Hitchens: Why fight religion?

Christopher Hitchens last words in the debate with Turek, answering a question from the audience.
KZbin-atheist Alecs De Large comments the complete debate starting here:
• Video

[@sierragold]

Christopher Hitchens could slay with words... what a loss to the planet-- we need him now more than ever.

[@Fernandez218]

he smoked more than a chimney and drank like there was no tomorrow. maybe if he had taken better care of himself we would have him a lot longer -- it's sad.

[@sierragold]

@@Fernandez218 Well, no one can say that for sure. I mean, little kids die of cancer. IMO his smoking and drinking, while not exactly healthy, made him the Christopher Hitchens that we all know and love. I'm sure he wouldn't have changed a thing about his lifestyle-- he seemed to not have any regrets or remorse.

[@Fernandez218]

​@@sierragold supposedly Hitchens himself acknowledge the fact that the combination of those two habits were contributing to his decline. Kids do get cancer but how many get esophageal cancer?

[@sierragold]

@@Fernandez218 yes, you're correct in that esophageal cancer doesnt typically strike children, and was likely a very crucial element to his death. BUT, I think it's a moot point to say, "If only he had taken care of himself better." He could have been in a fatal car accident or died in some kind of natural catastrophe... no one knows. If he wouldn't have smoked or drank, how much longer would he have lived? No one can answer that-- so for me, moot point. It's very sad, but lots of people die early, unexpected deaths. None of us know when our time is up. And yes, he did acknowedge his "bad" habits likely led to his cancer, but he was not remorseful. He had no regrets. He just stated it as a fact, in a typical Christopher Hitchens way.

[@Fernandez218]

​@@sierragold ​ Sonya Ziegler but he didn't die in a car accident. If he did I wouldn't have brought up smoking/drinking unless he was DUI 'cause it's totally irrelevant. He died from something that has a positive correlation with a habit he picked up -- and never stopped -- when he was a teenager. But no one does know how much longer he could've lived if he had stopped -- and it was his life to live. My whole point is his death was within the realm of his control. He could've stopped his habit eons ago and most likely would've added years to his life and he wouldn't have been a loss for the planet and would still be here fighting for his cause -- against religion. Anyone can die at any time in thousands of different ways. That doesn't mean you help death out by taking on a nasty habit that science has clearly found out shortens the length of your life.

[@MrImIntoxicated]

I hate I'm finding out about him so late but I'm falling further in love with this guy with every speech and debate.

[@lucerogal]

Hitchens? I just discovered him about a year ago and I am saddened that I did't know about him before his death. I can't stop watching his debates or reading his books. I mentioned this before but at my work there is a picture of Christ and I want to bring in a photo of Hitch. Someone said why don't you bring in a photo of Satan and I said, "you really don't understand me at all do you?"

[@TheBtak13]

You should try Bill Maher, Dawkings, and Bill Nye's debate on creationism vs evolution.

[@RadioactiveSand]

Marvel Girl If you want more of that cake, search for Phil. Love gets even greater. You'll thank me later xD

[@sololimpo553]

You should watch his documentary about mother teresa...

[@sololimpo553]

You should hear the debate with his brother...

[@traceybanting3952]

As a woman in my 50s, I admire Hitch enormously! I was raised to believe that Jesus watched everything that I said and did. My sister was a stronger character than myself, so was regularly beaten. At 14, she was dragged to be confirmed by her hair. As an adult, letting go of that set of values has given me peace, freedom, and a burning desire to free others from the burden of guilt. Hitch, thank you! You helped me in my journey to mental freedom, which has enabled me to raise our sons without them being burdened by guilt, fear or hatred. I miss you, Sir! xx

[@prophettoatheists8057]

Are you kidding? Your sons have no moral awareness?

[@traceybanting3952]

prophetto atheists . Oh dear, do keep up. I said they weren’t burdened by guilt, fear or hatred. I at no point suggested they were without morals. Are you seriously suggesting that being raised by a violent bully is necessary for one to develop morals and conscience? I was referring to religious guilt, not suggesting that my sons are morally bankrupt. I suspect you’re trolling for entertainment purposes. If you have anything at all worth discussing, fine. If not I’m calling BS and will ignore you accordingly!

[@LaplacianFourier]

You are a remarkable woman. You've broken a cycle of stupidity, wickedness, and childhood indoctrination of toxic fairy tales. Don't mind these religious lunatics shouting insults at you. Their minds are so infected by this religion malware that it takes up about 80% of their brain power and can't discern blatant contradictions, of morality or otherwise, in their texts or their behaviors.

[@AlcibiadesMD]

@ Tracey, I admire and congratulate you with utmost respect for getting out of the quick sands and chains of fantasies, delusions and hallucinations. You are one in a million Tracey, it is my sincere hope your children and grandchildren follow your footsteps one day with your example.

