Stephen Fry Passionately Argues the Catholic Church is NOT a Force for Good | Intelligence Squared

[@E_LithaBeth]

I love Stephen Fry. When he isn't being one of the funniest men in the world he is one of the smartest, most vulnerable and kind men in the world.

[@riverwolf654]

Any dope can criticise anything and look good.

[@lindashapanka6229]

Any dope? You do live in a cave. Perhaps Mr. Fry uses language you do not understand. Or, you just read the title, read the comments and decided to add your two cents. Such a shame you decided not to listen.

[@diceman199]

@@riverwolf654 only if they have actual logical arguments and facts behind them

[@riverwolf654]

@@Paula-e4h Are you fro real, youve obviously never seen the charity and education religious orders have given people throughout the centuries. If youre gong to make rash comments, please do your homework. Without religion as much as I dont practice the world would be in an even worse place. We are talking about the human race you know.

[@Paula-e4h]

@@riverwolf654 yes they gave other poeples money what the took of them when telling them to buy a place in heaven they didn't get of there lieing arses and work for it religion is just a glorified pyramid scheme ,, tell me one peace of evidence you have to prove there's a god ,,,,,not the bible wrote bye men passed down or another book of fiction prove to me there's a god ask the poeple of gaza or Ukraine or iran Syria there's a god ,,,,no there a man I charge deciding if they die today or not .....no god you patronising pillock

[@jacquiadams863]

Imagine a world where those with power had this level of intelligence, curiosity, articulation, kindness, insight, thoughtfulness and self awareness. ❤

[@daniel4647]

If they did they wouldn't seek power in the first place. Power only holds value to the worshipers of fear, and some of the cornerstones of fear is ignorance, oppression, and hate. People without fear don't care about power.

[@joseevaniersel7280]

Imagine a world in which ordinary folks were a little bit better? More honest? Less spiteful? Better informed?

[@copyrightcharacter1166]

Stephen Fry is Jewish and married to a 30 year old young man. That's why he hates the Catholics.

[@oshatlarge3870]

Imagine a world where fry wasn't a zionist

[@davefoord1259]

Yeah nah

[@williamriley661]

Probably the best speech I have ever heard. Wonderful truth. My father was raised in a Catholic Home. His sister became a nun. Yet my dad could not speak of the horrors of his childhood - his lips were sealed. Thank you Mr Fry.

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

It's sad to hear that your dad had unexpressible trauma. I agree with you in appreciation of this speech. Fry, Dawkins and the late, great Hitch are my most eloquent heros of common sense.

[@robert3325]

​@@TerryMcGearyScotlandhero's of the ANTICHRIST...yes!

[@kevinmcinerney1959]

It is a remarkable speech isn't it. My daughter got a little out of control, was kicked out of school, and got in some bad ways. She eventually decided she wanted to try college. Once there, she got into it. She finished with a first, winning prizes. At one time I thought she would go into academia, and I was encouraging her. I begged her to listen to this speech in its entirety. Not because I had bad feelings to the Church (from which I had lapsed), but because I wanted her to experience the power and the value of intellect and of passion and of reason. I agree - arguably the best speech I have ever heard, and I am proud to share a country with Mr Fry. I am sorry for your father's experiences.

[@-Swamp_Donkey-]

You know he’s Jewish, right? Not unlike Christopher Hitchens.

[@vhawk1951kl]

I think you may finf that your "Mr Fry" is now *Mrs*.Somethingelsealtogether, but, as we say in Yorkshire:"There's nowt so queer as folk.

[@arthurmartinson4370]

I am an Old Catholic. This is one of the best sermons I have ever heard. Thank you, Mr. Fry.

[@Filthsloppy]

Read my comment above, and how Fry get's it wrong right from the get-go. You're no old Catholic.

[@nigelbond4056]

A remarkable man delivering a succinct, witty and accurate synopsis of all that’s wrong with organised religion. I admire and respect Stephen Fry’s intellect and clarity of speaking.

[@davidhobbs5421]

Christianity, like every other institution, has been polluted by mankind from the very first. Most of Paul's epistles are an effort to correct doctrinal errors new churches were making when still in the first century. Man has destroyed the simplicity of Christ as the Apostles knew it. Want to find a good church? Find one that believes as the first century church believed. Oh yes, what a teasure Stephen Fry is and Chris Hitchens was.

[@rogersweet3608]

Put not thy trust in Princes!

[@rogersweet3608]

@meanjustine8266 Human beings Roughly translated

[@silveriorebelo2920]

you must be kidding... a guy that twists everything he claims to present about Christianity...

[@markoshea6833]

i believe your comment is interesting. You probably agree with organise political parties and organised everything-else. Religion needs to be organised as well. To build a house needs teamwork. I think that this is all the Catholic church is. e.g, recognising the need for (a) leadership/management. chains of command, and teamwork. A man cannot build a house on his own.

[@Jason-lw7tk]

Who could ever deny the beauty, grace, and genius of Stephen Fry? What an absolute legend.

[@diceman199]

@@VolodymyrTheClown Fairly sure people with an actual education agree with him

[@claudiaxander]

@@VolodymyrTheClown Education? As in, people that read "My First ABC of Bible stories for kids with learning difficulties, the illustrated version"?

[@claudiaxander]

@@VolodymyrTheClown I've got an association copy signed by God and given to his son with a touching message on the cover leaf that reads:: "Enjoy your trip! LOL"

[@seanpittaway5341]

Not you then 😂

[@Malcolm701]

@@VolodymyrTheClown Fry is not so clever...

[@arifsaifee4146]

If I could articulate my ideas as clearly as Stephen, I would be so happy. There is absolutely no friction in the pathways between his highly educated mind & his tongue. Brilliant ideas spoken brilliantly.

[@gauge6513]

Write a poem. It will be yours, personal and eloquent. Just as you are.

[@kelvynward7867]

Fry is actually a moron, he just sounds like he's swallowed a thesaurus. He said absolutely nothing in the first 5 minutes of his time.

[@cactusblob1688]

HE IS A FOOL.

[@Splucked]

You're more articulate than 99% of people I know.

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

I'm with you. I love people like Fry and Dawkins who choose their words with a watchmaker's precision. I appreciate that trait in Prof.Jordan Petersen but it has later become offset in my mind by his theist beliefs., Despite that I think he is basically a decent guy.

[@dorotheapietrek1462]

I am beyond grateful for the words of Sir Stephen Fry. With love from somebody who really has studied the history of the Catholic church. And does now with similar Religions

[@glyfada5769]

No he hasn’t fully studied the Catholic Church. If he had he would become Catholic.

[@jeff_forsythe]

Buddhists believe that we are not here to be happy. Heaven created earth as a place of suffering to clean our hearts and souls so that we may return to Heaven........................Falun Dafa

[@james0805]

@@jeff_forsythecrappy plan from Heaven

[@vincentkrommenhoek7431]

I mostly amazed by the fact that Stephen Fry does not use notes or teleprompter during his speech. What an amazing orator.

[@zenkim6709]

That's old, old, OLD school oratory -- going all the way back to the ancient Greek philosophers & Sophists, the OG thinkers & speechmakers.

[@jamesdietz29]

He had notes. Watch again and you'll see him put his glasses on and look at the podium several times.

[@Gomezio]

I mean, brilliant as he is, he is clearly using notes 😅

[@jamesdietz29]

@@Gomezio And it isn't a problem... not for me anyway.

[@silveriorebelo2920]

he already knows what he has to say as a good repeater of ideological memes

[@jmcmurrah]

Brilliant! “If Jesus were to come back and see what was being done in his name, he would never stop throwing up.”

[@joaorafael8648]

Probably the only thing he said that makes a modicum of sense, pretty much everything else absolute rubbish. And I don't mean rubbish because I don't like it, but because all his claims are mostly false and or false assumptions. Seriously, pick any topic he mentioned and honestly read about it.

[@johnno8586]

He’s a gay Jew of course he’d say such drivel

[@lizpeck9330]

Absolute rubbish? You don't say WHAT he said that is rubbish. You obviously know nothing about the Enlightenment. Try reading Voltaire... No don't bother. Ask yourself where did the millions of £££ & $$$ given to the revolting Mother Teresa go to? NOT THE POOR. No, the church of Rome. Jesus would be appalled.

