Debate: Hitchens V. Hitchens

Our podcast: / commongroundinitiative
Brothers Christopher and Peter Hitchens debate the Iraq War and religion.
April 3, 2008 - Brothers Christopher and Peter Hitchens debate the Iraq War and religion at an event organized by the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies with support from the Center for Inquiry and the Interfaith Dialogue Association.
For more videos like this visit www.gvsu.edu/hc

[@04Redeemed]

I agree with Hitchens on the war, but I agree with Hitchens on religion.

[@e22378]

+Joe Lynch LOL

[@ethansutton9560]

+Joe Lynch same

[@petergambier]

I fully agree with you on this statement Joe.

[@lubedatube]

On the contrary... I disagree with Hitchens on the war and agree with Hitchens on religion!!

[@iang1119]

No. I disagree with Hitchens on the war, but I disagree with Hitchens on religion. And at the same time agree with you.

[@xvoperel4342]

I expected to see an edited video of Christopher hitchens arguing with himself

[@chrismasters1411]

XVopere L he rarely changes his mind on logic and reason

[@joshjohnson3347]

Im sure some schmuck has made that.

[@manofqwerty]

I also came for this 😂

[@andjunglepunkthirteen760]

@@joshjohnson3347 But if it were done truly well...

[@allthatstitching]

XVopere L He’d still win.

[@C-Farsene_5]

The recent tantrum Peter had while debating with Alex O’Connor is a far cry from this legendary debator

[@apolicum]

Sinead O'Connor?

[@albi3261]

Alex O'Connor @@apolicum

[@zaphodbeeblebrox9109]

Tom O'Connor?

[@zaphodbeeblebrox9109]

Des O'Connor?

[@Mr.Jasaw13]

Brian O'Connor?

[@joshuastrickland5264]

This was definitely the best Hitchens debate. Not only was there twice the Hitchens, but the back and fourth was great.

[@jllamb88]

I preferred the front and third.

[@user-ze6mh8fg1k]

Yeah dude, this one got so personal the heat felt like a playoff game or a wrestling pay per view. They waited their whole lives for this it seems lmao. Either way, this was Christopher’s peak in my opinion, he was just too dangerous in the 2000’s throughout his 50’s. His experience, wisdom, and eloquence is just inspiring. I don’t know if I really buy him as a philosopher, but as a journalist, a contrarian, and as an essayist he is just too splendidly dangerous. Love this man

[@raz6630]

Christopher says just because something is untamable does not mean we should not strive for it, and in the same breath calls the golden rule evil because it's untamable. The selective logic masked by wit and a British accent is comical.

[@Wynterking94]

@@jllamb88 love it

[@DemstarAus]

I liked the diagonal and seventh.

[@Zorga13]

"Mom says it's my turn to explain the truth of the universe".

[@indoor_gangster]

42

[@Rio-zh2wb]

lol

[@wernerschimmerkowski3178]

Deutsch

[@bushidobro5117]

😂

[@liftthathigher]

@Joe Menguy you are a genius

[@brianvanbeek2083]

I think it is pretty obvious that Hitchens won...

[@charlesmcdowell9436]

Good one, best comment on here lol.

[@TheHakon98]

It is also obvious that he lost

[@tripp8833]

Are you deaf!? Hitchens embarrassed himself, clearly Hitchens won.

[@yevgeniyzharinov7473]

First name Justin, Last name Credible

[@richardbryant3168]

And other Gettier beliefs

[@simoncordingley3122]

3:26 First topic - The invasion of Iraq 31:24 Second topic - God 1:09:22 Questions from the audience

[@war13death]

Thank you

[@markhenry2726]

This is the first I'm learning of Peter's existence, crazy. It's wild how similar they are in their mannerisms, like body language, verbal cadence and everything. This was cool to stumble upon.

[@RogueAstro85]

Peter is kind of a weird puritan though. He seems to attract a pretty big audience of white supremacists as well

[@markhenry2726]

@@RogueAstro85 interesting... Yeah like I said I wasn't aware of him before this but I'm a big fan of Christopher and was somewhat surprised by how vehemently opposed Peter was to his outlook on religion. Just wasn't expecting it from the sibling of one of the most famous modern atheists. But then of course blood relation doesn't at all necessarily entail agreement on such matters. That's a shame, they must be like polar opposites in that regard.

[@lauraj8429]

Those are literally the only things they have in common, apart from being related I mean.

[@waynejohnson1786]

They’re both insufferable scumbags but they’re very entertaining

[@colinreid1958]

Christopher, for me, is a great deal more charming and engaging. Peter is a goofy prick!

[@kylexinye1990]

*insert all jokes about how Hitchens definitely won*

[@Saber23]

Which Hitchens? I’m so confused to much brains to many Hitchens

[@halalguts6331]

Saber Oh, nice seeing you again YT algorithm... lol

[@Saber23]

420 blaze it oh shoot what’s up? 😂

[@simon.0898]

Oh dear

[@dandodman]

Hey you trippin’ bro? Hitchens wiped the floor with him!

[@j-dog7767]

This is getting out of hand, now there are two of them.

[@jimmynich4791]

Christopher is no longer with us sadly.

[@j-dog7767]

@@jimmynich4791 always two there are, a master, and an apprentice. No more no less.

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

And now there is only about one hundreth of them

[@jerrylion45]

@@jimmynich4791 how come?

[@jimmynich4791]

@@jerrylion45 He died of cancer a few years ago.

[@craiggz]

This debate is still legendary today

[@tombrown5508]

Things like this should be broadcast on TV everywhere. We are diminished by the low entertainment being force fed to us.

[@gj1695]

So true.