[@traceybanting3952]

@@AlcibiadesMD wow, thank you so much for your kind words and understanding. I really do appreciate you taking the time to comment. I hope life’s kind to you 😘 x

[@newyorkwomen]

Religion is not about freedom. Going to churches for over 25 years I was never once asked anything such as, "Do you like going to church?, Do you want to continue going to church?, Do you want to get married or not?, How do you want to live your own life?, What are your views?, etc." There was no dialogue, your own voice was silenced literally and you had no say when you are told to be quiet, and the priest preached in an authoritarian tone telling you what you must believe, told you what to do, said don't do this and that, said you "Have To" be married, said who to vote for, tried to control your own body saying what you sensually could not do with your own body, glorified sacrifice and pain as being better than pleasure and enjoyment in life, and would preach guilt trips if you were not there in church last week and how the church renovations cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and there are some who are not putting enough in the collection basket. Religions say they want more freedoms for themselves in other countries, yet religions tell people how they "Have To" live and this is NOT freedom, it is power over and control of people by the religions. Religion is not about freedom for the people.

[@vasudevchakravarti4310]

brandon hvac What?

[@yojoeo9067]

that's people, people are sinners, what about the bible and God Himself. Christianity is about God, not just Church.

[@uscg1381]

You're not listening. Like the OP said, religion is about control. It was invented for control and money.

[@albertrogers2506]

@Jazzkeyboardist1 I was a bit slow about dropping God. In my case, I knew two or three downright decent ministers, one of whom preached an anti-war sermon on a Sunday that happened to be November 11. Also I mingled with decent Christians. I was shocked when I attended a church or two after coming to the USA and it seemed all they cared about was "being saved".

[@SleepyPenguin-8og]

Who when where how​@@vasudevchakravarti4310

[@barristanselmy2758]

We lost some very heavy artillery when hitchens died. We still have harris , dawkins , dennet and many others. But hitchens was the main blood vessel pumping the truth into everyone he meets, this man hated lies and you could see it by the look on his face. R.I.P Christopher Hitchens. Sorely missed.

[@edwardcurrent2874]

Indeed! Too bad god struck him down☹

[@lestweforgetsolvecoagula5867]

@@edwardcurrent2874 I'd like you to remember what you said when you're suffering! Since you have no problem causing distress to someone mourning a true intellectual. Surely you'd have no problem.. oh wait you've got to jump back on God's side and say " he's in a better place now" or " he's with god now" like either one of these statements provide any source of real comfort other than just being lies "that comfort" your fucking ego. The more you educate yourself the more YOU KNOW when someones trying to swindle you..... Religions flourished when the greatest con men met the biggest fools. One god shall have enough evidence to prove to the entire world he is God to cease the suicide, murder, discrimination over sexual orientation of any kind, hunger, cancer I could go on and on. Point is, there are people with serious issues on Earth. What are you waiting for exactly ? Are you even real ? Is this a game and your point is to watch us graval below you? As if our lives are a television set and he never gives up the remote constantly channel surfing? OR they're all wrong.... leaders of these Religions are after one thing brothers and sisters.. (our brains) and they've created these monsters they call gods in order to achieve it... Save yourself Silly 🐇 tricks are for kids 📖📖📖 ⛪🕍🕌=🤑

[@mjfraser04]

Matt Dillahunty has moved quickly up the ladder. While in my opinion, Dennet doesn't seem to be very relevant nowadays.

[@vishwanathkadalagi2336]

Don't forget Krauss.

[@rwatson2609]

I too just noticed Christopher, he is asking the real questions that we Christians should be sorting out. There really is no bigger mess than that which is made by the self righteous pew warmer who hates his neighbor.

[@supermiembro]

A guy tried to belittle Hitch and receives a complete education along with a gigantic kick in the nuts for good measure, RIP Hitch!

[@Fernandez218]

that's one way to see it. I think this audience member could've been seeking an answer to his own dilemma through Hitchens. Maybe he's seeking confidence through Hitchens' insight by asking a question that is often asked to him?! I saw a bit of malice in the man's eyes but that could also be a projection of my own experiences and emotion and not be factual at all.

[@anthonyparkinson8547]

It didn't try to belittle Hitchens it was a perfectly reasonable question

[@Fernandez218]

@@anthonyparkinson8547 i just rewatched some of the debate and the body language of the guy who asked the question, during some of Turek's points, doesn't support my original idea. haha.

[@feonor26]

It was a fair question and the guy sat and listened respectfully and did not speak out of turn. His question also gave us one of the best closing speeches of Christopher Hitchens ever. Whenever someone asks me why I hate religion and "what's the harm", I often refer them to this video.

[@kw8757]

The man who asked the question also applauded Hitchens, for a few seconds at least.

[@LightSaber12345]

He collects his thoughts so quickly and conveys them excellently.

[@upturnedblousecollar5811]

He had the best command of the English language of anyone I've ever heard.

[@XYisnotXX]

"Man is not great" Peter Hitchens.

[@JosephNordenbrockartistraction]

Just look at that angry face of that guy who asked the question. Yes there is anger behind that mocking little smurk on his face. Still it's a VERY good question with a perfectly delivered answer.