[@joaorafael8648]

@@lizpeck9330 obviously she spent it all on plastic surgery, which is why she looked like a rag. This is youtube, not gonna waste my time on a coment saying bit by bit what he said that is rubbish, look it up instead of assuming he is right about it.

[@alansharman3644]

@@joaorafael8648 Are you catholic and are you truly that brainwashed by the catholic church that you cant read the bible for yourself and plainly see this form of religious cultism is not what jesus preached. a religious cult that has caused so much misery all over the world for centuries. I am not religious anymore i have seen it from the inside. A 2nd step farther who was a minister that beat his children and step children weekly and sometimes daily. A mother who searched many religions to find her faith after my farther died when i was aged 7. ive seen the Jehovahs witness visit to convince my mum of their form of faith and when she chose to look elsewhere. they sent nasty letters through our door telling her she was dammed and would rot in hellfire and damnation. next the mormons who found out that my 1st step father had got a better paid job and had not upped his 10% tithe the minister pulled him up in front of the congregation and belittled him. Funny how they found out seeing as he had told no one about his pay rise. I have no problem with people of faith but i do have a problem with the way the churches behave in the name of god.

[@Azhalan]

Stephen Fry is truly an articulate and intelligent person.

[@vivienneoneill5400]

I do agree ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@danhtran6401]

But he's a fool....he managed to convince himself that there's no god without evidence....

[@Azhalan]

... and that's why everybody should believe in the almighty Flying Spaghetti Monster, as there is absolutely no evidence it doesn't exist! 😁

[@dennyworthington6641]

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

[@ALavin-en1kr]

Atheism in the 20th Century was not a force for good, if my memory serves me correct, and I know it does. There has been abuse, gulags, and genocide. So enough (excuse the word) deification of atheism. History knows better, so enough of this taking the high road with atheism which may bring trans humanism into our living space next; humans embedded with technology. You do not want to belief so don’t but don’t interfere with others people right to do so. The Church likely doesn’t condone Fry’s lifestyle and this tickles him off. Too bad.

[@Kazbek-oo3yx]

Couldn't say anything better 😅

[@thomaslindelof3710]

Nope...... Have been many forms of religion before...... Biggest problem started when someone "invented" one God religion......

[@ALavin-en1kr]

@@thomaslindelof3710 Pagans believed in nature gods but also in the Great Spirit who oversaw it all. Atheism in the 20th century (not a dark age) has not been exactly blameless and has instigated many horrors. It is human nature which is flawed having to deal with a dual system of good and bad choices and mostly choosing the bad. Don’t blame religion; whose definition is that to which we are bound, for human failings and atrocities in the name of religion. Put the blame where it belongs on the human race. Abstraction does not commit atrocities; humans use it to commit atrocities in its name.

[@danielwhyatt3278]

Wow. That is ABSOLUTELY ON POINT.

[@MrBlackfalconuk]

I am a man who has traveled and seen much, experiences in my life are full, both good and bad, suffering grief and loss as well as love, friendships and belonging, but with all that I have here and now, I could never get this point across as eloquently as Mr Stephen Fry, salute.

[@morebaileyskim]

Perhaps not, but your comment was incredibly eloquent and you gave me pause to consider some of the fullness of my own life and for that, I salute you!

[@roypannell504]

WELL-SPOKEN I shall try to listen again to the content , however painful it may be. I found it hard to hear that Mr Fry is happy for me to KEEP MY VIRGIN MARY AND THE SACRAMENTS OF MY CHURCH. There no doubt will come a time when he might not be so happy for that to happen.

[@DD-bx8rb]

Nothing amazing here, just a bitter Neo-Marxist in an echo-chamber of his disciples. Stephen Fry, so boring.

[@TrumpCantRead]

@@roypannell504 Are you threatening him?

[@ohsoloco5113]

I was raised Catholic. My mother found great comfort in the Catholic Church. I'm glad it brought her joy. I, on the other hand, couldn't wait to be old enough to reject this institution.

[@smiith7996]

That is the most animated I have ever seen him. His voice was wavering with emotion because he was speaking from the depths of his emotions. I am deeply impressed. My view of him has changed from indifference to admiration.

[@Chaoskoch]

He was wavering with emotion because he hates christians and is a huge hypocrite.

[@benwu7980]

One of the really rare times I actually seen him angry.

[@thunderousapplause]

I adore him. I would pay money to hear Stephen speak (or tell jokes) if he came to my town

[@Think666_]

Organised religion and christianity has been a source of much personal pain for him.

[@corinnewebb6424]

Stephen Fry is amazing. Highly intelligent. Great speaker. Great human being. Love the man.

[@joepagram8287]

This is how you debate successfully. Fry is respectful to many aspects of the opposing view point and in a clear, succinct and powerful way rebukes the catholic church’s many issues throughout history; His most brilliant point being the paradoxical nature of the wealth and dark deeds of many of those in powerful positions in the church, in contrast to the teachings of Jesus in the bible which are about helping the less fortunate and giving all you can be it morally or financially. What a world we would live in if politicians were half as eloquent and understanding as Stephen fry!

[@edithcunningham5713]

And he was a wonderful Jeeves!

[@jeff_forsythe]

The Catholic Church is not Christian. Buddhists believe that we are not here to be happy. Heaven created earth as a place of suffering to clean our hearts and souls so that we may return to Heaven........................Falun Dafa

[@MegaMarkmonaghan]

What an incredible intellect. He's showing us how important it is think, to enquirer, to think in terms of our human needs and nature, realistically and openly, and without prejudice. He seems to have no hate, just frustration and understandably so. But what I think he packs into this speech in abundance is love. Such a scary word for so many people but I felt welcomed and embraced by his ideas, because all of them are based on a better attitude to human thinking and emotion. What a truly marvelous person

[@oughtssought1198]

yes

[@redwoods7370]

As someone born into a large Irish Catholic family and who attended Catholic schools, I couldn’t agree more!

[@mis4nthr0p3]

Twelve years of Catholic education here which successfully turned me into a non-Xtian.

[@eileenmarley1756]

I went to Catholic School from grade school through college. If I go to Mass, it’s when I want to go. I love Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Fry is brilliant and has brought out the exploitation of all organizations who have ruined decent values.

[@sidneybell64]

I attended 2 catholic schools baptised confirmed it turned me away from the church I couldn't agree more

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

Any organization that spends your donations on lawyers to defend pedophiles is not good in any way.

[@emmcatherine1460]

Yes I also agree. Light and Love Along Your Way.

[@jonathanwetherell3609]

The towering intellect of Mr. Fry stands way above the dogmatic "justifications" of established religions.

[@mrsjanhannah]

No religion has clean hands or attitudes. Look only at how it treats the women of the world. How, now and in the past, women are denegrated and abused. How children are dismissed. How men are shielded from their wrongdoings. How the churches have demanded monies as "donations" from the poorest even to the extent of fining the poor for not attending services on Sunday. Religion is a method of controlling the masses through fear and superstition.

[@frankyyaggabot6222]

The Apple Shill/Stooge is well read but is not an intellect of note and sounding nasally intelligent is a mile away from being intelligent. He is the epitome of English Snobbishness in which the delivery of information in the couched halls of Institutions long since dead is confused by the equally moribund as being of relevance to the world. He has not in all his time on Earth produced anything approaching the quality of the persons he emulates (Noel Coward, Oscar Wilde, ...) and I think his darker periods stem from the cognisance of that. We all however live in hope and to that extent are inherently religious at heart.

[@silveriorebelo2920]

you would like a friendly power to eliminate Christianity, I guess

[@jonathanwetherell3609]

@@silveriorebelo2920 Not really. I would like people to be free of the influence of all religions. They are all about control, just some are currently more controlling than others.

[@jimmyh6601]

​@@silveriorebelo2920education will do that, it's doing that already!

[@DennisRichardH]

How well spoken and powerfully expressed, yet with a rare tender grace and gentle respect for others. Thank you for releasing this delightful collection of words, of wisdom, into the ether of human culture.

