption that permeates much of the leadership of these groups. And yes there are non religious groups that deal with the same issues of corruption but it is the religious institutions that conveniently are able to say that they have a deity on their side that absolves them or justifies their actions. Also take into account the literalists that ignore demonstrable scientific evidence for the world around them when it is inconvenient to their doctrine. Mr. Hitchens did not bemoan people for being spiritual, he simply pointed out that having blind faith in institutions that have for centuries committed terrible acts can be dangerous. The abuse of children, the treatment of women, instances of xenophobia, the list goes on and on. Hitchens never told people to not be spiritual, he just espoused critical thinking and to maybe not give these leaders a free pass because they are supposed men of god.

[@azmainfaiak8111]

@@mikeyj.phillythe gospels advocated for slavery......if we followed the gospel, then slavery might be back, is that any way good for the society?

[@blackbird35116]

Some people say they would like to have spoken to Christ. I would like to have spoken to Chris Hitchens. I still get goose bumps when I hear him speak...pure brilliance.

[@Iknowaboutroaches3350]

That is your loss, sad that you worship man instead of your creator who gave you the color of your eyes.

[@ThomasMurrell-xr4mt]

@@Iknowaboutroaches3350 There is no creator, it exists only in your tiny mind. It's really sad that adults believe in this garbage.

[@Iknowaboutroaches3350]

@@ThomasMurrell-xr4mt dude, your not to bright, explain how absolutely nothing can evolve into anything? Evolution is completely made up, c'mon I need a good laugh, where did that original something come from? Why don't we see any monkey men today? Better yet why do monkeys still exist? I thought they evolved into us? Explain how the Golden ratio just could happen by pure coincide? Why do some planets and moons spin the other way? If you can answer just one I'll be amazed.

[@nealgrimes4382]

@@ThomasMurrell-xr4mt There are some highly intelligent people who are Theists people are very good at compartmentalising, insulting someones intelligence because they are religious is beneath you, i am Atheist by the way.

[@TheSmallKorner]

Stephen Fry looks almost moved to tears for his being vehemently defended my Hitchens against such amoral corruption. Such a powerful moment.

[@JeffFreemanPresents]

Ian Hays I, too, am moved to tears.

[@gregory2733]

Ian Hays moved me to tears, as well

[@RtooGtoo]

I was moved to tears as well.

[@RtooGtoo]

I didn't get the sense that he was almost moved to tears. Rather it seemed to me he felt vindicated for such atrocities perpetrated against his character for his personal proclivities, which are perfectly natural for him. As well, it was noted, all while covering up the mistreatment of or exploitation of young boys throughout the church's history. I believe Stephen has lived long enough and is intelligent enough to know that these atrocities say more about the perpetrators than their intended targets.

[@MrCook1227]

@ Ian Hays: Amoral? Immoral. Disgraceful. Criminal. Uncivilized. Narcissistic. Insane. In need of punishment, a rubber room, castration. The molesters and their protectors should be identified to the public, shamed and punished. Then they should be castrated and educated until they comprehend the harm they have done. Then they should be separated permanently from other humans. Not Amoral. Immoral.

[@stevieb89]

One of the greatest debaters and orators in all of human history

[@scorps192]

I concur

[@Samn3212]

100%

[@MrDaiseymay]

And when he shared the podium with Prof Richard Dawkins, they were unparalleled

[@kingy002]

And Stephen Fry ate him and spate him out. Fry was head and shoulders above him on here, particularly as a debater, and even more so as an orator!

[@shinobi-no-bueno]

I just ordered letters to a young contrarian, I can't wait to read it and hold on to it and give it to my son

[@MM-yi9zn]

No one ever can come even near to Hitchen’s brilliance & magnificent oratory talents!

[@azureander5487]

“Crushed Cardinal” is perhaps THE best form of foreshadowing and a simultaneous compliment made in one phrase referencing two people I have ever heard. His grasp of language is simply unmatched.

[@beatlessteve1010]

Absolutely blasting the Catholic church.. indeed rightfully so.

[@ryanmarks4277]

The fact that he still addresses him as “your grace” and even apologizes for saying “Bishop Ratzinger” partway through shows he had more honor in one toenail than most of the people he debated. RIP sir.

[@samiam3297]

Sheeeeesh! 🌬🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 "Evil flourishes when good men do nothing." - Sir Edmund Burk

[@mikewilson8513]

Christopher is/was simply amazing. His reasoning is astonishing. His recall is mind blowing. I have learned so much from this great man. Yes, he will be sorely missed. RIP Christopher.

[@richarddiclaudio9554]

I wonder how his personal judgement in front of Jesus went for him?

[@playinhard]

@@richarddiclaudio9554 Bahaha undoubtedly like the one with Santa! :)

[@crhkrebs]

@@playinhard or the Toothfairy.

[@TURTLEORIGINAL]

@@playinhard I truly hope you open your heart to Jesus Christ and get saved. Please, please, open the Bible, beginning with the New Testament, the book of Matthew. Take care.

[@kaladinstromblessed5221]

@@TURTLEORIGINAL Nah dude we have Krishna Ram Kali Durga and other 33 crore gods

[@eldonscott9]

I'm struck with profound emotion having watched this. His fire of attention is like nothing I have ever seen, nor do I believe I ever will again. Towards the middle when he speaks of child abuse in the church with such clarity and conviction, I was brought to tears having gone through sexual abuse myself as a child. Something was dislodged within me in that instant just a few moments ago as I heard and saw the power of his report. How wildly unexpected, and a gift of recognition I have needed and didn't know for a long time.

[@rigneyte]

If you haven't read him he left behind so much. Truly one of the giants.

[@NGEternal]

well written

[@eldonscott9]

@@NGEternal Oh, thank you so much.

