Christopher Hitchens on Islam

Christopher Hitchens and Andrew Sullivan on Tim Russert 25SEP04 discuss religion

[@davidsteel7588]

Islam: A strange combination of self-righteousness , self- pity , and violent aggression.

[@samm1809]

That exact phrase could be used to describe my little brother playing Minecraft.

[@salnjoffy69]

Saddam Hussein Hahaha!

[@eg626]

Fucking Hell hmm, well they are both fantasy worlds..

[@samm1809]

eg626 That depends on your personal interpretation of Minecraft. No 2 players have the same view of it, because it is a very personal and individual relationship that you have with the game. Some take it to the extreme that they actually act as though it is real life, and ignorantly commit heinous acts such as starving to death while playing it, so that is all the more why we as a have to foster the healthy and growing community of Minecraft players in our own society who have jobs and healthy lives and who are enacting their interest in the game in a healthy way.

[@kevgh3869]

Don't forget Islam is continually playing the victim and self victimizes it's own people and then blames the west for it. I hate to say it but they never should have gotten rid of Saddam Hussein, he kept all the balances in check.

[@tspencerlewis1]

‘If you believe Jesus is coming back very soon to kill everybody who doesn’t agree with him, how do you keep that out of politics?’. Hitch made so many things clear by uttering such penetrating questions

[@prenom8793]

This is not what xtians believe?

[@edwardtimothy3581]

@@prenom8793 it is tho

[@el_teodoro]

@@edwardtimothy3581 It is certainly not. I'm not Christian, but what all of them tell me is that Jesus will come back in the time of apocalypse, so save people who believe in him.

[@edwardtimothy3581]

@@el_teodoro They believe Jesus is God They believe God created everything including Hell and Apocalypse They believe apocalypse would kill everyone Thus Jesus Kill everyone who don't believe in him. What's so hard for u to understand?

[@fckwful]

If you believe that, you don't take the Jesus of the New Testament very seriously. Such a "Jesus" would be someone else entirely. I know there are "Christians" who believe in such a nonsense. But their biggest problem is Jesus himself. He would be on Hitchen's side.

[@sashikiran1]

Its a pity that we lost Christopher so early.

[@andrewmair7371]

More than a pity...

[@Official-tk3nc]

Indian?

[@McGyver777ATGMAIL]

God knew that if he let Chris live any longer He wouldn't exist anymore.

[@promiscuittea]

If people were immortal then sons would never leave the shadow of their fathers, daughters would never leave the shadows of their mothers, going back to our grandparents, then great grandparents ect ect; if we were immortal, then we would never be free. That's something Christopher's book 'Mortality' taught me at least- I highly recommend reading it.

[@bunkiebunk]

He is with god now 😂

[@gimenovax1]

If Islam was actually true and heaven was full of muslims why would anyone want to go there.

[@dmonarredmonarre3076]

"Ahhh you're breaking my balls"

[@RealHogweed]

@@rice83101 and mother-in-laws

[@Timeren2010]

@@rice83101 yeah, beautiful, chaste, pure, transparent-skinned, bone-marrow showing, breast-developing, ruby- and coral-like raisins. You know the kind :)

[@arjunratnadev]

and a virgin with 75 genders

[@Teologi-kd2nl]

😂😂

[@rjones6801]

I watched the movie The Road a couple years back. It was one of the most depressing films I ever watched and it left me feeling rather hopeless for all the characters. A friend of mine watched it and he was filled with hope because of the bug that was alive and the plant - hints at life. Basically what I'm getting at is you can have 100 people watch a movie or read a book (bible or Quran) and get 100 completely different interpretations of it. I just wish we could all agree that these are just movies and books, and there's nothing profound beyond that. Nobody is murdering each other over their interpretations of The Road because nobody takes it literally. That's what makes religion so incredibly dangerous.

[@nitesh2780]

Are you suggesting there is no road rage in this world??? Wake up..... Joke

[@morradi10000]

Richard Jones The book is even better!

[@edwardtimothy3581]

Nice

[@alibarznji2000]

It's called humane egotism.

[@Optimtimistic-47]

In my country they burned a person alive on the “ Suspect “ of blasphemy ( literally made him a piece of coal ) I started having doubts then this is not what I ever signed for

[@thestumpavarieteeshow]

A gay catholic debating a str8 atheist, what a debate

[@WhoThisMonkey]

Hitchens was debating the other was not.