[@Satans_lil_helper]

One of my all-time favorite debates. "Man created God in his image; intolerant, sexist, homophobic and violent." -George Weinberg

[@evolassunglasses4673]

Intresting surname.

[@somah1470]

Hmm... That would be better if God would just sit in the corner with endless tolerance, peace all day every day and being a gay?

[@Satans_lil_helper]

@@somah1470 What would a world without God look like? I imagine it looks exactly like the one in which we find ourselves.

[@dianahill5116]

The politically correct word for religious brainwashing is: Indoctrination.

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

@@somah1470You didn’t get selected for the debate team, did you?

[@SN-sz7kw]

Wow. As a “recovering Catholic,” I’m in full agreement. Thank you Mr. Fry for your unflinching, brilliant, witty truth. Appreciated the view of discomfited faithful in the room.

[@matttheman3923]

Recovering catholic here as well, full agreement as well!

[@user-MultiCrafter5119]

Never heard that term before but I guess I am a recovering Catholic as well. My mother converted when she was 26 also. The Catholic Church was of no assistance to her when she was widowed in her 30s with 4 daughters, one an infant. No doubt because she married a non Catholic in a mixed marriage where our father agreed we would be raised Catholic. Yet she believed and her faith got her through some rough times. I have to say she wasn’t a blind believer and did stick up for us when a priest or nun treated us unkindly. Too many atrocities and crimes have been committed in this world in the name of religion by hypocrites.

[@commonsense5515]

As an exCatholic I agree as well. Not with everything he says, but that the church is not a force for good. Their theology is all messed up because they twist what Christ said.

[@theresesilvawalker8407]

As an Apostate, I have since childhood been appalled at visible wealth of the RC Church and their simultaneous sanctimonious prattling about poverty and following Jesus. The story of Jesus in the temple whipping these types of BLEEEP BLEEP BLEEP is my comfort. Also, there is no.place in this church for women so it has no relevancy in my life. I won't go there anymore. Exceptions made for funerals but I wish I could just stay away.

[@81caspen]

I love that he ends his remarks so positively, so affirmingly. Nothing could more clearly exemplify that his quarrel is not with Catholics, with Catholicism as a concept, or with any earnest search for meaning and spiritual guidance - in short, his utter lack of partisanship for its own sake. Nothing could more clearly demonstrate his simple urgent purpose, to put love and simple decency at the heart of all our endeavors. His basic point seems to be, “you can’t very well claim to be a force for good in the world till at a minimum you stop inflicting these evils on it.”

[@bornwithoutprivilege2050]

Isn’t that like saying that his quarrel is not with Nazis but with national socialism? So the Nazis weren’t responsible for their atrocities, rather it was just national socialism? Wow, no one has to take any responsibility. He’s trying to walk the wire and not offend anyone by blaming it on an abstract construct. It is and was Catholics, Catholic people that killed and raped and robbed, just about anybody that didn’t believe in what they believed in. Catholics are defined by Catholicism so they are the same thing. Catholicism and the Catholics that carry out this Catholicism are intertwined into one thing. Don’t minimize their responsibility. Without Catholics, Catholicism wouldn’t hurt anyone. Steven, yeah your well educated and I guess some people consider you smart but your splitting hairs so thin to not be anti anything or offend anyone that you’ve made yourself silly.

[@jessiepooch]

@81etc Very well put.

[@tancreddehauteville764]

The main issue I have with Catholicism (a faith I was brought up in) is that it has institutionalised guilt as a virtue. The consequence is that no matter what you do you in your life you will always feel inadequate as a human being, falling well short of the example of Christ. The psychological impact of this is devastating for anyone wanting to lead a happy life, it makes it practically impossible to do so.

[@jeff_forsythe]

Buddhists believe that we are not here to be happy. Heaven created earth as a place of suffering to clean our hearts and souls so that we may return to Heaven........................Falun Dafa

[@FischerNilsA]

Thats practically all christianity, not just the catholics. Not even just christianity but most religions teach theri adherents that they are useless and dangerous without faith to hold them in check. Telling people something is fundamentally wrong with them and only you have the antidote? Is a brilliant marketing ploy. Women have been effed up with that tactic by the beauty-industry, it works really well.

[@NikolaySidorenko]

Hear, hear! I can tell the same thing about the Eastern Orthodox church.

[@FischerNilsA]

Isnt that nearly all religion? Telling people they have something fundamentally wrong with them and need "spiritual" help of some kind keeps the priests and monks begging bowls full.

[@jeff_forsythe]

Catholicism also put women down by never allowing them any status and the Vatican has its own bank with countless billions.

[@brucemonkhouse6698]

Stephen Fry ..brilliant, thoughtful and sensitive..a true leader for those committed to leading a spiritual and ethical life

[@liliworth8098]

❣️the most polite succinct rejection of Catholicism. Deepest thanks to Stephen Fry, brilliance and seemingly fearless. Lots of love dear man❣️

[@DD-bx8rb]

No, just a bitter old Neo-Marxist in an echo-chamber of his disciples. Painting a completely unbalanced picture as well as spinning some lies. Stephen Fry, so boring.

[@janiced9960]

I think it was a rejection of the Catholic Church,- not Catholicism. PS I'm not a Catholic but studied the history of the Catholic Church for my degree.

[@joltee9317]

It wasn't polite. Listen to what he's saying. It was brutal

[@bradley5773]

@@joltee9317 An eloquent brutality. I must ask are you personally offended?

[@joltee9317]

No, but it was brutal. It wasn't polite. Do you take lessons on inferring things that don't exist

[@impartialinterest]

I've never understood why Stephen Fry is famous, but now I know. This is, without a doubt, the single most profound and enlightening piece of his work that I've seen. Well done Mr. Fry, you nailed it!

[@echognomecal6742]

I've enjoyed his acting over many years. He's rather good &, I believe, eligible for fame for that, no?

[@philbarrows2431]

@@echognomecal6742 We had very little exposure to Stephen in the states.

[@thomasbraeking6225]

I've seen a few of Mr. Fry's elocutions on various subjects. He always approaches a subject with poise, grace, and a decided lack of animosity.

[@littlefurrow2437]

Melchett: Are we all ready to give those French a good licking? Darling: It’s the Germans we’ll be licking, sir. Melchett: Don’t be ridiculous, Darling. I wouldn’t lick a German if he were glazed in honey!

[@echognomecal6742]

@@philbarrows2431 :) I'm American as well.

[@wendyclipsham4505]

How wonderful to hear someone who is game enough to speak out about the abominations carried out by the Catholic Church.

[@roxy3539]

@@wendyclipsham4505 and other religious groups, including rabbis. But everything is swiped under the carpet because the agenda is the destruction of the Catholic Church, the one they fear they want all obstacles to stop their existence. I come from a family where all the males went to Catholic schools, from my great, great grandparents to my son’s & none of them ever had a nasty experience.

[@annewalden3795]

@@wendyclipsham4505 Wendy what about the good that has been done by the Catholic Church over the centuries?

[@wendyclipsham4505]

@@annewalden3795 what good? Have you been to the Vatican and had a look at the outrageously opulent statues, paintings, marble, woodwork and gold? Where did they get that from? Their poor ignorant followers who for decades have been told to fill up an envelope every week to give it to the church, much of which goes to the Vatican, to purchase more gold. The Wars that the Pope and Catholics have initiated in order to take control of large areas and force the people within to become Catholics. All because they wanted more money. They are avaricious, uncaring monsters, who force billions of innocent people to do their bidding. Remember the Spanish Inquisition. Disgraceful.

[@grunt98444]

@@annewalden3795 What good would that be? They done Nothing that didn't directly benefit them.

[@annewalden3795]

@@grunt98444 As a start perhaps you should have a look at the role of the Church in Medieval Europe where the Church was active in Education, Medicine and Social Work. In the U K the social problems caused by the Dissolution of the Monasteries might also help you clarify your thoughts. I was educated in institutions funded by the Catholic Church from the age of 5 until 18 and my experience was consistently positive .

