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.

[@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]

😂😂

[@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 🤷‍♂️

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@AFMMarcelD]

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

[@AFMMarcelD]

@@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]

@@AFMMarcelD 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

[@AFMMarcelD]

@@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.

[@smoinaladoo]

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

[@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!!!

[@TheFlameoftheWest]

I respect Tim Russert so much. He was a true moderator, he throws a question out there and lets the guests fight it out and dosn'et intervene. I wish more cable news shows do that.

[@chokin78]

"Belief is political, I'm sorry Andrew" wow that was an H-bomb (as in Hitchens-bomb).

[@luisishere987]

11 years ago and everything Hitchens said is still very accurate

[@JohnGeometresMaximos]

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

[@Cubanuel]

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

[@27STS]

I miss both these guys, Christopher and Tim.

[@leeblack9037]

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

[@M3Lucky]

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

[@alpspitz1]

" Evil thrives when good does nothing "

[@marciodpsh]

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

[@Unleashed_Beasts]

me too!

[@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!

[@Pan_Z]

This guy debated pretty well compared to most religious nuts

[@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 ?

[@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.

[@Emidretrauqe]

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

[@mqec1976]

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

[@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!

[@celpabedn]

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

[@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.

[@travelinben1966]

Andrew seems like such a great guy to have a discussion or a debate with. He carries himself so well.I wish Hitch was still here.His voice of reason is desperately needed now.😔

[@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.

[@lessevdoolbretsim]

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

[@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.

[@nadinejoyce1203]

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

[@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.

[@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 ...

[@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.

[@RazlerofEsthar]

Thank you.

[@BloodyBay]

I can't say that I'm familiar with Paragon Drive Copy. What are your experiences with it?

[@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...

[@thomascurry4762]

TBH, he was an entertaining douche bag. He did nothing to benefit the world as much as he did to piss off people.

[@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.

[@NeuroScientician]

thank you :)

[@BloodyBay]

Thank you. :)

[@alpspitz1]

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

[@jacklondon295]

Sullivan is puny next to Hitch.

[@jeffmcmahon3278]

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

[@axelstoner]

praise be!

[@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

[@SickMetalAddict]

If you're a moderate Muslim, you cannot say you don't believe in the Hadith. You have to say you believe in it, and you believe in something like "the penalty of apostasy is death". All Muslim countries criminalize apostasy, including moderate ones. If you ever disclaim support for that teaching, you are essentially saying the prophet was a liar. You can't do that. No moderate Muslim can do that. You can be jailed for it if you're caught, and you'll be sentenced to an eternity in hell cause you offended god. At least according to your beliefs. On the other hand, as an atheist, I get the privilege of saying I don't support the shit Hitler or Stalin did, because I don't have a burden to believe in a book of fairy tales that forces me to believe in Hitler or Stalin. I have logic and critical thinking. You have logic and critical thinking too, but you don't allow it to be more important than religion. So even if you think you don't support radical Islam, you contribute to making it powerful by just subscribing to the religion. You and the radical Muslims are two sides of the same coin, you believe in peace, they believe in terror, but you both believe in magic. You can't argue against a magic believing fanatic if you happen to be one yourself. So unless you place precedence on critical thinking over your sense of religiosity, you're never going to achieve peace.

[@SuperYoshikong]

SickMetalAddict 👳👳👳=💩

[@wayneelliott1180]

Well stated SickMetalAddict.

[@miromiro3927]

Your understanding of Islam is very limited the hadiths are simply sayings of the prophet and sometimes even contradict the Quran. And also its beyond me how you can say that a regular person who wants to go to some place once in their life and fast for a month is the same as someone killing innocent people.

[@tumppu1975]

@@miromiro3927 those two people read and believe the contents of the same book. If you fail to see that, you are an apologist at best and a collaborator at worst. Islam is utterly incompatible with the western ideals of liberalism.

[@justapencil6165]

define peace , define critical thinking .

[@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)

[@karlmarx3949]

You were brilliant, Comrade!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@TahirKhan-jd9ki]

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

[@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.