[@Romanplaystation]

Hmmm. I'd argue that they are more suited to a platform like KZbin, where people that want to watch them, can do whenever they like, rather than be locked to a TV schedule to try and catch them. Your idea, whilst I'm sure comes from a good place, has a problem that you kind of allude to yourself in your last sentence. Nobody forces anybody to watch anything on TV, unless (to use one of Christopher's favourite analogies) you are in N.Korea or the like. And if people in general wanted to watch this kind of stuff on TV, then it would already be on there. Broadcasters and advertisers would make sure of that. The facts are, whether we like it or not, the vast majority of people do not want to watch this kind of thing. And if you want them to, then you would have to force them to. A televisual dictatorship, if you will. 😉

[@diollinebranderson6553]

It's not being force to us. We choose to watch it. What is being force to us is you forcing this. Even though I agree with you

[@raz6630]

Christopher says just because something is untamable does not mean we should not strive for it, and in the same breath calls the golden rule evil because it's untamable. The selective logic masked by wit and a British accent is comical.

[@caoilte8097]

Speak for yourself, i like ‘low entertainment’

[@alexisjuillard4816]

Only in the hichens family does the conservative brother oppose war in irak and the liberal one approve of it^^

[@alexisjuillard4816]

Dirk Knight as in?

[@yehboi6646]

alexis Juillard ones American lol

[@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out]

@@yehboi6646 And so is your comment. Very American. Takes a stab at offering a thought without really making a good case for it. As a constantly embarrassed expat reading posts abroad, let me offer help. "one's" as in "one is". Not a plural of ones. A large volume of 1s. Clarity of speech. It's what Hitchens and the educated lot over there do so much better than our best could ever hope for, and our worst, like our politicians, are just fucking embarrassing to hear. Aspire to communicate clearly, and, perhaps, even, beautifully. No, you're not laughing out loud, "ARF ARF ARF". you are maybe, at most, chuckling to yourself. Spell it out man. be expansive, we have time to waste reading it. It's comments, the ultimate time waster. LOL WTF MLF . Really? Just feeling and doing and thinking and writing exactly what millions of other apparently only semi literate people are? Is that really all you gots home wipe? Pity. And by the way, no, he's not American. Not really, His kids might be, but he's a Brit living in the US, as I am an American living in Germany. 20 or 30 years of assimilation does not overpower the original programming. Jah, dass kann nicht passieren. No way dude.

[@Seuntjie]

@@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out I love this comment. That is all I can say about it.

[@americanmartyr9268]

*I have WENT THOUGH an HOUR of TORTURE!!!!* *Had to USE 3 - ACCOUNTS!!!!* *I LEARED that I am NOT ALLOWED to TYPE OUT the EVIL & VILE WORD of=>* *A ., T., H., E., S., T., S !!!!!!* *I am soooooooooooooo WORN that I wiLL just QUIT Right HERE!!!* *BUT=>* *I WILL VOTE TRUMP & ALL RePuns Cuz of this U-Atheist-Tube WAR upon ME!!!!* *Cuz of U-Bitch-Tube's Constant WAR on TRUTH, I wiLL Vote ANY RePubLiCan, Nov.3, 2020*

[@jovian304]

I thought this was like "Joe Rogan vs Roe Jogan".

[@passerby4278]

Omg same here, I knew of them individually but didn’t know they were brothers !

[@Technicallyimright]

Joe Rogan has about as Much intellect as Hitchens foreskin.

[@Technicallyimright]

darsh ᥲn it’s self explanatory reallly. Watch any debate from hitchens vs a questionnaire by Rogan. They’re oceans apart in terms of intelligence.

[@jovian304]

@@Technicallyimright intellect is about reasoning and understanding not about "questionnaire". Yeah..Christopher Hitchens is far from perfect but don't underestimate/overestimate a man because of his beliefs.

[@mongoose470]

@@Technicallyimright Thank you. I find any comparison of Joe Rogan to a public intellectual as laughable. Joe is Oprah for men.

[@andreemric5626]

I've only just recently discovered this. It's probably one of the best debates I have ever seen.

[@jamesroos-witham159]

Such fantastic orators, so glad these moments were recorded forever!

[@nonefvnfvnjnjnjevjenjvonej3384]

Amen. The level and quality of the discourse of this generation of "public intellectuals" was so much higher than what we have today.

[@furiousinsects6386]

not forever, as Christopher said, in 5 billion years a big crush is inevetable with Andromeda Galaxy :D

[@tonyklymson8096]

I was hoping to see Christopher debate himself and punch himself in the face when it got heated up .

[@raz6630]

Christopher says just because something is untamable does not mean we should not strive for it, and in the same breath calls the golden rule evil because it's untamable. The selective logic masked by wit and a British accent is comical.

[@gertstronkhorst2343]

Yes, the sophistry is through the roof.

[@RamseyMcV]

This is like when me and my brother argue except the intellectualism and wit is replaced with profanities and fists.

[@yomilalgro]

Too funny 😍😍😍

[@klumaverik]

Same. I bet they did when they were younger.

[@terrencebrooks733]

what a reply , excellent ,

[@7star7storm7]

Here's what ya do - Get him down then give him the death of 1000 pokes .. finish up with some Indiana Jones Temple of doom style ' Kali maa ' 'KALI MAAAA' .. works every time 😉✌️ 🤠

[@RamseyMcV]

@@7star7storm7 He brings a knife, I bring a gun. He puts one of mine in the hospital, I put one of his in the morgue.

[@ceciliaramos2280]

I would have loved to see them debate the issues of today. Can you imagine.

[@gareth3566]

It’d be a very one sided conversation nowadays

[@mae8861]

Oh yea Trump vs Biden.... Peter is still alive I wonder if he has commented on it.

[@JesusFriedChrist]

They would have nothing to debate about with each other, since Christopher would agree with Peter on all the basic liberal enlightenment principles that are being debated about and that the illiberal left wants to take away now.