[@unggrabb]

Eloquence, pure eloquence, humanity, grace and intelligence. What a wonderful man.

[@LeeMarshall-ji7nw]

K

[@buckpalmore4949]

He is spot on. Thank you Stephen Fry.

[@keithmorris6335]

A superb and well reasoned argument,Stephen Fry is an absolute master and the hierarchy of the Catholic Church should take note!

[@dominicmeehan8322]

They have.... they've forbidden clerics from smoking!!

[@CCR971]

I would entrust my children to a gay friend every day of the week and twice on Sunday. I will never allow a priest of the Catholic Church to be with 500m of them, and certainly never alone!

[@simonsadler9360]

Was forced to go to Sunday school, congregational in Tollesbury Essex , hated it all that crap , had my moment of glory as a boy soprano singing "All In the April " .. evening , some hippy rising from the dead up a solar powered stepless elevator , God doesn't exist . We are all derived from something we will never understand trillions of trilions of years ago , to get to the nearest what is thought to be a habitable planet would take over 60,000 years .

[@ceotness]

So grateful for his heart- intelligence and his fierce bravery to confront this huge corporation/institution.❤

[@here_we_go_again2571]

Organized religion (any religion) is not a force for good in the world. Organized religion is about power!

[@thomasbraeking6225]

IMO, all 'organized religions' are first and foremost a political body created for control of the masses.

[@DrCrabfingers]

Power and control over people. It is the exact opposite of personal spiritual growth. That is why some people see 'the church' as the anti christ.....that is a whole different discussion!!

[@andrewdowns3673]

​@@DrCrabfingersYou either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

[@ComfortsSpecter]

“…” “It don’t Live in The Real World, ain’t never Gonna Understand Reality.”

[@here_we_go_again2571]

@@ComfortsSpecter Spirituality and faith in a divine being is not the same thing as an organized religion with a hierarchy of the clergy and the lay people

[@sarahcowan1489]

He has such a command of expressing himself in the English language. No 'like' or 'you know' to be heard

[@doreekaplan2589]

Every radio show, commentary, news report nowadays in the U.S. is given by people saying ," like" , "you know", "um", as if untrained ijits while being highly paid, speaking to large audiences, while stations allow this low level of unintelligent speaking with station managers and all " professionnel" others either don't catch a word or themselves talk the same low class way. Who needs it?

[@antispindr8613]

As an upper class super brain, might you not say: low level of intelligent?

[@alicepaul6276]

It's like a breath of fresh air, I can breath.

[@nicholasgrobler6988]

Stephan is one of the few with voice of reason in this crazy day and age…..

[@stapleton6]

I think you will find there are many more that think like him, but many are discouraged in speaking out for fear of losing their jobs, or social standing in this critical media world.

[@josephodoherty7864]

What imaginary world do you live in. This bigoted , hate-filled way of speaking about the Church & Catholics is all too common and exempted from the condemnation of other prejudices.

[@bees5461]

@@stapleton6 Exactly. Those of us who are atheist are most definitely persecuted.

[@benwu7980]

@@stapleton6 In the US, out of the 435 elected Representatives, the 100 Senators, and the 2 in the White House.. only one is openly atheist, and that was after he'd already won.

[@copyrightcharacter1166]

He is literally a man in his 60s married to a young man in his early 30s lol

[@CaptainTedStryker]

Tax the churches just like you would any other self-declaring "charity". They have had a free ride for WAY too long.

[@tonyvindett87]

Screw that. I'd rather we just ban them altogether.

[@dharma404_]

And don't forget the synagogues either... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@thomasbraeking6225]

@@tonyvindett87 Think of the revenue off televangelists alone! Universal health care, universal education, universal childcare . . .

[@occamraiser]

meh, we need to have an established church to maintain state rituals like remembrance day, coronations, state funerals....so I would keep the state religion tax free - or return it's taxes as a grant and tax all the others (and private schools and non NHS healthcare) They are all businesses.

[@thomasbraeking6225]

@@occamraiser The established church says you 'need' an established church for those functions, with their hand out. Dancing naked in the light of a full moon accomplishes just much as an established church ritual, and it's more fun. Cheaper, too.

[@adelebuxton9690]

What i love is, not just how intelligent steven's argument is, but how even when he disagees with a point how respective he is. When we have opposing views we need to take a big leaf out of his book.

[@reachtt]

Someone HAS to speak these words!! Thank you for speaking up, Mr. Stephen Fry! I solute you!

[@hifibrony]

Very few orators have the intelligence and style to effortlessly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the brilliant and much-missed Hitch. Stephen is one of that few.

[@danieldeanhodge]

My favourite debate ever. I like how the audience's opinion changes so much from hearing two very good polemicists, although admittedly also two bad ones. I guess the Catholic Church doesn't have many clever people to defend it these days.

[@dianahill5116]

The only reasons politicians tolerate religion: Money and votes.

[@stephaniezickgraf9672]

Well that's sorted. I love you to bits, Stephen. I would so wish that you would say something on the topic of climate change. Pleeeeeese!

[@theplumbum82]

I'm actually not a fan of the debate because Ann Widdecombe and the Archbishop did such a bad job of defending their position that it may as well be these two beating on strawmen... and beating strawmen just isn't worth anything. Anyone know of one where the pro-organised religions folks are... competent? I know the position is indefensible but someone can probably try it.

[@My10centsWorth]

I love this man. Eloquent, intelligent, honest, passionate.

[@jacquelinehelgaJohnson-V-ho9ve]

He CERTAINLY IS.

[@johnrWyatt]

Honest ? Only opinionated. Passionate ? Merely selective. A denier of human history in the investigation of the totality of the human condition.

[@johnrWyatt]

@@jacquelinehelgaJohnson-V-ho9ve Too bad he isn't intelligent enough to explain everything, in which case he would learn the weakness of his arguments. Do not equate loquaciousness with knowledge.

[@Chaoskoch]

He's dishonest and a hateful prick.

[@JohnJohn-zn8ib]

Honest?, that’s not his forte, he will lie about anything to get your attention, a compulsive liar and hypocrite.

[@areirving]

Mr.Fry argues with compelling force, wisdom ,and kindness. He is a treasure.

[@jeff_forsythe]

Speaking the truth is not arguing. Buddhists believe that we are not here to be happy. Heaven created earth as a place of suffering to clean our hearts and souls so that we may return to Heaven........................Falun Dafa

[@timwhiston8279]

❤ I've never more wanted time machine , so I could attend this lecture and give Stephen Fry a standing ovation. Throw Rose's at his blessed feet ❤

[@Romamb]

You'd need a spacetime machine. Sadly, as we understand it, going back in time is not an option.

[@bobobrien8968]

Do you really talk like that?

[@BeachLover6571]

Me, too. It’s a life-changing event.

[@DaveSlaz]

In our dimension @@Romamb

[@lipsaver]

Silly. Person you ARE

[@Micheline6918]

I love Stephen Fry's truth, morality, intelligence and his courage!

[@scottharrison8701]

It's 100% his opinion and I disagree. It's none of your business nor is it his!! Stop thinking and telling us that you are a better person when you are clearly demonstrating that you are not!

[@TOTAL457]

We heard so many people like Stephen Fry during the centuries mocking Christ and His true Church. Jesus IS THE CHURCH. Believe Mr Fry at your own peril.

[@ShirleyAnnPetrillo-oj7sc]

👆I didn’t hear a hint of Fry mocking Christ. Instead, he critiqued the Roman Catholic Church. He’s certainly not the first person to do so. Others continue to expose much more than he did during this 20 minute speech in 2009~ in more in depth and with more detail.

[@TOTAL457]

And Jesus said, "and now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven.” Matthew 16:17-19 - The Message Version. St. Peter is the first Pope.

[@Chaoskoch]

Yeah shitting on christians is very brave. Now let's hear him say something about Islam and Judaism, eh?

[@jameskingston3058]

As an x- catholic,what a profound and brilliant speech!"give all you have to the poor and follow me." "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.

[@dianahill5116]

The only reasons politicians tolerate religion: Money and votes.