[@deolihp]

Andrew Sullivan is gay?

[@thestumpavarieteeshow]

@@deolihp yup

[@deolihp]

@@thestumpavarieteeshow wow I never knew!

[@thestumpavarieteeshow]

@@deolihp yup, he is the owner of, I think it's called the Daily Beast and was a regular on the bill Maher show, that why I like him. I agree and disagree with them both but I love he is not apologetic about who he is AND still has faith, like me. Search Andrew Sullivan and Bill Maher and see the debate 😀

[@ghostofdayinperson]

It's not a war between religious fanaticism and secularism; it's a war between religion and SANITY.

[@duderyandude9515]

Secularism. Sanity. Same thing.

[@davidhopeman9622]

*Duh* science *DR.FOUCCI ?* HE'S 🤪 NUTS ! The example of the *U.S.S.R.* is "your truth," that you ignore 🤷‍♂️

[@c.a.t.732]

@@davidhopeman9622 You can't even spell his name, doofus.

[@WhoThisMonkey]

​@@davidhopeman9622 What?

[@BillyMurray-hw2vz]

Everyone who disagrees with you is insane?

[@Harley04]

WOW, 10 years on and even more relevant with what's happening NOW

[@justinm2697]

And more relevant as the days tick by so it seems.

[@luisishere987]

I know right? Christopher was a extremely intelligent man, he is being missed

[@navylaks2]

That's why they killed Hitchens

[@LarsAndersenFrihed]

15 years on and more relevant than ever.

[@chuck4921]

Getting MORE and MORE so.

[@AlcibiadesMD]

Sorely miss this beautiful man every day, may his mellifluous voice keep educating free-thinkers everywhere until the end of human extinction.

[@davidhopeman9622]

Well Hitchens's *EXTINCTION* and the Soviet Socialists Republics' EXTINCTION are both similar.

[@Chief_Bill]

I am hoping that humans will have kicked religion out of their minds before they become extinct

[@AlcibiadesMD]

@@Chief_Bill A very noble sentiment Bill, but in my personal view I doubt it. Most people are born and brainwashed in a house of “god” since birth, it’ll take effort, commitment and a lot of reading and searching (Science) for truth (reality) rational skepticism and critical thinking to sink in, things that most people, although capable of, won’t do for fear to be condemned by their sky daddy. For as long as there’s fear of death the invisible product of religion will thrive, for arrogant man invented his immortality out of his refusal to accept that he is nothing more than just another animal, in his hubris he had to exalt himself above all the other beasts. Edit: Cheers 🍻 to Hitch and to enlightenment.

[@Chief_Bill]

@@AlcibiadesMD I haven't studied the roots of religion or the details through which religion and atheism work, but I just have this vague idea that we're becoming more and more secular. Modern science has played a huge role and I'm just feeling that atheism is becoming more common. I highly doubt we'll get religion off our backs easily, it won't happen, and even if it does, personal faiths will still exist (although that's not my business). But our extinction is certainly a long way ahead, provided something horrible doesn't happen, so I believe that atheistic societies will eventually win. It'll be very disappointing if they don't Cheers I hope the past 4 years (since you first commented) have been alright

[@AlcibiadesMD]

@@Chief_Bill Very well written and expressed may I add, and yes, as an optimistic man we share same views, as a humanist, I’ve given my hand to my fellow man to help and to achieve and I’m certainly very proud of my 3 cats and one dog, I take great care of them and they return unconditional love and affection. I sincerely hope that mankind will rise to the challenge one day through critical thinking, rational skepticism and enquire through the only method and tools proven thus far to be accurate. (Science) Thank you for writing Bill, and Cheers 🍻 to enlightenment, very best regards to you and yours.

[@mayms9181]

‏I left Islam when I read the Qur’an and the biography of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam ‏Now I live in Iraq and I can't talk about it even with my family I might be killed, and society will reject me, it's very difficult for me ‏and many Arabs leave Islam every day, but they cannot announce that because they may be killed and of course society rejects them.

[@ggthewhale]

What did you read in it that made you make this decision?