[@FarmingFiasco]

@@JesusFriedChrist I don't know, many liberals have shifted their view of libertarianism as wrong in morals. Some liberals (not through political parties) such as Stephen Fry have debated current political correctness issues and have condemned how the left attack the right with what they think, but in the same breath they cry free speech. So I think, like Fry, Hitchens would be on the fence with it

[@kraakelol]

@@FarmingFiasco If you think Christopher Hitchens would be on the fence about anything, I don't think you have read his work. If he is knowledgable about a topic, he usually has an interesting take.

[@paulhowsurridge2391]

I have only come to this 11 years after it took place, that said, the subject of debate and the arguments put forward are just as relevant today.

[@audreysimmonds4873]

What a fantastic privilege to see the 2 brothers . debate..... Respect to Both.... They both share a common sense and advocates of oratory Excellence even though on different sides of the debate. . RIP christopher... you gave much to our world...

[@downburst1]

My condolences to Peter on the loss of his brother. I expect he is very proud of him and the immense contribution he made to humanity. Both brothers were very brave to undertake this debate and we are all the better for it.

[@johnboylan3832]

@Invesigator 2 He contributed to humanity because the OP agrees with him.

[@johnboylan3832]

@Invesigator 2 'Original poster'. I was on the phone app and it doesn't let you leave the message without discarding it - I used OP as I wasn't able to see their username.

[@MadCapMag]

Which contribution might that be?

[@tsarnicholasii274]

@@MadCapMag Poorly constructed arguments and drug addiction maybe?

[@sa.8208]

every comment section theres always one

[@rmk3155]

This is probably the most eloquent and messy debate I've ever seen.

[@MadCapMag]

Less eloquent and more loquacious.

[@davidadams2395]

Messy? Yes. Eloquent? Only in parts. Infernal whistling from Peter’s sibilant s’s? Interminably so.

[@patcomerford5596]

To just see and hear the two brothers in debate is a wonderful intellectual pleasure.

[@DBEdwards]

This is one of the GREATEST DEBATES I have ever viewed in my life. Extraordinary.

[@Thenit92]

Brothers… we all debate.

[@raz6630]

Christopher says just because something is untamable does not mean we should not strive for it, and in the same breath calls the golden rule evil because it's untamable. The selective logic masked by wit and a British accent is comical.

[@Restorationshopyt]

Copying and pasting the same idiotic, nonsensical comment on every comment thread just puts your own stupidity on full display for all to see. Knock it off.

[@isheetfromaswhole3657]

Every statement made was common sense. 😅. I ain't even an intellectual and I know both sides of the argument.

[@SambucaDanny]

@@raz6630 you have misunderstood the point. He was talking about attaining the truth, because as unattainable as it might seem, you should strive for it because as a concept there is a chance you might find it, it isn't be definition unattainable. That is in direct contrast to the evil he talks about because that was by its very design made to be unattainable, and for good reason, because it's made that way to be prevent you prevailing over it and seeing it for what it is.

[@tooskepticool7675]

Their family reunion topics. Pass the potatoes vs not passing the potatoes. Begin.

[@notthatbitchagain6857]

The debate is irrelevant when one us able to get the potatoes of their own will and abilities. ;}

[@inaudiblearia8047]

One simply cannot bring such a topic to the table so to speak. For such a controversial thing must be kept to the work at hand and simply not to the public. Just kidding, pass em

[@gittin_funky]

The question is were the potatoes created in the garden by a gardener who designed a vegetable patch, gave the potatoe life by planting a seed and giving it an environment to thrive in. Or, did they appear on the table randomly by chance and no one knows how or why they got there (since the rest of the meal is mac and cheese).

[@jaspersheridan1710]

Pass the potatoes. So long as they aren't asserted by you to be contingent to the passing over my reaching for them.

[@theodore8178]

Imperialist regime change war and the destabilization of the globe are hardly on par with potatoes.

[@TheVBounce]

imagine family reunions at their house :)

[@constantdoodle32]

Hahahahah

[@nv7287]

The wine runs dry but not the conversation :P

[@girldi5appearing173]

Richard Seed Hi. Is his book, Hitch 22, his autobiography?

[@DavidTa2]

I would have given anything to have sat at a dinner with these two.

[@DaleTyler-rq3cr]

constantdoodle Your laughter at the fact that it is said that mother Hitchens killed herself is extremely offensive and unbelievably insensitive. Your post should be taken down unless you apologise immediately.

[@craig3111]

I’ve watched Christopher for years but had no idea of his brother. Crazy to think there were two of these fellows. Giants in the intellectual world.

[@feonor26]

His brother doesn't even reach his ankles.

[@stizzylank6684]

One giant. One much smaller much less impressive imp standing in that giant's shadow

[@chriswilliamson7694]

@@stizzylank6684 , you Christopher groupies are so embarrassing.

[@justin10292000]

Christopher Hitchens an INTELLECTUAL? He was merely an entertainer and obfuscator, about as deep as a mud puddle.

[@themudpit621]

that's how the class structure works in the UK. Those from the "well to do" families rise very easily. Independent schools, followed by Oxford, followed by a lauded career. Not so easy for the rest of the population.

[@noneinparticular2338]

Timeless glorious conversation , praise to both for being free to talk, honest and civilized to discuss human issues with decorum and dignity. 10 out of 10..Cicero and Demosthenes would have been proud of their oratorial skills.

[@Themangodblessed]

Pretentious much, bud

[@jodawgsup]

are you slow or what?

[@stephenrussell439]

Never gets old, I wish Hitch was still here to fight back the current and worsening political climate.

[@johnbrowne3950]

He's got more things on his mind these days.

[@figandcassis]

We need him now more than ever

[@johnbrowne3950]

@@figandcassis Someone to believe in? A little ironic don't you think?

[@uncatila]

He might like earn that atheism never pays as her French revolution Chickens always come home to roost.

[@uncatila]

@joust strachan let's hope Hitch is watching from Purgatory where some aspiring saint is beating him with a copy of Mit Brenende Sorge

[@scobra5941]

The 'debate' between the brothers in the bar afterwards would have been even more interesting.