[@davidoneill9244]

But Fry is a homosexual & (in my book) that is sinful. "And God created them both male & female" he didn't create queers!!

[@williammourningcrow6000]

Did he create priests to molest children?

[@anneclaffey2843]

​@@davidoneill9244Who created queers then?

[@thomasbraeking6225]

@@davidoneill9244 Did you forget the part about "created in His own image"?

[@LuLu-xs4sh]

Oh, how I wish I'd been there, in person, to feel everything and everyone in that hall. Brave Stephen, up there shining with intelligence and passion, fighting dragons of ignorance and tyranny and blind acceptance, for us all. Thank you ❤

[@maryw246]

Bravo , Mr Fry. Brilliant! Speak the truth.

[@martielizabethstouffer832]

This has to be one of the best explanation of the moral and decadence of the catholic religion-I know I used to be one-never again

[@JohnSmith-pq7vn]

Well done for bettering yourself.

[@user-qo3jh9mn1t]

As a first grader in a Catholic school learning about purgatory, the Old Testament, the absolute power of the priests and lack of that power in the nuns, I gave up and never believed again. Catholicism became the antithesis of kindness, fairness, and charity. Plus knowing they're filthy rich, while plucking every last penny from their followers. Oh, and the old priest who sexually abused two of my sisters and tried to groom my twin sister and myself. That about did it. Thank you, Stephen Fry.

[@brianhollingworth375]

Take a detached, critical look at Eastern Orthodoxy. Just a thought.

[@carolynrabbani6469]

@@brianhollingworth375 What aboutism? Or are you suggesting that Eastern Orthodoxy is a good alternative?

[@danhtran6401]

Thank him for convincing you that life is all this is....lol....

[@glll_9]

A fantastic man Stephen Fry, to stand up and show the catholic faith as it is just bells and whistles, nothing more.The day will come when people will no longer listen to the crap and that day will be a joyous day for me.

[@roxy3539]

@@glll_9 and … what I’ll you have then? Stephen Fry?

[@luciafidalgo296]

As an ex catholic, I couldn't agree more. Bravo Stephen.

[@matthewbroderick6287]

As a current Catholic, I couldn't Disagree more! The Catholic Church that Jesus Christ established on Peter the rock, way before the new testament was ever written, is indeed a source of good, defending all life from Conception to natural death! Peace always in Jesus Christ our Great and Kind God and Savior, He whose Flesh is true food and Blood true drink

[@alanmc1846]

@@matthewbroderick6287you believe in an invisible “being” that created all man women and lesbians.. when you say it out loud it’s actually quite frightening 😅

[@matthewbroderick6287]

@alanmc1846 Yes, I do! To not believe is quite laughable actually!🤣

[@billc.4584]

I consider myself to be a "recovering Catholic". Peace. :P

[@matthewbroderick6287]

@@billc.4584 I consider myself to be a blessed Catholic Christian, grateful to the Holy Spirit for His Church! Peace always in Jesus Christ our Great and Kind God and Savior, He whose Flesh is true food and Blood true drink

[@ironimp1]

I noticed the catholic dignitaries muttering 'No' and 'but' when they should have listened to Stephen's interpretation of what a Christian should be. Stephen was right when he made his point about the simple Judaean carpenter and how he would not relate to today's Catholic constructs. My message to the Pope is stop driving your followers away with your false narratives.

[@user-mz1kt6iz4e]

They are so used to arrogantly telling people "no" to one thing/act/thought after another, that it just comes automatically from them, even when they might better be listening respectfully & considering what is heard with a touch of humble, open-minded honesty & wisdom. Those gestures & mutterings were intended for the audience, as in "Lest any of you take this man's words seriously or to heart, know that we, your betters & leaders in Christ, do not approve. Beware the Devil Fry."

[@zacdredge3859]

It's a formal debate, not really surprising their focus is on preparing to counter his points.

[@jacktattis]

What a magnificent speaker and intellect . And he is correct how many poor Irish had to keep having children to keep the Catholic Church keep its numbers

[@DD-bx8rb]

Just a bitter old Neo-Marxist in an echo-chamber of his disciples. Painting a completely unbalanced picture as well as spinning some lies. Stephen Fry, so boring.

[@quaver1239]

Wonderful. Simple truth spoken aloud, with absolute clarity and without fear. Thank you, Stephen Fry, a complex and always surprising person.

[@lukedubs9151]

I’ve never heard someone put my thoughts and feelings into words so eloquently. I watched this multiple times 😅 What a master class in knowledge and putting those uncomfortable facts on the table for discussion. ❤💯💯💯

[@TrumpCantRead]

What “facts”? Please be specific

[@gmaallie2938]

​@TrumpCantRead Child abuse (rape) as perpetrated and perpetuated by the catholic church.

[@stevewalston7089]

@@TrumpCantRead Watch/listen again, he laid it all out quite clearly I thought.

[@vesogry]

@@stevewalston7089 You are probably not very well educated on the subject, that why you are easy to manipulate.

[@isnoo1]

Oh YES!!!!!!!!!! ME too............

[@johnbachman8908]

He’s saying what everyone needs to hear, but unfortunately most will not listen.

[@carbondragon]

The problem is that the Catholic church isn't a church at all, it's a political organization and always has been. And this is from a guy who went to a catholic high school and college. There are, as Fry says, many devout and sincere people in the church, but the church itself is a way to gather power and money and the good works they do are accidental to their purpose.

[@jamesmason8944]

It is the administrator in the trust system. Check out the Justinian Deception.

[@TwylaG-Artistry]

Thank you Mr. Fry. Thank you. The catholic church doesn’t deserve anything for the grief they cause.

[@mack6429]

So by saying nonsense are you suggesting that all that was said in reference to the RCC in this video is somehow made up ?? Are you suggesting that it's all lies with zero truth to what is said here ?? How can anyone stand up in public and make up these claims in front of countless people, in person and on social media and not be easily proven as a fake who makes up false stories about a huge institution like the RCC ? And if these things that he said do actually carry truth to them, how do you become even more devoted to a system that has and continues to victimize so many human beings. So much harm and hurt in so many lives over the many years and somehow you become more devoted... ??

[@mack6429]

​@XtR3m15t^

[@ossiebowman3731]

@@AquaFyrre Please don't be one of those people that tries to excuse atrocities committed by the Church as 'mistakes'. A mistake is accidental. The executive of Protestants as heretics, the abuse of children and the condemnation of gay people, to give three examples, are not mistakes, they're three calculated, morally repugnant choices made by the Church. They are not mistakes

[@rtimbr64]

Right, decades (& likely centuries) of child abuse and covering it up are "mistakes."

[@lmp9726]

​@XtR3m15tWhat the Catholic Church has done for hundreds of years isn't nonsense. It's simply history. And denying history is the highest form of self-delusion. As a pious Catholic, you should feel deeply ashamed of yourself and your church.

[@RT3319]

Bravo!!!! Such an amazing individual; intelligent, compassionate, loving, incredible orator - and the list goes on. I sat mesmerized listening to him.. So glad I stumbled upon this..

[@DD-bx8rb]

Nothing amazing here, just a bitter Neo-Marxist in an echo-chamber of his disciples. Stephen Fry, so boring.

[@MalO.ver1.0.x]

I love this man. The eloquence and passion he portrays on this subject is stellar, and I love every single second of it.

[@DD-bx8rb]

Nothing amazing here, just a bitter Neo-Marxist in an echo-chamber of his disciples. Stephen Fry, so boring.

[@mikethompson5549]

Smart speaker but is he right?

[@DD-bx8rb]

@@mikethompson5549 Bitter, lonely neo-Marxist homosexual, rather.

[@MalO.ver1.0.x]

@@mikethompson5549 The fact that you actually have to ask shows me that you either disagree with what he said or that you didn't understand it to begin with.

[@Bootmahoy88]

Micromanaging the f…k machine is counter productive in the miniature rewrite of the Gospel of St. John where the rabbit is the one who gets to live forever. Everything else is a ruse.

[@gunkarlsson4762]

Stephen Fry is one of the most intelligent and kindharted humans alive today. I wish there were a thousand Stephen Fry in the world.