[@Timeren2010]

Stay strong, stay away from islam. Getting rid of apostasy and blasphemy-laws is essential, but more important is that decent human beings recognize that islam is far from decent, and do like you, and leave. Islam needs to wither and die in the minds of people, because the "holy" texts are vile, and cant be changed. At least not the quran, as you know, "Allah" himself said so....

[@Redman680]

​@@ggthewhaleopen it on any page & you'll find the answer.

[@luisishere987]

11 years ago and everything Hitchens said is still very accurate

[@JohnGeometresMaximos]

Yes. Eric was absolutely right to support the 2003 Iraq war. 🤣

[@Poseidon6363]

Hitch still lives

[@Poseidon6363]

Gude Balm The very fact you have just mentioned him proves he exists in your thoughts.

[@Poseidon6363]

Gude Balm He exists in my thoughts.

[@psycotria]

+Gude Balm , your valid points are drowned out by your appeals to unproven conspiracies.

[@Poseidon6363]

Gude Balm What's happening in the world that hasn't happened before?

[@Poseidon6363]

Gude Balm Don't be lazy, read a history book on the 2 world wars, the great plagues, black death, the crusades etc, nothing happening now even comes close.

[@alpspitz1]

" Evil thrives when good does nothing "

[@leeblack9037]

It is so sad that the world lost the great mind of Christopher Hitchens.

[@dianeflock9460]

8 YEARS HAVE PASSED AND IT IS ONLY GETTING WORSE. WE OWE IT TO HUMANITY TO STOP EVIL OF ISLAM BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.

[@Warpig9]

diane flock Keep resisting Diane. The one's so eager to falsely label us racist and 'Islamophobe' to limit our speech will not win.

[@dianeflock9460]

huh, racist. islam is an evil religious cult. it enslaves women and treats them like their servants.

[@islamtwofaces9672]

DISCORD BETWEEN MUSLIMS STATES, SHIA AND SUNNI The Gulf Co-operation Council has failed to achieve its most ambitious targets of economic integration and the establishment of a credible joint defense capability. But today it faces unprecedented discord: • Iraq has accused Saudi Arabia and Qatar of seeking to destabilize the country. • Relations between Egypt and Qatar are strained over the Muslim Brotherhood issue. • Saudi Arabia has designated the MB a terrorist group. • Egypt has designated Hamas a terrorist group and is keeping Gaza isolated. • Syria, embroiled in a civil war with outside backing, has accused Saudi Arabia and Qatar of seeking to undermine the country. • Saudi Arabia and Qatar are supporting different factions of the Syrian opposition. • The Arab Gulf states, Egypt and Jordan accuse Iraq of acting as an agent of Shia Iran and allowing Iranian arms to reach Syria - and of marginalizing the Iraqi Sunni community. • Lebanon is divided between those for and against the Syrian government, and for and against Hezbollah's military support for Damascus. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain accuse Iran of meddling in their internal affairs by stoking unrest within their Shia community Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have withdrawn ambassadors from Qatar because of the latter's support for the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and elsewhere MUSLIMS WILL NEVER GET ALONE WITH NOBODY, NEVER MIND WITH THE NON-MUSLIMS OR ISRAEL, AS LONG THEY BELIEVE IN THEIR PEDO PROPHET AND THE KORAN

[@dt9650]

Very interesting clip-- I'm an atheist but incidentally found Andrew Sullivan's counterpoint much more engaging while watching this for the second time. Tim Russert, by the way, was a great example of a journalist who knew when to just sit back and let a discussion go its own way rather than incessantly and needlessly injecting personal commentary the whole time. Bravo!

[@duncanwallace7760]

Two thinking people. I wish there were more Christians like Sullivan and that Hitchens was still about to set people straight. I totally agree with Sullivan's 'glint in the eye' comment. There's plenty of fundamentalist Christians, in the USA especially, which would love to force people into their world view. They're as aggressive and dangerous as the fundamentalists on the other side. Normal peaceful people on both sides shouldn't have to suffer their nonsense!

[@podrisco]

Rubbish , Duncan Wallace !

[@robertisham5279]

@@podrisco What is rubbish ?

[@mathewhogan6946]

Why should anyone feel guilty for existing? Keep faith and magic out of government. That is the only answer. You can not involve doctrine and dogma that is not proven to be true into a social arena where lives are at stake. That is cause for great error and will ultimately be the destruction of human civilization. Support secular government.