[@teknoaija1762]

i don t think peter drinks.christopher does that for both of them.

[@scobra5941]

@@teknoaija1762 Did... he died of cancer in 2012

[@teknoaija1762]

@@scobra5941 he did.that type of cancer he died of is often related to heavy smoking and even heavier alcohol usage.christopher managed to quit smoking in his later years but drinking remained.he confessed in an interview that his wife called him a functioning alcoholic.johnny walker black label was his weapon of choice.

[@mjh5437]

@@teknoaija1762 People who have neither smoked nor drunk die of the same Cancer every day of the week.

[@teknoaija1762]

@@mjh5437 i m still waiting to hear your point....

[@justinhenry6028]

Christopher’s “bye now” at the end of his opening remarks gets me every time

[@raimundopereira9734]

The bullshit of the century? Religion I see now why you don’t pay taxes! Because you love money doing nothing..

[@topdog5252]

The snark!

[@UnyieldingSkeptic]

The best part of it all 😂

[@TheSotis12345]

I gotta say that this was a great debate between the two. Even if there is clearly an audio problem in the venue or church, it was actually hilarious to follow the situation with the question about Peter being in a museum 😂

[@williamkoscielniak820]

Woah! Peter's voice and mannerisms are identical to his brother.

[@fps8786]

Which one?

[@Zachd500]

FPS Peter only had one brother.

[@fps8786]

@@Zachd500 twas a jest

[@Zachd500]

FPS not a very good one considering he used his first name.

[@fps8786]

@@Zachd500 its a good joke.

[@supersaiyanzero386]

Christopher has the arguments that make me question my position on Iraq in some ways. Very free thinking man. We should all question our beliefs no matter how certain we are of them.

[@ryanx3584]

It is a point I can never be able to quite fully commit to meeting him on, but nevertheless atleast he was consistent and did not flip flop or backtrack on it, and as my grandad used to say 'If we were all the same, the world would be a boring shithole'.

[@DANGER10101]

Iraqi kurd here, they're both right i guess you can put it into four things 1- Did the regime have to go? Yes, was it vile and cruel ? Yes did it do everything chris said? Yes(also was looking to develop a nuclear program) 2- it was the right thing to do for the right reasons but ill reasons existed as well(war time presidents are popular and do get re elected, and a new land filled with oil and a new nation that the private industry can use to profit from, the military industrial complex) to name some. 3- do the means justify the ends? Yes and no, many wrongs were made in the process that never needed to happen. 4- and fourth which i think is the distinction that nobody cares about it. It's about the why and the how and afterwards. The new iraq was a weak corrupt government filled with greedy politicians popular idiots. The economy was left dead all the soldiers were fired(i think you can tell how they felt or what ex militaries do when let go(malitias).) The man you see next to bush when he gets a shoe thrown at him is nuri Maliki prime minister at the time he tried to dismantle parliament twice during his administration billions of dollars would just disappear off of the records using the office for personnel gain and for his allies. So much of the problems of todays iraq don't come from taking down Saddam and the fascist regime but how the new iraq was recreated. So many of which couldve been avoided but that takes time and money and support and dedication and simply it was much easier to give power to powerful families and tribes to rule and pretend iraq is fixed. I hope This isn't too long but it's my two cents

[@danf9721]

The difference between Christopher and most of the rest of us is that he took the time to read and understand the entirety of the context of things like Iraq. It's so easy to listen to a few sound bites and think you know enough to have an opinion on something.

[@zachcurtis1283]

While I agree with Christopher's assertions about Saddam's regime needing to go, I still have to be against the way the war played out and the aftermath, because, at least to my understanding, Iraq was not left in a very good state after, to say the least.

[@mygirldarby]

I disagreed with christopher on almost every topic, but free thinking and questioning your fundamental beliefs every so often is very important. Questioning can be scary in the short term. It's more comfortable to live on automatic pilot and remain gleefully sure of your beliefs. I have had more than a few existential crises as a result of my questioning, but in the long term it either strengthens my position, or gives me new insight and understanding into a subject. Either way, I am better off for it. Many people are taught not to question religious beliefs. Some sects discourage any questioning and make it seem like you are sinning to ask, which of course isn't true. People who have never questioned their religious/spiritual beliefs really have very little faith. They're afraid to question because they are afraid their beliefs will be broken down. And they will be, but they will be rebuilt better and stronger than ever in the long run. If the doctrine you believe in can't stand up to questions, it isn't worth believing.

[@davidmoffitt5681]

I agree that these are two of the greatest minds at debate. Im certain they could be equally effective at arguing either side of these issues without any diminution of the wit and lucid thought process. Its elegant as it gets.

[@trolareca]

I feel for their parents. It must have been hard to see their two only sons arguing all the time.

[@KarensOpinionsMayDiffer]

I have a feeling they were very proud of both of their brilliant sons.

[@AbsolveAsGaad]

Probably were not arguing all the time

[@rjones6801]

I've watched dozens of debates with Christopher Hitchens, and this is my absolute favorite because it is so personal for both of them. They're entertained by each others' jabs, and the chemistry is perfect. Some debates get my blood boiling. This one is different. Despite the differing opinions, you can sense a mutual respect and even camaraderie between the two.

[@DuskAndHerEmbrace13]

Peter always said while they arrived at different destinations, they always had the same dis-likes, which mainly was phoniness.

[@JustMe-uc1lt]

Richard Jones peter said in an interview some time ago, that this debate was a miserable experience for him. He felt that he was in an auditorium of people who worshipped Christopher and, as you’ll have noticed, he’ was relatively unengaged and became more so as the debate proceeded. They did another debate, which he enjoyed much more, but I’m not sure if it’s on KZbin. I am awfully fond of Christopher Hitchens, but there are times when he is painfully obnoxious. An attitude is not an argument.