[@lyndhurstcollins9189]

Never been a fan of Fry but this delivery was brilliant. Very well informed, passionate , no need for notes. How many converts I wonder. Will wait anxiously for his next speech.

[@edithcunningham5713]

Why not? He us such a brilliant, funny, taplanted gentleman.

[@merylcallinan3334]

Oh you amazing, incredible, intelligent ,empathetic ,genuinely clever and brilliant man. I am humbled and enlightened by your ‘’ truth telling’’.

[@pentapushelden]

My mum was a converted catholic. The people I had to deal with with when she died were among the most arrogant I've ever encountered in my life.

[@tracywells9336]

What an amazing speech and everything he said is so true, I bet the Church wasn’t expecting that speech you could see them squirming and by the applause the sleeping audience was awakened, Stephen Fry total respect and admiration , the best speech I’ve ever heard 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@danhtran6401]

His speech is peanuts compare to jesus's....

[@45ladybugs]

My Grandmother was excommunicated from the Catholic Church at 16 for the crime of being a pregnant.As a Catholic Italian who with her fiancé who was 22 a Protestant Scot wanted to marry. The Priest hurled vile epitaphs at them and said he would not marry a “mixed faith/birth origin couple”. He had the congregation run them out of the small town Cumberland BC. So proud to be excommunicated!

[@maxrawnsley1401]

Do not believe this statement.

[@noelfleming3567]

There was a lot of wrongs done in d name of d Church yrs ago people have copped on nowadays

[@josephodoherty7864]

If true it is not "excommunication from the Catholic Church " nor evidence that Italians or Protestants are evil ..or an argument that 16yr olds should get pregnant. Some people in any demographic: political, racial, atheist, religious, economic, urban, agricultural , educational ,etc.,do bad things CONTRARY TO THE BELIEFS THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO HOLD it doesn't invalidate the beliefs or show that they are to blame.

[@Fran_van_der_Geld]

I loathe priests.

[@ramyhuber8392]

Why not? This happened many times over. @@maxrawnsley1401

[@kristinmarra7005]

Ex-Catholic here. And I completely agree

[@Andy-wx4wx]

Bought up Catholic but now an atheist, I'm with you....

[@kleopardo]

2015 was the year the full video was uploaded. The event itself took place in 2009. Christopher Hitchens passed away in 2011.

[@PaulDerbyshire]

I agree. This is not from 2015. The description of the video should be updated to show the actual year it was given.

[@yolandacroes5491]

Bravo mr. Fry 👏🏼👏🏼 first time I heard you speak. What have I been doing with my life? Incisive, eloquent, educated.

[@eldouser1303]

Greate! A lot was said about the powerful intelligence, bright sense of humour etc of this person. But what courage he demonstrated today! Thanks a lot!

[@BuNNY-st9wf]

Agreed! I love seeing the people that disagree, their faces twisted and you can see them thinking away trying not to stand up and have a tantrum.... Stephen, you're a genius. You can't get a better speaker on this subject. I wish they didn't cut him off at a time limit, and just let's him talk fully for as long as he wanted!

[@nuntana2]

Indeed. Horrible unfeeling people. See the ones in the front row silently baulking over Hitchen's bit on condoms. Robots!

[@BuNNY-st9wf]

@nuntana2 The world has gone nuts, just let people live their lives, right? I don't know why in this age everything just goes to a ridiculous level of people jumping up and down about something that frankly does not affect them unless they choose it does...? 😮‍💨 I guess they want their 5 minutes, but sadly make the 5 mins making themselves look like pretentious robots, that have to have everything there way or... tantrum lol (probably to get another 5 mins 🤣)

[@quaver1239]

His mouth was getting very dry, and I guess he couldn't have continued speaking for much longer! I, like you, admired every word he uttered.

[@iainrae6159]

At a time when many religious folks are pushing for more organized religion in the public space, rational debate is essential to challenge the threat.

[@Blivot]

There is no proof god ever exsisted other than the, "Book that Ruler Constantine had written in 300AD." He had the Bible written to give the slaves hope so they wouldn't rebel. LOL Human's are so easily fooled eh? Our new eVangelicow's have now created their own image of god called, "The New Orange Maga Christ Trump!"

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

Religious treat you say, You would not have so much art, freedom, education, human rights protection and care for people if it was not for the catholic religion, maybe you do not know much about religion

[@gdutfulkbhh7537]

Freedom? Catholicism? LOL.@@jamesbradshaw3389

[@Blivot]

@@jamesbradshaw3389 Religion has taught us to hate other religions...that's all it has ever done. I heard a General speak to the Graduating Class of Officer's at West Point saying, "Our God is much more stronger than their God," when the USA was going to fight Iraq!

[@tat2zz68]

​@@jamesbradshaw3389religion was created to divide people. And it's done a great job of that.

[@douglaspierce8480]

Stephen left out the horrible abuse of young unwed girls who were imprisoned in so called nunneries until they gave birth and then worked until they paid their debt to the church and had their child taken and given to "good Christian parents" and after all this were dumped at a railroad station with a ticked and the clothes on their backs. Thats your "good" Catholic church!

[@maryannelizbeth5768]

The babies weren't given, they were sold through private adoption.

[@douglaspierce8480]

@@maryannelizbeth5768 When I said gave, I meant to those who gave a generous donation to the Church.

[@Andy-wx4wx]

The Magdalen Laundries....

[@Elizabeth-mp6tr]

Dearest Stephen Fry! Im listening! And Im so sorry. Im praying for the future of all persons. My God LOVES ALL!

[@rogerkay8603]

What an amazing speech, I'm in tears here.....I want to contact Stephen and thank him from the bottom of my heart.

[@bertbloggs]

It would appear that your bladder is located a little too closely to your eyes....perhaps you should consult a doctor...best wishes.

[@rogerkay8603]

@@bertbloggs wow, what a wit you are!

[@bertbloggs]

And you're obviously qualified to address anybody and everybody....Double standards or what.@@Itisinthehand

[@bertbloggs]

I really don't know where you get the idea that I see myself as a victim...I have never claimed to be a victim....You seem to see yourself as some kind of caped crusader like Superman or Batman standing up for the downtrodden and unfortunates of the world. .Well aren't you just so wonderful and heroic?...I happen to believe that there are far more terrible things happening in this world that are far more deserving of our tears than the opinionated ramblings of an actor....However, if that is what your friend wishes to weep over, let him, but I won't be passing the tissues, I'll leave that to you. @@Itisinthehand

[@bertbloggs]

Thank you for sharing your life story with me...Allow me to share a little of mine with you...Very many of my best years were spent in the company of some of the finest men and women that my country has ever produced..I have shared my life with them when the merde has hit the fan on more than one occasion. .They were the ones who went straight towards the danger when everybody else was running in the opposite direction..I have seen with them terrible carnage and indescribable human misery and sadness, especially that of children.I have witnessed things that would wring a tear from a stone...But there was no time for tears, there was a job to be done. I have witnessed acts of selfless courage that deserved rounds of rapturous applause. But none came, only the quiet satisfaction that the end result made it worthwhile..I am speaking of a special breed of person who are often derided and denigrated by people who believe themselves to be of a higher order of humanity.. Believe me , this world could function perfectly well without that higher order, but wouldn't get very far without the presence of my comrades..After many years I am still in contact with my friends of yesteryear..Many of them have had their children follow in their footsteps as my own sons have followed in mine..My own grandsons are now in the same profession and I am inordinately proud of them..I hope you can now understand why I am not moved by a grown man crying over the what a T.V. personality has to say, however said personality's vocabulary may be All he had to say still amounted to nothing more than his personal opinion ..He has his opinion I have mine Your friend chooses to be moved to tears, fine I choose to be totally unimpressed, that's fine also We all arrive at the place we find ourselves on the back of the lives we've lived .That's life...I know that this has been a bit on the long side, but that is just because due to circumstances beyond my control I will be away for some time, so I won't be around to reply to your next attack...Hopefully, all going well, I will be back before too long to continue our enjoyable discussion.@@Itisinthehand

[@kevingouldrup9265]

I love and admire Mr. Fry! I am a Christian and agree with Mr. Fry.