[@EdwardCullen667]

100% Matthew, couldn’t agree more!!!

[@27STS]

I miss both these guys, Christopher and Tim.

[@celpabedn]

Is there somebody who would subtitle Hitchens,Harris, Dawkins and Ayan to Arabic or are they also afraid ?

[@Pan_Z]

This guy debated pretty well compared to most religious nuts

[@WhoThisMonkey]

Don't insult nuts, cashews are my favourite.

[@islamtwofaces9672]

Islam's Latest Contributions to Peace. Narrated by DrHarryT "Mohammed is God's apostle. Those who follow him are harsh to the unbelievers but merciful to one another" Quran 48:29 2014.01.22 (Charsadda, Pakistan) - A child is among six dismantled by a Taliban bomb blast. 2014.01.21 (Mastung, Pakistan) - Over two dozen Shia pilgrims on a bus are massacred by a Lashkar-e-Jhangvi suicide bomber. 2014.01.21 (Karachi, Pakistan) - Fundamentalists murder three members of a polio vaccination team. 2014.01.21 (Beirut, Lebanon) - Four people are killed when an al-Nusra sucide bomber detonates in a Shia neighborhood. 2014.01.20 (Karachi, Pakistan) - Three innocents are kidnapped and brutally tortured to death after ignoring warnings not to worship at a Shia shrine. 2014.01.20 (Bab al-Hawa, Syria) - A Fedayeen suicide bomber detonates at a border crossing with Turkey, killing at least sixteen. Annual Jihad Report 2013 Jihad Attacks: 2801 Countries: 51 Religions: 5 Dead Bodies: 16710 Critically Injured: 29432 Weekly Jihad Report Jan 11 - Jan 17 Jihad Attacks: 48 Allahu Akbars*: 9 Dead Bodies: 365 Critically Injured: 629 *Suicide Attacks Quite an ongoing track record. These people are following perfectly in Mohammed's footsteps like Mohammed's militants did after he died in 623 A.D. Who understood Islam perfectly.

[@torino390]

What a walking encyclopedia of information Christopher Hitchens was. an absolute genius with a total grasp of the world. how frustrating it must have been for him to have been constantly surrounded by idiots. he was obviously too clever for this world. we have lost someone very unique.

[@HitchensRazor]

This perfectly sums up how I have been feeling lately. We need a new intellectual to take over where Hitchens left off, and those are some galaxy-sized shoes to fill.

[@lunasinger8702]

I seem to agree with Hitchens 100% of the time. I guess I'm not such an independent thinker after all.

[@misterrr_clean8366]

Being an independent thinker doesn’t mean you can’t agree with others!

[@bobdylan943]

How I wish I could have met that wonderful man - Christopher Hitchens.

[@walrtbstudios5430]

I don’t think I’d ever heard Hitch say “I agree” in a situation like this- but he was at least always capable of it. I have never heard some arguing against Hitch say it, and I cannot conceive of any religious apologist doing so. “A mind is like a parachute- it doesn’t work unless it’s open” (Frank Zappa)

[@Emidretrauqe]

"The issue is the fusion of faith with political power" In other words listening to it. Or more appropriately, following it.

[@tylertyler82]

Society is better, and getting better, because of people like Mr. Hitchens. It is up to the rest of us to continue his legacy by speaking up against religion and zealotry.

[@jeffmcmahon3278]

As the Sullivan bloke quoted:'My kingdom is not of this world.' Exactly. Keep any imagined kingdom out of my world please.

[@TiernanCormier]

I must say (actual arguments aside), unlike many of Hitchens' other respondents... It is nice to see another person on the panel who can articulate his points well, and who actually infuses some substance in the defence of their position.

[@M3Lucky]

Somehow it was peaceful for me to hear this nice exchange of dialogue and ideas :)

[@KillgoreTrout43]

How can a person deny that Israeli politics and Palestinian politics are not motivated by religion? How can anybody actually say this with a straight face.

[@nin_ten_do_yo]

It's easy

[@terrywall2046]

Well god signed that contract a while back

[@EzraB123]

Even the Palestinian claim to Jerusalem is almost exclusively religious. At least the Jews had actual autonomy of the place.