[@joshjohnson3347]

Its like the debate version of the movie Warrior (or Brothers?) with Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy

[@mathieuklerckx836]

they truly hated each other

[@joshjohnson3347]

Yeah you could just feel the romantic tension between the both of them.

[@hudsonchalmers6504]

I was brought up by a Father who was an atheist, a fine man of immense moral attituded without being punitive. A n incredibly kind yet firm man, who said we "each of us make our own spiritual way" because he had no right to impose , but had the right to give us his opinion for us to consider. What a man.

[@vitorroque6298]

No actual moral value because atheists don't believe in moral absolutes.

[@Osnosis]

@@vitorroque6298 Just very few; we don't care about homosexuality, fish on Friday, cheeseburgers, forced circumcision, etc.

[@fionagregory9376]

@@Euro_Rhode_One atheists know instinctively right from wrong, as most 6 year olds do.

[@fionagregory9376]

@@Euro_Rhode_One me too.

[@rafgaming709]

@@vitorroque6298 Every moral imperative is theoretically absolute, I.e. categorical. If an imperative is not categorical, and it is hypothetical, then it is not strong enough to be moral. According to the principle of universalizability the ethical person has as an ultimate ethic value the one which at the same time he can wish it is a universal law. This is regardless of religion. Of course this model is too simplistic because we haven't axiomatized reasoning and morality. That said, being absolute is rarely a good choice I'm everyday situations, yet it is something religious people tend to do all the time.

[@lesleywilcocks1254]

A tragedy we no longer have this very intelligent man Christopher Hitchens.

[@Michael.Virtus]

I don't have a problem with some people mocking Christianity. But I am disgusted by the blatant hypocrisy and double standard, when the same people are defending Islam. This is suspicious and deeply troubling.

[@bulldogsbob]

I'm is because Christians have no command to kill the infidel.

[@ReformedThe]

bulldogsbob they did though. May not be plastered all over the Bible like it is in the Quran. But yes it’s in the Bible

[@bryce2939]

Absolutely you can mock and ridicule Christianity. But when you do the same to Islam you are labeled islamaphobic

[@yardgoods]

@Jimmi K While I agree with your sentiments about Islam, I wonder if you would describe yourself as a misanthrope...?

[@dyschromotopia]

islamophobe.....your racist, bigoted hate speech will not go unpunished.

[@KiNKnives]

I can't stop looking at how the line in the top of the chair, lines up perfectly with the wall tile grout line.

[@bruvvamoff]

Thanks, now I can't unsee it

[@keithstevens1453]

Do you reckon it was planned

[@malcolmfew4162]

Reletively speaking, if the camera was higher or lower, they wouldn't.

[@halcyondays8622]

Incredible.

[@teloxy6579]

OCD?

[@fnanfne]

It's very hard to choose my favourite Hitchens debate, but this has to be one of the best. Miss you Hitch!

[@robcousins231]

Peter spoke about this years after and said he hated it. he was under the impression he'd be attending a casual, small attended debate and he was looking forward to it. He was shocked to see the crowd and how many were Christopher fanboys.

[@MikkoVille]

He was probably just disappointed to realize that his dumb and tired religious apologism and science denialism doesn't generate as many ardent fanboys as his brother's sharp intellectualism.

[@tomben6180]

@@MikkoVille You obviously know absolutely nothing about the man. He’s very much used to being on the outside of the mainstream and revels in it, in fact he excels when he’s up against it.

[@MikkoVille]

@@tomben6180 Sorry, fan boy. His tired ol' religious apologism failed. He's a failure.

[@tomben6180]

@@MikkoVille I’m pretty sure it’s Peter’s brother that only has “fanboys”. I actually disagree with a lot of things he says but you mischaracterise him and I’m pulling that up. What’s your problem with his religious beliefs? He isn’t out trying to convert people, he isn’t a mouthpiece or recruiter for the Church of England. He just answers questions on it when asked and states his position. What is your problem with that exactly?

[@tomben6180]

@@wack8697 What “incorrect beliefs” does Peter profit them spreading then? I cannot wait to hear this.

[@fairwitness7473]

I came to the party late and I regret missing Christopher Hitchins live, but I am grateful for so many debates that continue to be posted after his very sad death.

[@Saber23]

So you regret missing him lie and waffle live? Why would you regret that?

[@poolie6662]

@@Saber23 what lies exactly? Just curious

[@Sydafexx7]

@@Saber23 what an embarrassing response. The man put his money where his mouth was when it came to helping people, and he didn’t need the promise of everlasting life. You should be fucking ashamed of yourself, coward.

[@dominickjackson5614]

@@Sydafexx7 🧟‍♂️

[@estefania517]

Same

[@space14605]

This was almost 10 years ago and i still really enjoyed that!

[@thunderridge4830]

April 3, 2008 is date of debate. Published here in 2011.

[@hazelwray5307]

'That'? ... enjoyed it

[@Lawful_Rebel]

Ten years is nothing, go back further, the debates are majestic by comparison.

[@jamesdettmann94]

Well you're not going to find a Christopher Hitchens debate from much less than 10 years ago

[@space14605]

@@Lawful_Rebel I have and I agree with u

[@davidjjharding]

I remember as i grew up how I would enter into debates like this, in these darker times you can't express opinions without being demonised. What a terrible culture we are developing. It is so valuable in being able to ecpress polarised views to get to a point of moderation, and being respected for being open and strong enough to change your views in the light of better evidence. Less tribal agreement with powerful leaders. Much more about seeking powerful reasoning and testing ideas against the oposite view. We used to be given topics at school and have to put forward an argument, not our own standpoint, but often the opposite view. This was a very helpful discipline when learning anything.

[@toxic2355]

Couldn't agree more. I can't understand how there isn't more people that see it that way. Baffles me. I am not married to any opinion enough to deny factual evidence. You should change your perception based on evidence.