[@JosephNordenbrockartistraction]

***** I must at least commend the man for not walking out before the end.

[@kurtknapp904]

Joseph Nordenbrock and he clapped twice.

[@Hirnlego999]

No, it's not a good question. You would have to ignore news to ask that question. Anyone should know very well that the religious are not concerned only with the afterlife, they want to create their religious paradise here on earth and all should conform to these beliefs. Not true with all religious leaders, but to spread the good news is part of Christianity. Also, the questioner should know that Hitchens had not devoted his entire life to this cause. He could have done a bit research on Hitchens before asking such a question.

[@JosephNordenbrockartistraction]

Hirnlego999 Maybe it's not a thought out question, But it's a common one that makes people consider how to properly ask a better question later. It's also a way to gauge how much people just follow along with the status quo of sound bites, headlines and generalizations made by the uninformed population. This time the right kind of person answered this lame question and I'm glad it was done on youtube.

[@manthasagittarius1]

Joseph Nordenbrock It's not a question at all, in the true sense, because it's purely rhetorical, expecting no answer and convinced that it is its own answer. Besides, it's rude.

[@xxmotaxx93]

Damm.. I sincerely miss him. His absence is a loss for all of humanity.

[@rcrbrewster7840]

Azel G I agree.... I miss Alan Watts as well...

[@johndowns3839]

Norman Finkelstein, Chomsky, and Ralph Nader have more to offer than Hitchens ever did, but you don't hear much from them because they never could bring themselves to suck-up to the neocons and weren't good at schmoozing at Vanity Fair soirees.

[@Heycool08]

@@johndowns3839 OK but which one had the biggest cock? Seriously, there's no need to nitpick your top 10 list of greatest people and dash the rest against the walls of the city. One man's success does not come at the cost of another's in the case of intellectual and moral teachings.

[@Kitiwake]

He s no loss.

[@pkmkbdallahgallah2300]

Pat aherne Jesus bastard was no loss He was a slave master Stfu

[@rtmordecai1]

I live in Virginia, and went to VCU only a couple years after this debate. I discovered Hitchens only a few months after this and there’s always a small pang when I realize how close I was to witnessing him in person. I’m always proud that he received that applause and even in the heart of this state he could be appreciated well.

[@h.a.b.arguille1896]

This is his most passionate defence of his ideas to be found online. He was an intellectual and moral giant, and he will be missed.

[@NiklasKuhlmann]

If this is his most passionate, I don't wanna know his other videos! You call him a "intellectual giant"? Yeah people call Jordan Peterson that at well because he says what they want to hear. Impressive...

[@gauravsoni3265]

It's remarkable to see Hitchen throwing an open Challenge in a crowd like this .... He made them applause with his intelligence and well articulated thoughts. What an absolute Beast he was. Looked invincible here.

[@postplays]

Someone from the crowd asks a question then Hitchens proceeds with word salad for several minutes. This isn't how you have a debate with someone. Its a farce and illusion that he's being "open" with the audience when he's really not. If he were honest he'd have an actual dialogue with the person. This is hardly an open forum and the audience member could be a plant for all we know. Stop believing everything you see and hear.

[@simonsis1321]

@@postplays The debate happened before this (I assume). This is not a debate, this is him responding to a question. The question was "If there is no god, why do you spend your whole life trying to convince people that there isn't?". This is asking for his opinion, not asking for a back and forth.

[@vknl99]

@@postplayshe’s not debating that person in the audience though?? lol

[@postplays]

@@vknl99 Oh I'm sorry. So, "Answers a question with no room for rebuttal" - That should satisfy you. Then the crowd claps.

[@xerox1959]

Christopher Hitchens: superior analyses - incredible!

[@Omerta-33-EE]

Mic drop moment!

[@scienceforall8778]

I have yet to meet a human so comfortable in their own skin as this man.

[@citizenoftheninthdivision]

Terence McKenna

[@elgar104]

If there's a better unrehearsed reply to a question out there. ..I want to hear it. The education and intellect needed to pull off this magnificent tour de force is unique. I so miss this guy.

[@Skindoggiedog]

"I have no doubt that his incisive arguments bounced off the head of the person asking his question, protected by his shield of Faith from ever having to consider what Mr. Hitchens said." You are 100% correct. The following morning that guy will wake up next to his wife and think back to where he was the previous night, turn to her and say "I don't know why guys like Hitchens don't just stay at home instead of going out trying to refute something they don't believe" It's simply incredible.

[@renupathak4442]

What a courageously honest man I have discovered so late in my life. I savour ever word every thought pronounced by this man.

[@ziff_1]

The answer to that question "why fight religion?" will never, ever be put better than this. Hitch was a linguistic genius. I've never seen anyone with a better command of the English language, and ability to recall and express ideas.

[@54spatula]

That's the best answer to a question I've ever heard in my life.

