The Dark Side Of Religion | Christopher Hitchens @ FreedomFest

/ sciencereason ... The Dark Side of Religion - Christopher Hitchens @ FreedomFest (Part 3).
---
Please SUBSCRIBE to Science & Reason:
• / ffreethinker
• / sciencetv
• / best0fscience
• / rationalhumanism
---
Dinesh D'Souza and Christopher Hitchens go at it again at the 2008 Freedom Fest as the "Main Event".
FreedomFest is an annual festival where "free minds meet" to celebrate "great books, great ideas, and great thinkers" in an open-minded society. It is independent, non-partisan, and not affiliated with any organization or think tank.
Founded and produced by Mark Skousen, since 2002, FreedomFest invites the "best and the brightest" from around the world to talk, strategize, socialize, and celebrate liberty. FreedomFest is open to all and is purely egalitarian, where speakers, attendees, and exhibitors are treated as equals.
www.freedomfest...
Christopher Hitchens (born 1949) is an author, journalist and literary critic. Currently living in Washington, D.C., he has been a columnist at Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, World Affairs, The Nation, Slate, Free Inquiry, and a variety of other media outlets. Hitchens is also a political observer, whose books - the latest being "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything" - have made him a staple of talk shows and lecture circuits.
In 2009 Hitchens was listed by Forbes magazine as one of the "25 most influential liberals in U.S. media." The same article noted, though, that he would "likely be aghast to find himself on this list" and that he "styles himself a radical", not a liberal.
www.hitchensweb...
.

[@robbaxter60]

This man is one of my heroes. Even in death he continues to inspire me and many other people who are now just finding his lectures and debates. His books have changed my life for the better and I hope for the rest of you. Thank you Mr Hitchens you are greatly missed.

[@nacarreira777]

I discovered him after he passed....he set me free.

[@jds6206]

@Arlando Little "god" is made up. Avail yourself of your first opportunity to research christianity's history; the whole affair, i.e., "the one true god", is a fabrication. I'm not sorry to say, Arlando Little, you are a victim of christianity.

[@Ziggyziggy1]

Your religious brainwashing is probably never going to let you escape from its clutches! Do yourself a favour, And ask yourself a question! If you were born in a different part of the world, How likely is it that you would have the same religion regardless of just geographical birth!

[@Ziggyziggy1]

Asking questions about your religion will set you free! Think about it, If you dismiss every other religion as not truthful not accurate or complete man made nonsense! The same is true about your religion and beliefs....

[@Ziggyziggy1]

You are truly brainwashed, And beyond help, I feel sorry for you, And the way your religion has mentally tortured you, Keeping your brain hostage and in a permanent state of dictatorship. It's incredibly tragic really!

[@sight66]

I'm the same way...can watch/listen to/ read Hitch over and over.

[@TooLooze]

I liked "The Good Band and Ugly" theme that snuck quietly through for a short while. Or I may have had a flashback to the 60s.

[@gerardkowalski7683]

That was hilarious

[@starmorrison310]

I argued the same point when I was a believer. Then in Grade 6 I started to learn Science. I learnt what a Light Year was and the size of the Cosmos. I see 200 Billion Galaxy's through Hubble's eyes, Each with Billions of Suns. I understand the Cosmos has no idea we're here on this speck of dust. I understand this wasn't done for us. I looked at worlds your god still doesn't know exist through the eyes of a Microscope. I opened my mind to the Natural world and lost the supernatural.

[@spydertub3]

Religious suffering is, at one and the same time, the expression of real suffering and a protest against real suffering. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is the demand for their real happiness.The criticism of religion is, therefore, in embryo, the criticism of that vale of tears of which religion is the halo.

[@Bobthesnob]

I have been declared dead and revived. I can tell you there was no light, no fire, nothing. Would you like to explain it to me?

[@jimdavies6764]

Might it be that the declaration was made in error?

[@sovnonproph]

@MissSaharaja Life is a beautiful albeit rugged journey. When people find a special meaning for themselves amidst the chaos and call it spirituality, I don't see negativity in that at all. My issue is with people who wish to force their beliefs on others, form clubs based on them and chastise people for not joining. Some people consider love, empathy and inspiration forms of spirituality. I don't know if that is true or not, but humanity rarely suffers under people who believe this way. :)

[@allaboutdmagic]

A celestial North Korea in the sky. Great description

[@ManchuDan22]

ElHombre, interesting assertion; are you saying that males raised in fatherless homes do not read and write? Are you trying to make a connection? If so it is not very clear. Also what history is Hitchens revising? or is is you just hate what Hitchens says but you can't argue clearly, in any rational way?

[@clintleffingwell8129]

"It's nice to have a heterosexual scandal in the Roman Catholic Church every now and then." - Savage... :-)

[@donepearce]

He might have added "and with an adult".

[@stephanwilliams8082]

The world must stop teaching mythology to the young. Then it will just fade away.