[@BlessMeWithKnowledge]

Never heard the Iraq war described in a way such as Christopher. Thank you PBD for the recommendation

[@lorro7585]

Its a shame this debate took place in USA, where Peter Hitchens doesn't get the recognition that he deserves. He in his own right is a superb journalist

[@rolandtours8404]

@conor, no one understands Peter here. He speaks English with marbles rolling around his mouth.

[@2003Rooney]

Peter was treated very unfairly by the audience

[@zgjfinance2796]

We understood him very well, just tend to agree with christopher

[@dyschromotopia]

his thinking is ignorant, unremarkable & of little consequence. Chris must be profoundly saddened to have a brother who is such a fuckwit.

[@jakecropper9609]

kevin hickin who hurt you

[@Anicius_]

This was one of those debates I didn't wish to end

[@onelonelypickle]

I understand that the Hitchens brothers' mother died some decades ago, but if the father lived long enough to be alive during the time of this debate I hope he was proud that two of his sons became such influential and well spoken men.

[@AnonAmong]

I think he'd be ashamed that his son was a homosexual deviant

[@jakhaughton1800]

Christopher had a deep knowledge of the facts and a memory like an elephant. A fantastic debater.

[@niamhoconnor8986]

Their most striking common denominator is their respective strong characters :)

[@niamhoconnor8986]

Of course, Christopher was something special...

[@thereisnosanctuary6184]

You're special

[@niamhoconnor8986]

@@thereisnosanctuary6184 thanks

[@yanmayanmay]

@@niamhoconnor8986 dont care 4 atheist siht, agree with august ur special though

[@DavidBadilloMusic]

I don't know why these two remind me of Mycroft and Shelrock.

[@abdiganisugal825]

Now that you said it, they do. Which do think is big bro Mycroft

[@ahlishaholloway233]

@@abdiganisugal825 Christopher is Sherlock and Peter is Mycroft.

[@yomilalgro]

Yes, now that you brought it up, I totally agree!

[@yomilalgro]

@@ahlishaholloway233 yes, exactly

[@yomilalgro]

I completely agree

[@raymondhummel5211]

It was very interesting to hear the different views concerning the tropic discussed.

[@aurun1015]

Christopher would be so disappointed by how Iraq and Afghanistan was handled and left to their own devices. The betrayal our governments committed to those people is unforgivable.

[@MrInsaneCranium]

I love it that both brothers are on equal footing with different ideals. Both make very fantastic good points!

[@bobman929]

"Since travelling to other countries". One of the best point peter made about Iraq. Anyone making a statement about war who haven't experienced it is weakened.

[@PaperGrape]

Wow. So bold by Peter. He literally refused to debate it with Christopher. He plainly called him out on the circular argument he ever used. The refusal to identify human evil and depravity is a very sad fault that is ultimately willful blindness.

[@westonmeyer3110]

It’s crazy that thanks to HD all footage from the late 1970s to the late 2000s now look like they took place in roughly the same time period.

[@simon201063]

Hitchens is unbearable (no wonder Hitchens fell out with him).

[@zoozoo1234ify]

Doom is not amused.

[@vapourmile]

Clever. :-)

[@TibusHeth]

I thought Hitchens arguments were more eloquent and informed then Hitchens was.

[@vapourmile]

TibusHeth Ha ha! Nice comment!

[@Clifton100]

A bit off topic: 1:09:03 bitch on the left is fine.

[@kolnman3582]

You can see by Peter Hitchens reaction to part of Christopher's dialogue the deep admiration he has for his brother. Although they have different opinions on many things this debate was a meeting of great minds.

[@teknoaija1762]

yes,i saw that too.he smiles and laughs in all the right moments so i think they share same sense of humor.

[@bernardtassart7225]

Very well pointed out, I had the very same emotion when I watched Peter watch his brother, priceless and a great admiration indeed!!!👌

[@GoldenWolf115]

Peter was once an atheist as well, so it could be him laughing because its what he would have said in the past. But, it's likely some combination of that and what you suggested.

[@HallenaQuinzel]

It feels like someone put the Holmes Brothers on a debate stage. I really enjoyed this.

[@josephohora1287]

I ❤ the debate and the freedom to view both sides so eloquent and intelligently❤

[@ZhangK71]

At first when I read the video title my first thought was, “They had this type of meme all the way back in 2008?”

[@bedswerver69]

Hitchens for the win!

[@kingbyrd.1512]

Solid Hitch Vs Liquid Hitch

[@bclaytz]

LOL

[@mv8533]

Comment of the comment's section.

[@govindsethunath1164]

Hahahahah

[@nathanio103]

This will always go horribly underrated!

[@boy4493]

I’m so sorry that when I asked myself about my belief Christopher is no longer with us. This man made my life moment happier many times

[@davelister6564]

I met both Hitchens and Dawkins, you might think their personality in writing mirror the same as in person, I found it to be the opposite. Dawkins was demanding and attention seeking, while Hitchens was down to earth and not bothered by the trivial matters in life, which others seem to take as their replacement for religion. It saddened me greatly that Chris seemed taken from us so quickly.

[@mattcorregan4760]

I think it's obvious that Dawkins is a douche by watching his intellectual interactions. Hitchens was always much more gracious. Even though I don't agree with him on religion, I agree with him on many other things. He was much more intellectual than Dawkins.

[@tanakanaoshi4769]

Yes but that's exactly the problem of live and let live mentality. It often leaps into r-selected habits like drinking and smoking. Maybe Dawkins is a bit of prick but sometimes that stems of actually having demands in life and not accepting whatever comes your way.

[@tanakanaoshi4769]

Though it is nice to know that Hitchens was a nice guy in person. And you can see that a lot in these speeches, he just happens to get annoyed by perceived hypocrisies.

[@mattcorregan4760]

@@tanakanaoshi4769 Well, I think you can be opinionated, have certain demands, and be discriminating without being a prick.