[@stephenmayo9516]

“We can’t think without this, we must be afraid, and we must be forced to love someone who we fear”… one of my favorite brilliant points from the Hitch himself

[@TheGlobuleReturns]

Seeing the unjustified smugness of a man who has unwittingly asked a stupid question is that much more satisfying when you know Hitchens is the one to answer it.

[@Buttnut105]

What an idiotic question. Hitchens could've just said: "if you're convinced I'm wrong, why would you attend this debate?".

[@KalebSchmidt]

Alec D. True, but that wouldn't be a proper answer from Hitchens and this answer is much more powerful

[@bronzejourney5784]

@@KalebSchmidt He didnt listen anyways, so it wouldnt matter in the end.

[@alecdziuk6450]

Are you me?

[@maskedmarvyl4774]

Actually, it was a good question, because it clarified exactly what Hitchens was fighting: God or religion. In his answer, he specifically targeted the toxic effect of religion on its believers and the damage it causes. I wish Hitchens had more often clarified at the beginning of his speeches that he was going after religion itself and its conmen, as well as its phony created dieties, rather than people's belief in something more than what is tangible.

[@bronzejourney5784]

@@maskedmarvyl4774 There is nothing to clarify more really. Sole reason of hitchens debating, is because god doesnt exist, so should religions. Its quite clear what is he 'fighting' against.

[@joniahdemarco3371]

Hitch: "Is there anyone who'd like to challenge me?" **Translation** Hitch: "Who wants to die today?"

[@albertrogers2506]

Actually he warned us about the number of people who expect to die, the sooner the better!

[@FlexBeanbag]

@@albertrogers2506 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ7GaoF8m82rbZY

[@prophettoatheists8057]

I will challenge his ideas as it is a little late to have a discussion with him. Do you believe that Hitchens was/is your greatest teacher?

[@dortmundgrabenstein9193]

Hey Joniah, I suppose it was meant to be a joke, if not thats rubbish. No one dies if he|she gets challenged on his|her opinion. The thing with religion is even if Hitchens won the argument by rational standards, the religious person will not see it bc religion makes some ppl "immune" to reason.

[@paranuts7693]

Wanted nothing more than to thank this man for articulating so elegantly the very ideas I have and could never convey myself. He is still to this day the only man I ever loved, respected and wished there were billions more like him.

[@AlcibiadesMD]

@Paranuts 76 My sentiment exactly, agree with your statements 100% this will then be such a better world indeed, instead of the cesspool of filth, delusions, hallucinations, ignorance and corruption we have.

[@johnfaichney9529]

When he does he will find out about God. Pity the does not believe in Jesus.

[@croakhilleburg9155]

⁠​⁠@@johnfaichney9529😂Loads of people were born and died before that illiterate Jew even existed! Don’t forget that Christianity is plagiarized. Ever go to public school? Plagiarism is a big no-no.

[@postplays]

The only man you should live is your father.

[@rajaseelan6934]

Hitchens was brilliant and the honesty of his principle is clearly evident. The same question can also be asked about religion and it is highly unlikely anyone theist can come up with an impromptu answer anywhere near as eloquently as Hitchens did. This is a mind of a genius.

[@brianslabbert8374]

raja seelan í8

[@GidzPaul]

Ravi Zacharias.. He would be the man to talk to if you want such questions.

[@GidzPaul]

​@Alexander Duthie Facepalm!

[@MoPar7055]

While I do think he was highly intelligent I think you're giving him way too much credit. First off, what makes you think it was impromptu? You don't think he's thought about this question before? Second off, don't forget he spent years studying this subject and question.

[@colonelkurtz2269]

One of my favorite quotes by Hitchens: religion isn't a buffet where you can pick and choose only what you like. It embodies nearly every believer today.

[@selsuru]

Monotheism is one of the most dangerous things ever invented.

[@Hirnlego999]

Yes. The evils of Stalin and nazism (for instance, there are other examples) at least have leaders who die and have to be replaced. The wickedness of God is for eternity, even continuing after death.

[@WiseTube]

Aside from Bagpipes.

[@Simp44]

WiseTube Bagpipes are awesome (lifts kilt) :P

[@rymdalkis]

Above all, polytheistic religions have no problem including another god into their pantheon. You can see it in most people when Christianity and Islam were introduced to them. The Abrahamic god was simply another god they could pray to. This opens up to a much more tolerant society. Just look at the Roman empire where people could pray to their respective gods however they liked

[@bobhi2668]

yes, I would call it the worst invention for all inventions, as it makes use of all the other inventions to hurt invention itself.

[@VulpesMaximus]

Welp, that guy from the audience got his answer alright.

[@cullenmott7614]

(overly) simplified answer: "Why fight religion? Because religion fights us. Religion started fighting us thousands of years ago and doesn't seem to be quitting any time soon."

[@mememan2344]

Bingo

[@Chadmay33]

Well... I think Christopher Hitchens just nailed that one. Next!