[@eldonscott9]

@@rigneyte I haven’t, would like to start with God is Not Great. Open to recommendations!

[@DharmaBeing]

@@eldonscott9 That's where I started with him and it's brilliant. His biography of Jefferson is excellent as well. He edited a volume called The Portable Atheist which is great.

[@ab8jeh]

Ann Widecombe being at a conference with intelligence written on the lecturn is puzzling.

[@johnprouflock4179]

Brilliant speech by Hitchens.

[@ManuelBasiri]

RIP hero of intellect and human values. The world is yet to see a champion like him if ever.

[@Adrian_Nel]

@Manuel Basiri. We probably won't be so fortunate.

[@63Baggies]

There'll never be another. Hitchens was the Charlie Parker of polymaths.

[@nadm.191]

Well, I disagree. “The function of [Hitchens’s] antitheism was structurally analogous to what Irving Howe characterized as Stalinophobia. . .the Bogey-Scapegoat of Stalinism justified a new alliance with the right, obliviousness towards the permanent injustices of capitalist society, and a tolerance for repressive practices conducted in the name of the “Free World”. In roughly isomorphic fashion Hitchens’s preoccupation with religion. . .authorized not just a blind eye to the injustices of capitalism and empire but a vigorous advocacy of the same.” Richard Seymour, Unhitched, 2013

[@petergedd9330]

We should not look for champions any further than our own heart.

[@joesikic6531]

It's sad that the "Four Horsemen" are no longer four ✌️

[@alanmartin6436]

I'm not an atheist. I'm not a liberal. I am addicted to this man's videos.

[@SkillBuilder]

visiting The Vatican some years ago, I sat outside while my wife and young sun went in. I told him I could not set foot in a catholic church and he wondered why. Years later he watched this and said "Dad I get it now"

[@InformationIsTheEdge]

Only Christopher could so effortlessly work a joke about crushing the Cardinal into his opening remarks and have it so well received even by the Cardinal himself!

[@justme.1st]

I miss Christopher Hitchens so much! He was a great that never backed down in his beliefs & he expressed his views so eloquently. A true statesman of our time.

[@TheBagpypr]

Unadulterated, pure and undeniable brilliance. I truly miss Hitch.

[@tormid100]

A genius of a man. I can recommend his books. Please read them. Thank you.

[@stranraerwal]

he simply is brilliant in his way of presenting the facts of the Church's failures throughout history.

[@cheri238]

Christopher Hitchens, a man of great intelligence. He is so missed. I listen to him everyday still. Sanity. Thank you respectfully. RIP. ❤️

[@jackmermigas9465]

Seeing the people in the front row who weren't clapping, who weren't impressed by this magnificent savagery, I have to wonder if any of it secretly got through to them. Thank you Hitch.

[@KjelleDealer]

Chances are it did. The vote for against the motion at the start and the end of the debate suggests as much.

[@MrBelgum]

Those people were probably scared to applaud lest they get in trouble. Kind of like being a Trump sycophant.

[@jackmermigas9465]

@@MrBelgum Yes we're still tribal people and we can't easily change teams when we're identified socially as being part of the other team. I hope their cages were rattled enough to allow a seed of rational thought to squeeze through

[@rexpayne7836]

Highly intelligent and highly motivated. RIP Hitch. 🙏 🇦🇺 😊

[@stefanosiano4401]

Good I wish he was still alive and speaking up on todays social and societal issues

[@Aja-Christian]

In the 7 or 8 years since I first discovered his work, not only has Christopher Hitchens inspired me to embrace my own ability to practice logic and reason but has also moved me to improve my public speaking skills and as a result has made me a much more efficient orator 😎 I have never listened to someone with the ability to express thoughts and ideas as succinctly as he did. It's 50% what he's saying and 50% about HOW he says it.

[@stokedmtb333]

Well said! 👏👏👏

[@sessary]

I'm so very sad to say I'm just now discovering him. I wish I would've found this brilliant man years ago.

[@themudpit621]

He also taught me the word 'solipsism', yet I still don't really understand it lol.

[@modelleg]

Totally agree. Amazing orator. Brilliant. Miss him greatly.

[@jameswarrren2545]

Religion & spirituality have nothing to do with religion. That's because logic and rationality are not in the same domain. Religion is rightly full of myths, parables, metaphors, etc. The Bible is true. And some of it really happened.

[@ilkerkarakas]

Brilliantly argumentative. People like him are needed.

[@nadm.191]

What about his argumentative defense murder? Have you read about his defense of American imperialism, Iraq, etc?

[@nadm.191]

@Matt S Wrong conclusion based on ignorance and assumption. I am an atheist, uncompromising atheist, but it happens that I read and look at any intellectual as a whole. No one is a god. All subject to criticism, especially when it comes to major issues like capitalism, inequality, oppression, violence, hypocrisy, double standard, etc.

[@jamesSwhite]

A beacon of truth and light. Absolutely love this guy ❤️

[@zxys001]

the church has always been about power and control. damn, Christopher is good! ..and we all miss you! thanks for posting this.. I've seen many but this one is special. (I was raised catholic)

[@paulwhitehouse2290]

I love the way he is so polite to the people he will be debating,then rips apart there argument, brilliant,he is sadly missed!!

[@patrickcrawford5596]

their

[@jv-lk7bc]

there, there

[@danohanlon8316]

That cardinal’s body language is classic. He acknowledges none of it.

[@eensio]

Christopher Hitchens was great thinker and speaker, he was splendid debator. He opened our eyes to look behind things and traditions. There are very few man who could express and lighten the ethics of humanity so convincingly! Thank you for video!

[@JimiHendrix998]

Everyone is given a brain. It takes a lifetime to develop a mind and very few develop minds like Christopher Hitchens . I miss him deeply......