[@baldwelder8775]

I`m sure Dorkins will be gutted to be with God now 😇🤣

[@justgivemethetruth]

This is fantastic ... thanks for posting this. So sorry they cannot reprise this debate.

[@mikealoung]

The Hitchens showed us that just because we disagree it doesn't mean I hate you , we need more people like them in this world

[@moe900]

Yeah they hated eachother

[@Nameless-pt6oj]

For a time, their relationship was rocky but then they reconciled.

[@mariabarrientos4171]

Sorry about Christopher passing. I feel the Christianity debate was unfair. Jesus spoke against religion. Many 'churches' have nothing to do with Christianity.

[@Sharetheroad3333]

@@mariabarrientos4171 ffs 🙄 use your head.

[@mmhmm9271]

@@Sharetheroad3333 your response is both malicious and pathetic. I'm not religious either, and I disagree with the position of the person who you responded to. However you should have the decency to not needlessly insult people, not to mention doing so while failing to even make a counterargument. Truly odious stuff.

[@paulbeaumont7485]

The title got my attention, the debate kept it.

[@demn8042]

Excellent, very old school - people arguing rationally with a bit of intelligent and witty crosstalk. Now imagine such a debate on a modern campus …

[@dnisbet71]

@@LukasOfTheLight ?

[@dnisbet71]

@@LukasOfTheLight weird

[@jeffreyreeves5524]

Two intellectual heavyweights. Sad Christopher is no longer with us. I often wonder what he would make of these crazy times.

[@boliussa]

+Jeffrey it's pretty obvious. you think he'd be happy about wearing a mask

[@jeffreyreeves5524]

@@boliussa lol. No definitely not. I do enjoy listening to Peter Hitchens on talk radio on a Monday. Not quite the same I know but a voice of reason nonetheless.

[@boliussa]

@@jeffreyreeves5524 you probably just like the pomposity

[@patrickkkpakerr6442]

His world is pretty much here now .

[@LordJasonKing]

He's in the afterlife laughing his bollox off😂😂

[@claytonweaver2684]

when i first saw this thumbnail i thought it was one of those meme videos like where jordan peterson argues with himself

[@josephsack4918]

Lol

[@scotte628]

The exchange about Kipling, wow. Peter selected a quote for the debate then messed it all up and Christopher recited it from memory. What an amazing mind. We need him back desperately.

[@daemon9737]

Here I am in 2023 still finding this fascinating. I tend to agree more with the Christopher side of the Hitchens family but really enjoy hearing both sides expressed very well. Listen to both and make up your own mind is the key.

[@deeprollingriver5820]

I imagine that Christopher annoyed and taunted his little brother when growing up. Peter is obviously fed up with his big brother.

[@wynwilliams6977]

Jealous of him anyway, it isn't hard to see which brother got all the brains :D

[@wynwilliams6977]

@Tut J'wandian by far what? Did you even listen to his babble? :D name one valid he made that in anyway aided the debate and isn't just spewing fallacies, just one

[@wynwilliams6977]

@Tut J'wandian still waiting for you to mention one valid point he made that wasn't babble or a fallacy

[@wynwilliams6977]

@Tut J'wandian I must first do nothing :) but OK, argument from ignorance, now go ahead should be easy after all according to you everything he said demonstrates what a superior intelligence he has so, I'm waiting or are you going to carry on delaying

[@hurdur6828]

Wyn Williams Pretty sure you haven’t heard the philosophical proofs for the existence of God such as: The 5 Cosmological Arguments, Aristotellian act & potency, the impossibility of infinite regress. The most common is “Who made God!?!? CHECK MATE!!! ATHEIST 1-0” It’s the most foolish objection and the most ignorant objection against Classical Theism, it’s self-evident that the objection is invalid. “The Universe is infinite! Checkmate!” Infinite regress is actually impossible according to the premises of how infinite regress isn’t possible. *Members are dependent on other members, continue this to infinity, no member is in and of itself of that property, therefore X didn’t happen.*** “The Universe is a necessary being!” This simply isn’t the case because in order for something to not be contingent, it must be eternal, must be immutable, unchanging, uncaused.

[@psyskeptic9979]

I don't know about you, but when I watched this in 2011 I was impressed by Christopher, but watching again this last year makes me appreciate Peter a lot more than I did then.

[@youngspinach]

Here he is really elocuent, I still think Christopher is clearly a better debater and public speaker. Said that, Have you seen his recent takes on LGBT, COVID and drugs? what a clown.

[@anthonymartino9748]

First time viewing this debate, I found when it came religion, Peter focused more on disputing the reputability of Chris on this issue instead of focusing on the topic. Iraq is a big gray area, would be much clearer what was right wrong if we were completely aware of alternate timelines. But we aren't, and all we know is how things singularly happened.

[@TheJapanChannelDcom]

Two brilliant men. But only one believes in the magic invisible man in the sky. 😀 Peter showed some arrogance and ignorance with his "Atheists borrow morality from believers" BS. People don't need an invisible man in the sky to do good things and not do bad things.

[@dennisddd8243]

Hitchens is my favorite of the two. He's always spot-on. He has a way of explaining things that his brother does not. Would you not agree?

[@willjackson6522]

no

[@slimturnpike]

Which Hitchens?

[@HOTD108_]

​@@slimturnpikeHitchens, of course. Y'know, the one with the accent.

[@samuraijosh1595]

@@HOTD108_ both have the accent XD

[@Whoracle1000]

Would loved to have seen Christopher hit the podcast circuit of today. So many potential great conversations could have been had with Peterson, Rogan, Freidman, etc

[@danieloriordan5159]

Niles and Frasier have come a long way

[@go2uabahometherapy577]

I had the same Frasier-Niles comparison in my head but see that you beat me to this video and awesome observation. Rats!!! lol

[@ivancarlson953]

Martin keeps them in line

[@friendlyfire7509]

This..