[@Omerta-33-EE]

Yes no doubt HItchens dropped the mic Literally and figuratively! lol

[@andyng5321]

just like how Jesus was nailed to the cross :)

[@torino390]

One of my fave Hitch moments ever.

[@uncannyplatypus2131]

I like your profile picture

[@toi_techno]

It's amusing to see the face of an American Christian realising he is exactly equivalent to a muslim extremist.

[@mattball7074]

Man, I couldn't write that with 30 days on my side and he vocalized it immediately, not even knowing what the question was going to be

[@Forkbot79]

The mike drop at the end is so resounding.

[@wymanspace4173]

Each and every time when I hit the wall, I return here to seek courage and strength from the Hitch. Tomorrow I’ll fight again.

[@karenkaren3189]

Wyman Space As a lifelong nurse, I have seen so much suffering. I never try to talk my patients out of their faith. If I sense that their belief in God is a source of strength to them, that’s fine. I have even prayed with them, because to me the words are somewhat meaningless, but the feeling behind them is sincere, and that’s good enough for me. However if someone tries to tell me that prayer saves people’s lives, I have to demur. I have seen prayer in that context fail over and over again. Perhaps their prayers helped, maybe they didn’t. Again, if it gives folks strength and consolation, good for them. But don’t tell an old Oncology nurse that you can pray cancer away. 👵🏻😔👵🏻

[@prophettoatheists8057]

So when you "hit the wall" are you having doubts about atheism?

[@wanderlustsick1538]

Am from lebanon. And yea u did help me alot. U freed my mind. Nothing would be said to u enough as a thanks. RIP. The biggest loss of humanity i ever know.

[@bgrice01]

amazing, simply amazing. A brilliant mind of the 21st century. Hopefully you have changed the minds of believers to make this world a better place

[@chrissilver7719]

He is brutal, direct and correct. Why don't atheist's stay at home because religious zealots keep knocking on people's doors.

[@nealfager9178]

"The Thought of Eternal Punishment destroys interest in Life and makes Happiness Impossible" - Napoleon Hill: Think and Grow Rich, Six Ghosts of Fear; Fear of Death

[@prophettoatheists8057]

Just nonsense! Does the Thought of punishment on this earth destroy interest in Life and make Happiness Impossible? Thankfully, we do have a justice systems now and hereafter! I'm happy!!!!!!!!!

[@ShinsDomain]

Absolutely relatable

[@Søutħsidë]

That unfortunate man at the beginning 1:05 and at the end sitting alone in the crowd 6:02 who received one of the best Hitchslap’s ever delivered. 👏🏻

[@Søutħsidë]

@bãßßêt continue.

[@Søutħsidë]

@bãßßêt He is only pointing to some Muslims and Jews and I don't think he is saying that entire Muslims and Jews are bad. You can also says that those idiots whi claims to kill people based on religion wouldn't have dared to commit such an utter stupidity if it wasn't for their religion. Religion makes good people do bad things. Thats all he is saying. Also about charity or good morals I am clearing this upfront because I know that u will ask me this next that but most people who r religious are good, they do charity.... etc. Yes atheists also does that. Atheists also does charity and have good morals. So its not about one's inclination to any Gods. Its innate in us. But religion makes good people do bad things.

[@Søutħsidë]

@bãßßêt Atheism is not a belief system. Its actually the opposite of that. Atheism is the pure lack of any beliefs unsupported by logic and reasoning. I dont know how u can call the lack of belief, a belief? To answer your first point, Hitler was not an atheist. He may have used Darwinism to justify his atrocious hatred towards Jews, but he was definitely not an atheist and he basically was a self proclaimed God by himself. We can understand it by his open allegiance with Catholic priests and the belt buckles of the Nazis expressed their substantial love for Christianity. And may I know any atheist based ideologoes that u r talking about. I didn't knew atheists had any ideologies.

[@Søutħsidë]

@bãßßêt What are these atheist ideologies that you r talking about? In a sense you are right that people with or without religion can do brutal practices. But the question here is does religion have any value in this current society and age. It may well have tested times and survived centuries, but it only represents the gullible nature of their followers. Does it truly have any place in this 21st century? I dont think so. Bad people do bad things, good people do good things, but if you want a good person to do bad things you need religion. It is cancerous and devoid of any value to the society as a whole. We may be good off without it. A simple example would be the practice of circumcision. I mean who even would think to remove the foreskin of their own child if it wasnt for their God and religion? Show me some barbaric practices like these happening in an atheist society?

[@Søutħsidë]

@bãßßêt You keep saying that atheists created more bloodbath than religious people and saying I must admit that too. Speaking of education, how illiterate of you to think that I must accept that idiotic belief of yours. When I say religion, it also include religions like Hitler, Stalin etc. too and you are saying that they are atheists. You must learn to see religion in a much broader perspective even to comprehend what I am saying. Since you r not going to change your mind and I am neither, lets just agree to disgree.

[@williamthegirl]

Wow, that last part gave me goosebumps... the sooner humanity shakes off these ridiculous, barbaric, superstitious notions, the more likely we are to avoid untold destruction.