[@zachnies13]

It bothers me when people make excuses for Islam by saying "its just a phase, Chrsitianity was violent once too". Like this is the 21st century, how can you make excuses for murdering children and beheading homosexuals? Moderate Muslims: please reform your religion

[@smoinaladoo]

I tire of the argument re: Christianity in the 16th/17th centuries. Those conflicts are over and THESE are the things happening now.

[@joesickdog]

I miss Hitchens' "honesty" and "intelligence" in his discourse. Of course, I also miss the best interviewer in the history of mankind, Russert. What a privilege it was for any reporter to interview Hitchens. (I believe in God, and ... I love honest sincere debate, and Hitchens was usually very prepared and intelligent). We just lost him way too soon ...

[@lessevdoolbretsim]

Christopher always nails it so goddamn solidly I have to laugh.

[@RogerPalacios-n4t]

What a pleasant surprise finding Tim Russert by chance. He was the best on Meet the Press. Sunday mornings, coffee with milk and Russert, for one hour, it was perfect RIP.

[@Krystallen]

RIP Christopher! You did perfect work!

[@prenom8793]

This guy is on the road to hell

[@edwardtimothy3581]

@@prenom8793 u wish 😂

[@davidhopeman9622]

He ain't *Resting* and there ain't no purgatory, so his work has him either ROTTING IN PLACE... or burning 🔥👹🔥 Or he was cremated ⚱

[@neoyokvio]

@@davidhopeman9622 the same place u will be...

[@Cubanuel]

Convincing, articulate and compelling. Well done sir you have changed my life.

[@marciodpsh]

Please post the whole interview! I'd love to see it.

[@Unleashed_Beasts]

me too!

[@cowboy4762]

Finally, you agree that your mother, daughter and so on could wear bikini and go outside. Then why do they need your convinced and advice/opinion, if they wish to wear bikini or not? You don't need to interfere their freedom.

[@joecurran2811]

Beliefs. Are. Politcal.

[@bunkiebunk]

How can we seperate a religion that dictates every aspect of our lives and then claim that it is "not political" Its an ideology, of which political parties are based upon.

[@anti-theism7067]

I conducted an interview with Christopher's brother Peter the other day, finishing on the last moments of Christopher's life. Anyone who is a fan of his will find it harrowing and enlightening.A real insight.Please watch and like if you enjoy

[@alpspitz1]

Read George Orwell's Animal Farm to see what happens when animals get smart !

[@RogerPalacios-n4t]

Hahaha, in my opinion I think is the other way around. We see it everyday. Supposedly smart, very smart people, believing, saying and doing stupid things.

[@drstrangelove09]

The usual nonsense by Sullivan.

[@winterlandboy]

He was spot on when he spoke about christian fundamentalism and islamic fundamentalism..His statement about the"glint in the eye" of the likes of Jimmy Swaggart was absolutely correct and his statement is more relevant and truer today then it was 8 years ago.

[@drstrangelove09]

When Jimmy Swaggart blows himself up in a crowded square to kill nonbelievers for Christ then you and Sullivan will be proved to be "spot on."

[@winterlandboy]

Open your fucking eyes you imbecile.

[@drstrangelove09]

winterlandboy nice... you are showing who you are now

[@winterlandboy]

Oh yeah ? Who am I ? Go on ..indulge me

[@Tsnore]

Did Andrew (glad US troops are going to "take-a-bullet-for-Israel" while doing what they do in Iraq) Sullivan win this debate back then?

[@jacklondon295]

Sullivan is puny next to Hitch.

[@daniellos333]

Its hard to concentrate on what Hitchens says, his voice alone and the manner in which he speaks, is enough to convince you of whatever the fuck he's saying.

[@nofuckingtrolllzzz]

I didn't have any problems listening and understanding him... In fact I would listen to his voice everynight before falling asleep

[@Simonet1309]

Although I disagree with Hitchens in many areas, and his knowledge of Christianity was laughably limited, I admired his boldness in speaking up without fear. We need more of that.

[@clementnade972]

Simonet1309 The only acceptable forms of Christianity in the modern day are the ones that defy the bible, and therefore not true Christianity. Christians today evolved over the centuries despite the bible and not because of the bible thanks to secular reasoning.