[@SequenceKomplete]

Except, Niles was actually quite clever...

[@Ryattt81]

Tip for any person moderating a debate...always say "provocative" multiple times, and "We are here to discuss the most important question/ one of the most important questions"... finally, if you think you've used the word "provocative" enough, you haven't, say it again.

[@wolfsden3]

Pro tip!

[@chrisstout8451]

It would be very interesting to hear what Peter Hitchens has to say about how religion has affected politics in the US in 2022. What would this debate look like between the two brothers in 2022?

[@bryans6151]

I feel that religion has its place, but that place is NOT in politics. Christopher is wrong when he attributes the nazi regime and the communist atrocities in Russia to Catholicism and Orthordoxy respectively. Whilst these quasi-religious people were cowardly and complicit, when they align themselves with political ambition, they abandon true religion. These vile dictators regimes were not the creation of religion, although religious charlatans give them support out of greed and cowardice.

[@paulachristie7807]

I would love to see it

[@winkelknz]

The conversations at the dinner table at Christmas family gatherings must have been entertaining.

[@javiersds8081]

I think they must have had a great education at home since they're siblings but have completely different ideas.

[@darrelllyvere9029]

I wonder what these two were like arguing at family dinner growing up?

[@prosequence2536]

yeah I hear you; when one is right while the other is correct. Or like in my family, whether I or my brother was right, our father cared less about one's due process or the other's legal evidence as much as the rapid re-establishment of total peace and quiet

[@nixl3518]

I would suggest that Peter was most likely quiet. He probably listened a lot and developed an "anti-Christopher" agenda just to be contrarian... That's how contrarian opinions usually develop within the family...

[@tevildo9383]

Does your family not have these kinds of conversations semi-routinely, or am I the odd one here?

[@bikebudha01]

Oh my god, did you see the brothers GAME FACES right at the start?!?!? They both have that look of bloodlust and utter fear for each other... (I can't imagine Thanksgiving with that family...)

[@colinrobertson9389]

Two brilliant people having a debate, but also letting one another finish what one is saying un like debates today where people are getting cut off half way through....

[@ryanwhitaker4444]

Slightly different face, identical mannerisms.

[@joshjohnson3347]

Both have beautiful voices.

[@MyMaitetxu]

Christopher is prettier, has more brains and charisma, more passion and sense of humor....

[@americanmartyr9268]

*I Agree with God-Hating Christ Hitch on the Irak War!!!!* *I am OPPosed to Peter Eater Hitch, on BOTH Counts!!!!* *I (an Agnostic BeLiever in JeHoVah GOD) would Prefer NO GOD* *rather than the DeMonic EVIL VILE PeterEater god of the PeterEater!* *Robert Robertson; Center street; SaLem, Oregon* 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫 🔫 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫 🔫🔫

[@Draezeth]

And diametrically opposed conclusions.

[@kontoculai6301]

@@americanmartyr9268 what did Peter's God do to you

[@Technicallyimright]

Both of these men are great because they at least argue their point and attempt to educate their audience so they can make a decision. It’s a much more elegant way of persuasion vs the current climate of emotion and rage.

[@ReviloJHQ]

Christopher Hitchens' best speech stating the world he wants to live in 1:46:10

[@d.c.603]

I’ve often wondered what atheists such as Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, etc. would be like had they never been exposed to Christianity. Having been brought up in culture’s heavily influenced by the good, bad & ugly of various religions, none can truly be free from the influence to reflect what true atheism is in regards to Society. How much is taken for granted of which others willingly or unwillingly sacrificed. Good debate.

[@ChuckImania]

I love watching the two highly educated brothers go back and forth... this is an intellectual wrestlemania.

[@seldom7288]

I don’t think it’s really that interesting because it’s Religion is bad And the other Religion is good It’s neither good nor bad there are both good aspects and bad aspects of religion , we can’t say that All of religion is bad nor can we say that it is all good either.

[@pootincopes]

@@seldom7288 you've summed up the basis of any debate.

[@Mahtlahtli]

It was a very close debate, but I think Hitchens won.

[@americanmartyr9268]

*That has been said, a 1,000 Times Already You Idiot!!!!*

[@geekypleer1202]

I don't think it was close at all

[@Lord_Thistlewick_Flanders]

@@geekypleer1202 So you really think hitchens won??

[@geekypleer1202]

@@Lord_Thistlewick_Flanders Huh, no. I think Hitchens had a weak point on every topic that was brought up. Hitchens, however, provided impressive insights that I found to be profoundly useful.

[@qureshib61]

Amazing that 2 brothers from the same womb took 2 different paths to make sense of their existence. The truth for chris will now be apparent for him in his grave, the place we shall all end up.

[@magnetiktrax]

He's dead so nothing is apparent to him now.

[@PrecariousHusk]

I must assume Christopher's take on the war was purely just a "defending the undefendable" for the sake of holding a side in a debate. He has conviction in everything he says except for when the man asked him if he was prepared to concede his view on the imperialistic actions. His argument was so antithetical to the moral perspectives I have heard him demonstrate so often. That aside, every bit of Christopher's argument against religion was fantastic. It cracked me up every time Peter would make, what he perceived to be, a strong point, he would gleefully and over dramatically twirl around and go back to his seat to which Christopher would quickly smack down every nonsensical argument he made resulting in Peter literally squirming in his chair haha Good show, thanks for the upload.

[@hanskraut2018]

Absolutly wonderful to hear a debate with substance and speakers with integretty

[@MALEXI10]

Tegridy Farms

[@claycoleman4105]

Wow, these two took the gloves off. What a debate!

[@jimcazador6057]

The discussion must have been brilliant in the Hitchens home when they were kids and their parents tried to get them to go to bed, I can imagine the arguments against it by Peter and Christopher.

[@BNK2442]

That Peter's tirade against the Olympics was spot on.