[@DimGiant]

This is not true. Tell me which great wars of the previous century were waged over religion? Hitler, Stalin and Mao warred over resources, glory and gross misinterpretations of political and philosophical thought.

[@llynfach]

Breathtakingly brilliant Hitch.

[@PNGPJS]

such a great loss to the world . he will be sorely missed . A man who thinks beyond the square we live in . RIP Christopher .

[@andredeketeleastutecomplex]

A loss to the anglo world, you can keep the rest of us out of it.

[@upturnedblousecollar5811]

@@andredeketeleastutecomplex You may want to put forward reasoning behind your statement, otherwise it's just timewasting.

[@bigjohnson9561]

Purely amazing!!!! He makes a lot of sense about what religion does to human society. It would have been great to meet him before he passed but fortunately there are videos of him.

[@karenkaren3189]

Big Johnson YT’s greatest value to my life are videos like this ( also cooking and ballet videos 😉)

[@positivesecret]

I wonder how many hot meals hes served to homeless people on Sunday morning

[@iqbalindaryono8984]

​@@positivesecretI wonder what percentage of Christians have done that themselves.

[@positivesecret]

@@iqbalindaryono8984 I know of quite a few churches that help the homeless. It fact Christians help more than any other organization. Thans not opinion.

[@TyphoidBryan]

That flustered guy could have accomplished the same effect by asking, "If you hate violent crime so much, why not board yourself up at home?" If there is something worth fighting, then you do it if you of are that particular mindset. You don't sit on your hands and just wish problems away. You don't rest on one's platitudes and recite familiar parables to gloss over the realities of the world. Consider the folks who respond to traumatic situations or social disarray with "it is in God's hands" or something similar in fashion. When you have no options, look to the heavens for a solution. You can do that once and you will have a nice laugh in the process. Do it twice and you are tempting habit. Keep your eyes always lifted in time of trouble, you are likely going to never solve a single thing in your lifetime. A bedrock of daily belief assumes you are of no action and all faith...just the way they want you.

[@nealmac187]

Very well-put. I think The Hitch himself would applaud.

[@anthonyparkinson8547]

He showed courage in questioning Hitchens in a room full of Hitchen's acolytes

[@jabba0975]

Duh. The answer is in the question: If there is no god, why try to convince people? Because of the incredible amount of suffering people's false beliefs cause, both to themselves and others. Silly question from a silly man.

[@oldflute]

It's almost as if the silly question was a plant to justify a fuller explanation. Likely was not a plant, but it served the same purpose.

[@supermal112233]

Or it was just a question.

[@fredworthmn]

There are those who believe that THEIR religion is not like any of the others. Why are you attacking my religion when I / we are so good and loving? But when it comes right down to it, those people still believe that anyone who disagrees with them is going to hell.

[@jimmy5634]

jabba0975 jj what suffering? Belief in the Word of God brings peace knowing that there is something beyond this miserable existence. Besides it’s really none of your business what people choose to believe in. We all have a free will and a mind. I see a lot of Godless people suffering every day. What good does their lack of belief do for them?

[@jimmy5634]

fredworthmn no they believe that anyone who rejects Gods Holy Spirit will not spend eternity with God. Obviously, you don’t. Good for you.

[@Chardonbois]

Now that is what you call the ultimate reply to a question!

[@thomasneal9291]

While Hitchens is of course correct in what he says about religion, I would like to point out the the reason religiotards ask the question you heard, "If God doesn't exist, why do you try to disprove him?" was NOT because they are unaware. they view it differently... for example, someone in the comments below compared it to: "That flustered guy could have accomplished the same effect by asking, "If you hate violent crime so much, why not board yourself up at home?" " the people asking those questions would tell you that what they are trying to get Hitchens to admit, is that he is indeed fighting against "violent crime". meaning, they think it's a "gotchya" moment in forcing him to admit there IS violent crime, IOW, framed in the original questions wording: god. see, they all think atheists really secretly believe in god, they just hate him. these are the people that ask questions like that. their minds work on an entirely different wavelength. if you used the analogy above to address their question... they would just look at you funny and claim you did not answer it. shorter: know your enemy.

[@oldflute]

I don't believe Mr. Hitchens was trying to disprove anything. The burden is on those who hypothesize that a god and an afterlife exist to show US the evidence. Real evidence, not just some ancient writings or statements made by other believers. So far no one has proposed a way to test those hypotheses.

[@oldflute]

@Jazzkeyboardist1 I hope you can get some help to improve your emotional well being. May I kindly point out that it is bizarre that you would gloat about another person's terminal depressive illness. Good luck in your search.

[@mikewahnsinn567]

@Jazzkeyboardist1why don't you go back to whatever hole you crawled from, you fucking moron.

[@tralfamadore5719]

@Jazzkeyboardist1 all you keep proving is your a piece of garbage

[@kalsulivani5791]

@Jazzkeyboardist1 how is Iraq war or any wars have any relevancy with science apart from the weapons they use in warfare made from scientific achievements.