[@Yerrakhunt]

Where can I watch this full conversation?

[@indigo156]

i miss him

[@bobdylan943]

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

[@NeuroScientician]

where did you get the number 140?

[@firstelvys]

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

[@MercurialRythyms]

Thankyou Hitch. Thankyou.

[@nathanharris8896]

Can someone explain the difference between nontrue and untrue? It seems like nontrue is a synonym but it's used in a logic context, so I don't understand what distinction Christopher Hitchens was drawing between the two.

[@jameshodgson08]

why did you add the "almost"?

[@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?

[@NeuroScientician]

WHERE did you get your number?

[@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

[@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

[@liamoconnell5335]

Both Hitchens could easily have been Historians they both use their own vast knowledge of history in every discussion.

[@Alex_1729]

I'll look into it, but the book will wait. I live in Belgrade btw

[@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"

[@ExceptionalPleb]

@1:40 sounds a bit conspiratorial, but how else did we end up in this situation?

[@mwingereza]

Does he get Christopher Hitchens' name wrong at the end? It sounds like Christian Richards to me.

[@Alex_1729]

The number 140 I got from the set of whole numbers - in my country we use letter Z. That number represents the number of countries where the us had it's base and was actively trying to establish or maintain some form of government or/and take advantage of the country's resources. The number is lot higher now, I'm not sure how high (150??). If you want to know more I would check wiki, it's fairly accurate. Hint: United States military deployments and Timeline of United States military operations

[@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.

[@Spandau-Filet]

Can we just ask how there isn’t a clip of the next part, when it actually got interesting?! Don’t upload a piece without the full debate please

[@troytempest2328]

I TOTALLY agree

[@benstevinson764]

Miss You Hitch! 😢 R. I. P

[@georgelouis6515]

When they start talking at the SAME TIME it gets difficult to hear them. Andrew was interrupting Christopher even though Christopher remained quite while Andrew was speaking.

[@poopdroop69]

im pretty gene krupa was on drums according to this theology book I've been reading

[@loly1969]

whats the differnce between nontrue and utrue , can someone tell me pl ?

[@AndrewMabon]

+Lalith Vithana To be "untrue" you need to have solid evidence for its falsity. To be "non-true" you just don't have any solid evidence for its truth.

[@loly1969]

thanks , appreciate it

[@AsFewFalseThingsAsPossible]

Tim Russert and Christopher Hitchens, both greatly missed.

[@wileysells9594]

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

[@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.

[@ShezzLuvsShadow]

I totally agree. I got hyped up in the hysteria, sorry for my outburst and thank you for your comment. :)

[@skiparockrecords]

Very good point. *woof* indeed.

[@matako07]

^^^ One of Hitchens enlightened fans ^^^

[@Undisputed_King]

Must've been one of the earliest videos on KZbin

[@iknowaboutmusic101]

LOL @ 2.26 oh what a classic hitch slap.

[@charlidog2]

Wow, I'm embarrassed if I missed that. I'll investigate. Perhaps half my crusade is unneeded. Good, sometimes it's hard to make 2 points with only 500 char.

[@cowboy4762]

Do you mean the warrior theology and theology of war are same? or not?

[@Water4Jeremiah]

knew it was coming

[@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...

[@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.

[@larjjlion]

He said that if he ever enlisted it would be the Navy because he could dive and explore the Mid Atlantic Ridge and work with Navy scientists someday.

[@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.

[@mistag3860]

You are sooo right, and now im like you! I went to my local RC church, and now i believe just like you! isnt it great.Next week im gonna get forgiven.Cant wait, that will be a weight off my mind. The priest said it will take work,But i dont mind.so long as im saved, and then i can look forward to meeting god, and my aunty ethel when I die. wonder what god is like? its incredible isnt it, and now when i think of a mystery like how did the universe begin? 'god did it' my new answer to everything.

[@evolassunglasses4673]

We all NEED to talk about Islam both Left and Right. But im not holding my breath. 🤔

[@MartinVeierOlsen]

4:35 "I'll just carefully put my hands back on this cup and pretend I didn't even try to interrupt."