[@CaptainBlood2010]

You should be ashamed of yourself.

[@thecreativescot6180]

I consider myself a devout Christian and ex catholic I am a Baptist of many years and I am Gay. Stephen inspires me to look to Jesus because even though Stephen is atheist his speeches reflect much of the teachings of Jesus

[@Le__Roi]

I pray that one day the Great Comforter will inspire you and indeed any partner that you may have to return to the One, Holy, Universal, and Apostolic Church my beloved sibling-in-Christ. Remember that it is made clear in the Gospel that our Lord is the bridegroom of a beautiful bride, and that He is willing to accept her as His, to die for her, no matter what number of slander or rumours are spread about her and no matter what fickle and weak men have abused the temporal power He has vested in her, for her spiritual power much like His is incorruptible. Christ is King! ✝️👑

[@celorfiwyn8193]

So well delivered by the ever articulate, wise and intelligent Stephen Fry.

[@davidgreaves9165]

Wisdom is never mandatory but it's always priceless

[@JL-yg8gl]

The intelligent eloquence of this man is mindblowing. If the world needed a one to rule all, then this man would be that one.

[@smartsnco]

I worked in many countries around the world in the oil and gas industry. I noted on several occasions the power of organised religions in the lives of ordinary humble folk. So much so, in one village in Colombia the flashiest building in the town was the church. When I asked the monseigneur why he did not give the money back to the community, his response? It’s the gift that keeps on giving! The RC church is corrupted by its own arrogance. About time it WOKE UP!

[@rosafilosi3117]

Bull crap...it's the gift that keeps on giving! You misunderstood the monsignor. By this he meant that mass is available every single day and that means the lay faithful can receive Christ daily. A most precious gift the world can't give. Yes, the Church was probably so big and an eyesore to you and others who can't quite fathom what Christ instituted, but from mass attendance, prayer is made active, and the world can change. People can pray to get work, to use one's gift and vocation to marry, study, find work, have children, pray for peace and harmony and love to circulate amongst one's brothers and sisters in or not in, Christ. For some people are not yet baptised. Peace to you and may the Holy Spririt enlighten you so that you don't have the wrong idea of the Church which Christ set up. Amen

[@seileach67]

@@rosafilosi3117 But why couldn't they do the same good work based in a building that was less flashy, less costly to maintain? So many different church buildings all over the globe in every style known to human design, and as long as Christ is present, the work will get done and the people will get spiritually sustained. So why not put money towards the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy instead of spending it on excessive ornamentation? If local artisans want to make things and donate them to their local parish for the glory of God, that's one thing, but telling people who are hungry, "Well, we could have bought more food for the food pantry, but we decided that God's house needed a fancier altar cloth" or whatever, is not in keeping with the spirit of Christ. My .02.

[@rosafilosi3117]

@@seileach67 because humans can do both: place a high priority on style for God as well as donating money. We can have it both ways

[@patriciafenwick5846]

Fell on this by chance. What a brilliant, articulate, and intelligent speech. I was brought up a catholic, and when I was 14 I starting questioning some of the precepts. All I got were more catechism lessons. So I bided my time and when I was 18, I was able to choose for myself, and I have never looked back since.

[@nathonhamilton4524]

We are very lucky to have such an intelligent man In Stephen Fry , as a free thinking person ,instead of just accepting what we have been TOLD to believe instead of thinking logically for ourselves about a god. After all since we were born in the last few years it has been rammed down our throats to believe in a god without knowing if there is a god.

[@fionamorant2769]

If there wasn’t a God - none of us would be here. Put your brain in gear before you start the engine. In other words. Think before you speak.

[@Chaoskoch]

None of what he is talking about has anything to do with theological argumentation.

[@StevenBanks123]

Genuinely passionate! I was a Catholic… until I thought about it.

[@rosafilosi3117]

Sad, for I am not convinced by his arguments at all, for I too have asked a lot of those questions for which he seems to have an answer, but knowing that the Church is true, I can never subscribe to his take on things, besides he wants to live the life he wants which could be out of kilter with Christian living. And I am here talking about anything that is not in keeping with God's law in the Ten Commandments, is living the life one wants without having to answer to a higher being. We Catholics, that he is poking fun at, the Church Christ founded which smacks of paternalism because of what he says of the male exclusivity of the priesthood, just trust in what Christ instituted. I learned a long time ago that if Christ wanted to he could've chosen Mary, His mother or Magdalene, the ex prostitute to be a priest, but He did not, for women have other more pressing concerns. We women are nurturers by nature and can support them in their exclusive role to say mass, hear confessions, pray for everyone, administer the last rites and so on...They need our support not our ridicule. And, apostolic succession is true it is just that Stephen Fry, an outsider and a Jew just can't get his head around this power that Christ passed on via the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity promised by Christ whom would be sent to all the apostles and Mary in the Cenacle room on the First Pentecost Sunday in order to start the Church. Stephen Fry doesn't have a healthy respect for the tenets of the faith because he is choosing to go his own way, and probably because he wishes to continue on his merry way, live a lifestyle not in keeping with God's law. That's the way of the World. Mary, at her current apparition site in Medjugorje is appearing daily to three of the seers, and has been doggedly at it for 42 years, (for the others too, until those apparitions daily stopped, for theirs could be promised once a year, since 1981) with messages for the world. I heard only overnight, that Saint Pope John Paul II at one point in his prayer life asked that Our Lady should help him and the Church for He felt He could no longer evangelise on his own, not even with all the priests and churches in existence for Satan is powerful and winning converts himself. Pope John Paul could see many people moving away from the faith, and this video doesn't help either. Satan is gaining many adherents for he wants nothing more than for humans not to think of eternity, that this world is all there is, make money, horde things because Heaven doesn't exist. But we know that to be a lie. Every day someone dies, and where do we think they are going to go? Mary is here reminding the world that life is short and that the mission of the Holy Roman Catholic Church is true, to save one's soul so let's get cracking by having our conversions and believing in Christ and not in any other guru who appears on the scene. That person does not have the words to eteranl life, even if well meaning. Amen, don't be swayed by the smooth talkers of this world. Stephen Fry is held up to be an intelligent individual and I don't dispute that, but if he is luring people away from Christ's doctrine then he will ultimately have to answer to God for luring people away from salvation. Let's pray for his conversion, which must start with eating humble pie. Amen.

[@StevenBanks123]

@@rosafilosi3117 while i agree with very little of your statement, what i like about Christianity is the very central tenant of love and forgiveness. Steven is free to state his beliefs without fear of violent vengeance. This would not be true with some angrier beliefs. I exclude from true Christianity, of course, right wing fundamentalists who demand that we adhere to their ideas or face consequences that might be quite unpleasant.

[@lizw2853]

Me too! I didn’t lapse I thought about it.

[@rafd3593]

I am still a thinking Catholic.

[@StevenBanks123]

@@rafd3593 : )

[@daetros1626]

Stephen Fry is by all indications a profoundly wonderful man and I am thankful for him.

[@georgepierson4920]

The Germans used to say the same thing about Hitler.

[@thechampestofthemall]

@@georgepierson4920wow look at that, words ! Excellent job you random keyboard-smashing carp

[@DD-bx8rb]

Just a bitter old Neo-Marxist in an echo-chamber of his disciples. Painting a completely unbalanced picture as well as spinning some lies. Stephen Fry, so boring.

[@bertbloggs]

Didn't they just....@@georgepierson4920

[@emilymcintyre2439]

Brillant, beautiful, humane man. Love him

[@dalestaley5637]

Brilliantly said, accurate. Thank you, Stephen Frey.

[@timonhallas2709]

"Does the Pope make it safe for pedophiles?" Cartman from Southpark, when asked a yes, or no question.

[@ginkgo2021]

😂

[@theresesilvawalker8407]

I despised Pope,Rat. I Quite like Franchs however; seems humane.

[@kenem1946]

I cannot add to the genuine kind words written about Stephen in the comments. A simple click on as many 'thumbs up' as time has allowed.