[@atheistantagonist238]

Thanks, it is indeed. I am X Christian born in Eritrea. For me the reason to leave Christianity was because I couldn't understand why God would present this Bible that is open to interpretations. If it is really from God, he would make it in such a way only one interpretation would be possible. But look around these days...35000+ different Christian denominations and interpretations. That makes no sense.

[@EntinludeX]

"Belief in no belief is still belief, belief in believing is also belief. " INcredulity is credulity? Disbelief is belief? How Orwellian. Antonyms are synonyms. WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, and IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH. "Religions of peace"

[@benstevinson764]

Miss You Hitch! 😢 R. I. P

[@Undisputed_King]

Must've been one of the earliest videos on KZbin

[@DewgNews]

Every time I see Andrew speak he seems confused as to what side of any issue he’s actually on and he’s so out of his depth here trying to pin Chris down it’s tragic

[@kyoungd]

“He who has let go of hatred who treats all beings with kindness and compassion, who is always serene, unmoved by pain or pleasure, free of the "I" and "mine," self-controlled, firm and patient, his whole mind focused on me --- that is the man I love best.” ― Anonymous, The Bhagavad Gita tags: bhagavad-gita, stephen-mitchell

[@firstelvys]

Hitchen's knowledge is encyclopedic!! Love it!! And I like Sullivan too, but when going up gainst The Hitch, he is just overwhelmed...

[@waterkingdavid]

Wondefully said Shy Talk! Couldn't agree more. To communicate and share one's ideas in an open manner is one thing. To organize such things into hierarchies of power which dictate what one should believe and how one should behave (santioned by threats in some cases even of death) is completely another.

[@Jolteon52]

*Christopher Hitchens on christianity, islam and judaism.

[@mqec1976]

I always loved Czech for that! Greets from Croatia :)

[@strawpurchasepublish]

That's funny. I studied at FAMU and there are definitely still Jews in Prague. Half of the stores in Prague are closed on Saturdays. The country was officially secular under the Soviets, but religion wasn't completely erased.

[@daveroberts2810]

How you stood against islamomarxism will ECHO forever

[@strawpurchasepublish]

You're missing half of my points and making the other half for me. Your initial post presents the Czechs as having some sort of cultural awakening that resulted in secularization. The Czechs did in fact have a 20th century cultural awakening, but the art, literature, and film we all revere took the form of resistance to the very power structures that largely eliminated religion.

[@kyoungd]

I don't understand. You are saying I can go against God's decree? If God is all knowing and all powerful, he is causality for everything. How can I not believe in God unless God made me to not believe in God? Also is it not within his power to make me believe in him? Isn't that better than to cast me in hell (for eternity) for not believing in him? Where is his compassion? Think about what you really believe.

[@Arachnoscribe]

A human child is born with everything they need to know about love and is taught how to ignore reality. There is no need for messengers. The rituals of Mankind demonstrate competition, nothing more.

[@Doctorrayify]

Nobody needs religion. Christian, Islam, Judaism, etc. And the more we realize that, only then can we move on as a society.

[@TheWarriorPoet]

You're right. Islam considers themselves the "complete" religion. They believe in Jesus as a prophet... an IMPORTANT prophet, but simply a prophet like Moses or Abraham or Ezekiel. They see the natural progression of God's Word as Judaism, then Christianity, then Islam. Islam is the final step, the COMPLETION of God's Word. As a result, the Koran has many of the Books & stories of the other two.

[@GumbysImperialMedia]

No other religion is a "warrior theology" and changing the phrase to "theology of war" doesn't change that.

[@wedgemahalo640]

At least 47 people were killed and 79 were wounded Monday by a suicide bombing outside a school in northern Nigeria, police said.

[@mikec3675]

It's sad to see Hitchens and Russert together there. They are both gone now. We need intelligent people like Chris & Tim to make the rest of us think.

[@amarmirza08]

Hitchens' views on the Israeli Occupation are very refined.

[@Fish2013fishes]

“Surely, the disbelievers will be in the torment of Hell to abide therein forever. (The torment) will not be lightened for them, and they will be plunged into destruction with deep regrets, sorrows and in despair therein. We wronged them not, but they were the wrongdoers. And they will cry: ‘O Malik! (Keeper of hell) Let your Lord make an end of us’ He will say: ‘Surely, you shall abide forever.’ Indeed We have brought the truth to you, but most of you have a hatred for the truth” Quran 43:74-78

[@AsFewFalseThingsAsPossible]

Tim Russert and Christopher Hitchens, both greatly missed.