[@joshuaphilip9935]

It is okay to believe in Santa Claus if you’re eight . But if you’re thirty four and still believe in such a ridiculous entity without a shred of evidence it is a bit embarrassing socially .

[@postplays]

I don't "believe" in God. He just is.

[@Cenot4ph]

​@postplays where's the evidence?

[@CeruleanSword]

@@postplays When you were 8, you thought Santa just ‘was’. You didn’t believe in him per say, you thought he was an accepted part of existence. You moved on from Santa, why haven’t you moved on from God. What is the difference.

[@giorodrigues8589]

An ordinary person :" Would anyone like to ask me a question ''? Hitch: "Is there anyone who'd like to challenge me?"

[@postplays]

Fake audience questions don't count. If you think that wasn't a plant then youre delusional. Goofballs like Hitchens aren't out to have a discussion. The guy in the audience asked his questions then Hitchen yammered on for several minutes. The guy didn't get a chance to retort or follow up.

[@yukiyavalentine5867]

If only more people could hear this

[@tranceformerfx]

"Why don't you just stay home?" is codeword for... *"I really don't like you criticizing my belief, it makes me look bad"*

[@Hirnlego999]

Why should we leave harmful ideas alone? Half the human race is imprisoned in the middle-east thanks to religion. This alone is a worthy cause to speak against religion...because religion does not leave people alone, it asks, no demands us to live our lives on our knees.

[@mikepolk4126]

Miss ya Christopher.

[@scottymocap]

I love it, Hitch had Turek applauding at the end!

[@lawofthewest1983]

I was just thinking - why did Mr. Turek applauded? I think out of respect to the debate adversary and for the clear presentation of his views, however I do not believe that he agreed with the views oh Mr. Hitchens.

[@AlcibiadesMD]

Frank Turek may be a closeted atheist, church exempt him from paying taxes, Christianity and the church are both a big racquet, and a detriment to the progress of humans.

[@wayneburton8168]

This is one of my favorite Hitchens speeches. The greatest wordsmith of the atheist movement.

[@luisbranko.]

There’s only one adjective to express his command of the English language... divine.

[@Jeff-tj4tx]

Let's not forget "sublime"

[@gusjackson3658]

Love exists without God. It is a release to truly know that.

[@notimmortal9738]

Just so people know (I doubt anyone will find this comment by now) the gentleman asking the question is obviously an atheist. Throughout the debate he continuously nodded along with signifying agreement with Hitch’s points. Because he is an atheist I find it extremely commendable that he would choose to pose such a challenging and personal question to Hitch, he really answered Hitch’s call to be challenged and should be commended for it.

[@elfedowen6452]

The chap in the blue shirt was the only one that didn't clap.... probably reeling from the hitchslap.....

[@reason5591]

It left him stung and bewildered im sure 😂

[@WayOfAges]

Because religion will drag down society the moment the resistance to it collapses.

[@ubernaffa]

I almost wish I was religious, so I could sit in front of Christopher and experience what it would be like to hear that from a religious perspective. What an excellent, excellent speech.

[@mega4171]

you'd be turned back atheist rather quickly i'd imagine

[@postplays]

And do you feel the same 13 years later?

[@danialhowe9814]

i love the fact that Hitch simply puts his thoughts out there and never elevates his voice to speak over others to drive his point home

[@eenie1234]

The best thing we can do is direct others to his debates and hopefully put thought in their minds.

[@pswright2285]

Perfect summary of the severe threat which religion bestows upon mankind.

[@angrylambie]

at the end, the audience member who asked that final question - "Why don't you stay home? (why don't you just shut-up!)" - does not applaud with the rest of the audience - that shows his was not asked in good faith, how unhappy he was that it blew up in his face and gave Hitchens the opportunity to show the audience what truth and integrity looks like! -

[@3niknicholson]

He hits the awful Nail of Religion absolutely smack-bang on its evil head

[@CosmicValkyrie]

I like that he asked this question, so i can hear this magnificent answer.

[@timewilltell7]

I LOVE THIS MAN FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART

[@LynnetteJJW]

Why go around and try to turn people away from religion? A: Why do you go around and try to turn people TO religion?

[@crapmunky99]

"Is there anyone who would like to challenge me?" They can try, but they'll never succeed.

[@gooddaysahead1]

Why fight religion? Because it's the most perniciously divisive set of conflicting and unjustifiable ideas humanity has ever concocted.

[@papoothy]

One has to first have a belief that sin does indeed exist in order to be compelled to sin. Christopher Hitchens is able to make some provocative argents against religion based on logic and historical context of the ancient writings used as a basis for faith. I was very religious for many years until I began to study Christianity for myself. After doing so, I came to the same conclusion as Hitchens, this cannot be believed by a thinking person.

[@jerrygarciaisgod4409]

If there is no God, why not just stay at home? Because religion interjects itself at every opportunity in life. As long as there are religions civil society needs atheists. If for nothing else, to counteract the evils of theism.