[@Satanic-Zen]

Magnificent Speech!!! Thank You so much for The Courage, Enlightenment & Intelligence!

[@sergiygrytsenko3744]

Admirable and brilliantly-articulated speech in favour of Humanism.

[@cboyle707]

Not so much Humanism as just plain Humane.

[@rosafilosi3117]

But what does Stephen Fry have to offer for eternity? Disputing the Church and Her docrtine is leading people away from Christ's claim of having the words to eternal life, contained in His doctrine, held by the Church, it is Her mission to evangelise the truth of the Gospels, like it or not. Stephen Fry has other fish to fry anyway...is he living the Ten Commandments? I hope so, for they are a formula for life and this humanism that people are going in for is not all about saving one's soul, but doing things humans' way and not God's way, necessarily. How or why? Well, without wanting to be accused of being judgemental, I shall let God decide if Stephen Fry is living in line with the will of God in His Ten Commandments. For many a times that's what it comes down to: an adherent either does things God's way or his own, humanistic way, which might just be closer to Satan's way, and Satan is achieving many converts because people no longer believe in chastity before marriage, they believe in love is love, and don't believe that sodomy too, is plain and simply, sodomy. Humans are playing God by using surrogacy to have children as though a woman's body can be hired, and some women are doing that, allowing their body to be used for a means of making money as I have seen in a third world country where survival is paramount, and so pay recourse to surrogacy to make a quick buck; or a grandmother assisting her grand-daughter to have a child...it all looks philanthropic on the surface but is it in keeping with God's law? Perhaps people have given up on prayer and don't ask in their prayer life for help? The power of the Rosary is not to be underestimated...I am here thinking of the 8 Jesuit priests who survived the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings of WWII by simply saying mass and praying their rosaries, and they did not just survive for a couple of years, post devastation for miles and miles, no! but for a good 30 or more years and traveled throughout the USA giving testimony of what happened... We should listen to Mary who goes in to bat for her Son, Jesus and not someone with a beef for the Church just because he finds it difficult to digest. Life wasn't meant to be easy but with the help of the Sacraments Christ set up, life is easier and more tasteful. Jesus promised so, that those who stay close to the vine will receive help, and life will therefore be a bit easier. And what can be more appetising than receiving Holy Communion, His real Body and Blood on the tongue for nourishment on this earth, in this life? No one else can give this food from Heaven, but Christ who instituted it in the Church Stephen Fry is denigrating. He will have much to answer for too!! Christianity is more beneficial than humanism...Left to our human selves we are making a mess of things...One only needs to look at the daily news or read the daily papers to see how much humans are 'good' , not!! and at what is taking place in the Holy Land and the Ukraine, and no, it is not on account of the Catholic Church but on a desire by Putin to make Moscow the third Rome...such a sad state of affairs! Let us trust in Christ and not in a human who has a beef with the Church, for that is doing Satan's bidding! And we are reminded at Medjugorje that Hell is real and many are going down there. And as if Satan cares about us!! He will drop all of his adherents like a hot potato.

[@Chaoskoch]

The entire Humanist movement was fundamentally christian. Petrarch, Boccaccio, Salutati, Bruni, Bessarion, Ficino, Pico, Lefèvre, Valla, Budé, Alberti, Flaminio, Manetti, Traversari, Valla, Landino, Acciaiuoli and Erasmus. Each and every one a devout believer.

[@tom-kz9pb]

There are individual good Catholic people, but the Church as an institution, down through history, has ranged from obnoxious and ridiculous, to corrupt, sleazy and hypocritical, to sometimes downright monstrous. It otherwise manages some charity and nice platitudes, sometimes.

[@petercontarino646]

Yes

[@EXPATditions]

Keep talking about the past, while in the present is real is doing worse

[@davidkilts1670]

No, if you align yourself with evil, you are yourself evil.

[@johnbhoy2489]

Wait till you see who's on Epsteins list,chew chew

[@darkoanton5]

I agree with that, but I would say they were not much different than governments and rulers of the day.

[@EIRE55]

I totally agree with Stephen Fry's viewpoint of the Catholic church. I'm from Ireland (now aged 72), and I saw what the nuns and the priests did to so many children that, by the time I reached the age of 15, I had become an atheist. I enjoyed and appreciated every single word that came out of his mouth, and his intelligence is undeniably enviable.

[@lancelot1953]

Hi Eire55, well, my great grand-father was the only family survivor of the Great Potato Famine and emigrated to the US (Boston) where he was persecuted by Protestant British ancestry Americans. Mr. Fry's comments deals with details and mistakes of the Catholic Church in its 2,000 year history - I had cousins killed in the Irish riots of the seventies, now, please explain/describe to me any religion, in the totality of human history, that do not have their own scandals - be honest. As Jesus (if you believe in Him) said -..."“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her..." Show me a country/religion/belief/.../human that has never made mistakes. It is very easy to pick and choose other people/religion/race/etc...'s faults - and make fun of it. Mr. Fry made a fortune doing just that. Having seen combat, I was saved (physically and spiritually) by a priest and a nun who protected me and tended to my injuries in Afghanistan. They risked their lives, and the nun was later raped and killed. Yes, this world is not perfect - never was. I am sorry that I do not "enjoy and appreciate every single word that comes out of his mouth..." and "... that I do not share with you that "...his intelligence is undeniably enviable..." Ciao, L

[@fosphor8920]

I also chose atheism at around 16 years old... Religion sounds so romantic and sweet, until you actually look at what they have been doing!

[@lancelot1953]

@@fosphor8920 Yes, and what have they actually been doing, lately, as a matter of policy - not as some extremist(s) have done in the past. Humans are notorious for not always "doing the right thing" - it is possible that even you, is not perfect. Ciao, L

[@EIRE55]

@@lancelot1953 You are clearly a very angry and narrow-minded person, and making comparisons about the human race as a whole isn't going to change anything, either past, present, or even the future. Deal with it.

[@EIRE55]

@@fosphor8920 Those of us who have chosen atheism are the ones who think for themselves, unlike those who are tethered by the ancient and ignorant rules made by those who wish to control us with imaginary and fake deities. Stay safe and well, wherever you are.

[@johnpohorely8721]

Thank you Steven for so eloquently voicing my long held disgust in such powerful intelligent way.

[@ancientmariner7372]

Love the Bishop and his sidekick squirming in their seats at the onslaught of truth.

[@thatll-do7606]

I worked at a church named after Thomas More (I'm an athiest, I only worked there because I have a hard time finding work and my cousin hired me in an act of blatant nepotism) and while I did not know this fact about Thomas More, I was at a compulsory staff meeting/luncheon for his holy day, and when they were talking about why he was sainted, framed as standing up to the english king schisming from the church, I was immediately incensed and infuriated. Immediately, because I could just feel the entitlement to other people's beliefs in the way they venerated him, as if other people's faith is just something they're owed for existing. Just another thing to add to the pile of reasons I would not offer a glass of water if that place burned down

[@LeftUntilRight]

What a wonderful man Steven is. Call out the hypocrisy and continuing sickening practice of these religious bigots. All the best to all of you and to the religions of the world, i have no problem with your existence and belief but do not ever push that nonsense on others and do not tell me I will suffer for not following your backwards views of our world and our place in it. Otherwise have a great life not being intrusive in others lives and best wishes.

[@bobobrien8968]

It’s Stephen.

[@LeftUntilRight]

@@bobobrien8968 sure my mistake

[@mpaczkow]

Excellent speech. I was indoctrinated in the Catholic religion in my youth and as I grew, I began to question why this wonderful religion’s history wasn’t being taught to us. As it turns out, the reasons became obvious: the Church was not living up to its own teachings through the ages. At the local level, most parishioners, nuns and priests were adhering to the church’s teaching and we MOSTLY benefited from this. I deviated from this Church but not its moral underpinnings and found that enlightenment is a better choice.

[@seanredmond4396]

I am a Catholic everything he said was true could listen to him all day THANK YOU Stephen Fry 😇

[@sidpheasant7585]

Sounds a touch paradoxical from you, then?

[@vivienneoneill5400]

I could listen to him all day,he is really a great man.❤❤❤❤❤