[@Alex_1729]

I believe that there are more and more young muslims that are beginning to see that their religion is not that great, and that it might not be true. It's the same with other religions and it's a step in right direction.

[@tyejoyce2226]

I absolutely love Hitchens however in this instance I believe this Andrew Sullivan guy is correct in his defence of Christianity. I’m not particularly religious but I appreciate having been raised in a Christian (based) society as opposed to an Islamic Republic.

[@baasmans]

Islam vs. Christianity is like guitars vs. trumpets while all you need is silence.

[@cowboy4762]

Islam, which lacks barbarism at all, was/is being perceived positively by many throughout the world.

[@noobicore6859]

I dislike people who attack religion almost as much as I do those who preach it !

[@ExceptionalPleb]

@3:10 Andrew is right. Christianity has the foundations for the separation of Church and State written into the Gospels. Can’t say the same for Islam

[@duderyandude9515]

Once again, it’s all down to interpretation.

[@Timeren2010]

@@duderyandude9515 no it isnt. Islam became a political entity from Muhammad and a few hundreds years on. The head of state was the same person as the head of faith, the khalif. Islam does NOT seperate the two in any way, sufficient knowledge of islamic doctrine would have told you so.

[@duderyandude9515]

@@Timeren2010 I agree that a theocratic and totalitarian interpretation of Islam is easier to get to, in my opinion, but religion, including Islam, has been used to justify everything from communism to fascism. That’s the issue with religion; it’s false so there’s no TRUE interpretation. You can just claim that it’s metaphor or that it’s literal.

[@Timeren2010]

@@duderyandude9515 communism in general is not religious, quite the contrary. Also, i suspect you never read the quran Ryan. The verses that calls for the fighting, and subjugation, of non-muslims are NOT metaphorical at all. They are very very VERY explicit. Here is one of those very controversial verses, quran 9:29: Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. As you can see, nothing metaphorical about that verse whatsoever, its a pretty clear order. Also, take a look at what one widely and highly regarded classical scholar says, and he is not alone... From the tafsir(quran-commentary) by Ibn Kathir: This honorable Ayah was revealed with the order to fight the People of the Book, after the pagans were defeated, the people entered Allah's religion in large numbers, and the Arabian Peninsula was secured under the Muslims' control. Allah commanded His Messenger to fight the People of the Scriptures, Jews and Christians, on the ninth year of Hijrah, and he prepared his army to fight the Romans and called the people to Jihad announcing his intent and destination. He continues a bit further down: PAYING JIZYAH IS A SIGN OF KUFR(disbelief) AND DISGRACE Allah said, ﴿ حَتَّىٰ يُعۡطُواْ ٱلۡجِزۡيَةَ ﴾ (until they pay the Jizyah), if they do not choose to embrace Islam, ﴿ عَن يَدٍ۬ ﴾ (with willing submission), in defeat and subservience, ﴿ وَهُمۡ صَـٰغِرُونَ ﴾ (and feel themselves subdued.), disgraced, humiliated and belittled. Therefore, Muslims are not allowed to honor the people of Dhimmah or elevate them above Muslims, for they are miserable, disgraced and humiliated. That is a classical scholars take on quran verse 9:29, as you can see, nothing metaphorical here at all...its all very clear what is meant.

[@TahirKhan-jd9ki]

@Asqalane: you are truly awesome, standing up to hate with words of peace. Much respect from your brother! :D

[@faridaeldegwy3766]

iam muslim and proud

[@aliyourbrother1]

Islam doesn't say to kill nonmuslims. Muhammad built a city for Muslims and Jews and Christians in Madinah.