[@legioneer2]

5:59 Even the guy who asked the question had to clap a little

[@stud8569]

This is one of his most eloquent and articulate responses on the subject

[@LightSaber12345]

The reason he was so confident is because he has truth, fact and evidence and proof on his side whereas religion has none of those. He knows he's won every debate and argument with logical reasoning and backup.

[@postplays]

He was confident because he's rehersed this speech several times.

[@artstrology]

Veterans and soldiers do not want war. Christianity does.

[@artstrology]

@Jazzkeyboardist1 Christianity was a military psyop, from the get go - See Ceasars Messiah - Joe Atwill, and many others,..and has successfully taken nearly the entire western hemisphere, after conquering europe, africa, russia, and half of Korea. The USSC has used the papal bull Inter Caetera of 1492 as recently as 2007 to validate land theft from the Indigenous people of the americas. Sherrill vs Oneida.

[@stevechurchouse4670]

Of all the clips of this great man this is my favourite. Sums religion up perfectly.

[@nad1ax2]

My favourite is this video called _’Hitchens on what Theists MUST believe’,_ in it he masterfully dismantles all notions of monotheism with humour and self-evident logic

[@yojoeo9067]

Sir......atheism isn't a religion

[@IxTHROWxTHINGS]

@Jazzkeyboardist1 Right. Under admission that he isn't ACTUALLY our friend, and with tangible, testible evidence of his existence.

[@pastycayk1998]

@@vegeta30000 Leave him/her alone, they no not what they say,

[@anthonyparkinson8547]

And Richard Dawkins isn't atheist but just about agnostic

[@JDines]

@Jazzkeyboardist1 ... You are the poster boy for the Dunning Kruger effect. You literally can't figure out that what you think is your brilliance is your incompetence. Nobody is saying that *Christopher* (not Chrissy you disrespectful bafoon) is their buddy. Also, we know he existed because, like you, we watched this video. We don't claim he is real because life exists and someone told us a fairy tale and told us to believe it under threat of eternal torment in an imaginary prison the some "all loving" fictional character will condemn us to if we dare think for ourselves and realize what a stupid and easily disproved story we have been told.

[@Marcus-ft3bj]

@Arian msn ah, religious morality. Never fails to fail.

[@launabanauna8958]

Omg, talk about giving someone the “stink eye!” Chill dude! You just got “Hitchslapped!”

[@MrMrh1958]

So articulate!

[@gorrillion1]

Great answer , great guy , CH is a legend .. part of the reason he is able to win in these situations is that he has truth on his side , combine this truth with his eloquent and witty delivery and you have an unbeatable force

[@MM-yi9zn]

There’ll never ever be another Hitchens. His intellect is awesome & not truly understood by most people especially those needing the protection of religion.

[@scratchfg212]

Haha even frank turek is clapping. Damn that was good

[@MOGGS1942]

Yes he was, and it seemed genuine. Fair play to him for that. Even the man who asked the question joined in the applause.

[@chrisr2507]

Wow I bet that guy wishes he’d stayed home that night 😂

[@ITYFIGHTERI]

How did the entire room not give him a standing ovation?? RIP Hitchens.

[@MCsCreations]

The guy who asked didn't clap in the end. Did you guys see it? Either way, enjoy life. The most you can, without throwing it in the trash can. It's your only one. 🖖😊

[@brightstarone]

That is the most lucid well reasoned response I ever heard, in describing the flaws in religious mythology and the damage that it does to society in general.

[@postplays]

Christianity built modern society. Try again.

[@ADEehrh]

All those anger hate filled Christians... hmmm?!

[@timothyjohn8877]

I absolutely love Christopher Hitchens.

[@richross4781]

This was glorious. He rode him like an alley cat. Wow, Hitch is the berries.

[@sassypants7581]

Dang.. I wish he were here. I love the videos, but they leave me wanting to hear more.

[@adabsurdum3314]

A true intellectual, with a good dose of wisdom.

[@elamplough1]

One of the best speeches Hitchens ever made.

[@crapmunky99]

LOL. And then I just imagine him throwing his mic into the audience and yelling "ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!?"

[@Ribbo]

I love how the guy who asked the question could not bring himself to applaud when his fragile house of cards fell over before his eyes. When your opinion is destroyed through facts and logic, at least have the decency to acknowledge it...

[@lilianfowler7988]

It is good that he speaks up. Too often bad things are done in the name of religion. God doesn't need this. When someone says "Nanny, nanny, boo, boo . . . I have Jesus." I know that they have no real faith - only ego.

[@ikm64]

Friedrich Nietzsche had probably one of the best insights into the human mind... crystalized in just one quote... "There are two different types of people in the world, those who want to know, and those who want to believe." Is there anything really left to be said...

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

With all the good that you accept in your religion, you have to accept the bad too. And there's a lot of it. If you think not, then you have not read your holy book in its entirety.