[@islamtwofaces9672]

Monday 27 January 2014 Islam Two Faces NEWS ISLAM RELIGION OF PEACE Islamist militants have attacked two villages in north-eastern Nigeria, leaving 74 people dead, say police and witnesses. Militants attacked Kawuri village in Borno state as a busy market was packing up on Sunday, setting off explosives and setting houses ablaze. Witnesses said 52 people were killed in that attack, while 22 died in an attack on a church service in Waga Chakawa village, Adamawa state, on Sunday. The attacks were blamed on Boko Haram. The Islamist group - whose name means "Western education is forbidden" - is especially active in north-eastern Nigeria. Borno and Adamawa are two of three north-eastern states - along with Yobe - put under emergency rule last May, as the military attempts to combat the insurgency. 'No house left standing' Gunmen planted explosive devices around Kawuri village prior to the attack, said a witness and security official. They also killed civilians in their homes, dozens of which were set ablaze in the attack. "No house was left standing," Ari Kolomi, who fled from the village to Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, some 70km (43 miles) away, told AP news agency. "The gunmen were more than 50 [in number]; they were using explosives and heavy-sounding guns." Earlier on Sunday in neighbouring Adamawa state, gunmen attacked a busy church service in Waga Chakawa village, an army spokesman said. They set off bombs and fired into the congregation, killing 22 INNOCENT people, before burning houses and taking residents hostage during a four-hour siege, witnesses told Reuters news agency. No reason was given, but the move came amid concern that Boko Haram have been able to continue their bloody campaign despite the wide-ranging powers given to the military to tackle the insurgency last year. Since the state of emergency was imposed in May, UN figures suggest more than 1,200 people have been killed in Islamist-related violence.

[@devmorfo]

Although fundamentalism is a christian term, we use it with muslims to distinguish between those that want to return to the roots of islam (living back in the 6th century) and those that want to simplify things and live in the world of today (the best example is modern educated Turks). I have seen some of the debates, but those do not present the truth about the oppression of islam.

[@cowboy4762]

Current wars are purely for materialistic purposes. We can't blame religion. To end religion, you need another war. Even if the religion ends, the war continues. That is the open fact.

[@noam8080]

i know a tiny bit of arabic im not going to learn arabic so i can learn the quran are you saying there's no mention of this in the quraan? the story about the jew hiding behind the tree and behind the rock - are you saying its not from the quran? im pretty sure that the english translation is not LYING about anything or making anything up. this would be ridiculous you want me to tell you the phrase so you can open your book and find it yourself?

[@wileysells9594]

"non-true" vs. "untrue?" ...what did he mean by that?

[@finze1]

As an Atheist, I think it's important not to be so blindly conformist in our pursuit of the truth. Religion, whilst deluded, provides a healthy and humanitarian lifestyle for millions of people. Although also the cause of violence, it also provides a basis for people to improve themselves and live charitable lives.

[@standingwave73]

Actually the Q'uran does indeed say to use one's senses to know the world and that verse spawned a golden age in which Muslim scientists led the world in technical knowledge. In fact many Western scholars beleive these Muslims helped lay the foundation for that great flowering called the Renaissance. But that was a long time ago.

[@SPR4GOD]

Logically, it would become secular. However, the most important question is: Will the Middle East have more secularists than fundamentalists?

[@CSUnger]

Hitch could never seem to grasp the idea that, while we can dispense with religion in politics and in culture, we cannot dispense with morality in politics and culture.

[@waterkingdavid]

" I do believe the tide has already begun to make its turn, so to speak. Which is to say that as a species, we are now on the virtual threshold of entering a new age of enlightenment.." Ditto to that my friend.. I also believe (or hope) this is true...

[@PoolShark8227]

Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, to name a few.

[@txforyoux2347]

Ask yourself Asqalane, honestly,....if we were to follow our Books to the word - my Lord my commands me to worship Him and Him alone, to love my neighbor and treat them as I wish to be treated....Allah commands to worship him and him alone, and to those whom defy its the jizya or the sword........I'm no hippie, but at a cursory glance one is a God of love, the other reflects a 7th century robber-baron. Follow what path you will brother, but remember the choice is yours

[@nadinejoyce1203]

"non true rather than untrue...always the master of clarity.💔

[@Druffmaul]

Right because it was soooo clear what he meant by that.

[@MercurialRythyms]

Thankyou Hitch. Thankyou.

[@Alex_1729]

I got it where I get all my numbers, like 10 and 56. The last time I checked it was around 140; by the time I'm writing this comment to you, it's higher.

[@Jez2008UK]

I don't live in fear of God - God is Love. Man is fear and in particular man's mind is to be feared, yet, I fear no one. And neither should you :)