[@ct-hv1uz]

+Stephan Williams But what if the mythology you were taught tells you to teach it to others?

[@jahrasta4907]

I grew up in a hard-core church. Rejected it, but married a christian. I straight up told our 3 very young children that we stopped going to church because we caught them lying too many times. It's hard to g8ve up the society of friendships, but I don't want to pollute our youngins with dogma.

[@sa-iw4dr]

Joseph Campbell talks about man's Mythologies; Bill Moyer did a excellent program on him filmed at the George Lucas's "Star Wars Ranch". This should be in High Schools! Love the Hitch too.

[@nathanielhellerstein5871]

Mythology fade away? Nonsense! Humans are myth-making creatures. You can criticize the myths, and you should, because critics are part of the process.

[@judyives1832]

Nathaniel Hellerstein I don’t think he meant that mythology should fade away, just that religions should. Creativity is great. Religions are fables masquerading as truth. And they get a huge pass for terrible doctrines (eternal punishment, original sins). Religions need to fade away into an interesting and disturbing historical footnote.

[@gwangjuboy1]

It's tragic that this man had to leave us so prematurely. Potentially we have missed another 20 years of this man's work.

[@tincanboat]

well you can't blame God.

[@RATIONALMIND001]

The world really does wallow around in a quagmire of religious nonsense. Hitchens and his like have done a very good job to encourage some intellectual honesty and remove the stigma of being a contrarian and vocal about it.​

[@ByronClips]

"wallow around in a quagmire of religious nonsense." ... I need to look up "quagmire", sounds like a fun word to use.

[@serferten]

As church lady on SNL used to say "isn't that conveinent" . What works of charity have you done or are you motivated to do any at all, if so good, but look at stats religious americans outgive to charity compared to no religious 3 to 1.

[@andrewsnowdon1090]

serferten Foesnt prove a thing about the existence of god or a sky fairy! Means religious people give because they are frightened of something that any sane person would realise is all myth , fairytales and plain lies.

[@serferten]

Andrew Snowdon It doesn't to you, but it does to those on the receiving end of charity. So,are you saying, as the Bible does, that left to his own devices,i.e. w/o God, mankind can get selfish and murderous as a reason why non beleivers don't care about their fellow man?

[@andrewsnowdon1090]

Dont have to be religous to be charitable. Dont need god to be chatitable. Your bible sanctions slavery, murder and genocide.

[@DoctorZisIN]

Thanks for posting. Great video. People who accuse CH of being arrogant haven't listened to him acknowledge, as he does here, that he once endorsed the wrong man and it was a mistake. Always pursuing the truth, doing his research and bringing it to the world, Hitchens brought nobility to the profession of journalism.

[@MUSICOBLISS]

God is not great Hitchens is ♢

[@Speegs23]

It's an artifice to pretend Hitchens or anyone else mattered, no worldview has any real value, we all are destined to the same nothingness, how we fill the time before nothingness is inconsequential. To argue with someone that doesn't think as you do is vanity, your words are ultimately as meaningless as anyone else's. What you state is your preference, and some strange intellectual vanity that pretends your understanding of your meaningless existence is somehow more meaningful than another meaningless use of time. What's so great about a dead man that no longer exists anymore than a god you think doesn't exist?

[@MUSICOBLISS]

Speegs23 wonderful day

[@Speegs23]

Is it? What is wonder and why does it matter?

[@Orgoneblue]

+Speegs23 You say, "To argue with someone that doesn't think as you do is vanity, your words are ultimately as meaningless as anyone else's". If you can prevent someone from wasting their precious life following this garbage, then words are meaningful. But I do congratulate you on one of the most pretentious, vacuous and trite entries in the history of KZbin, and that is an honour hard won.

[@fundhund62]

@WILD BILL Why would Hitchens go to hell?? If there is a god I'm sure he would appreciate his honesty (and maybe humor, too).

[@Filmlover1953]

There never was a "Christ". Perhaps there was a Jew called Yeshua .(whom Christians call Jesus). Faith in Yeshua cannot give you "eternal life"! He's been dead for 2.000 years and we never heard from him again!

[@FactStorm]

Tell it to the 2 billion indoctrinated sheep out there

[@Akatam0t0ma]

The world needs more people like Chris Hitchens.

[@oscarmudd6579]

"Christopher". He didn't like circumcision, even of his name.

[@Floridapirate1]

man I miss hitch.... hard shoes to fill....

[@AKAWizKid]

Not hard to fill.....impossible to fill...

[@fredandpattychandler4130]

Sometimes you have to thank God. That there isn't really a God. Just believe in the goodness, that the human mind, can give humanity.

[@ethanlintemuth8023]

+Fred and Patty Chandler I would say the human mind is most responsible for evil, not good.

[@jimmygiles1153]

+Ethan Lintemuth I would say I disagree with that assertion. I think humans are inherently good and only become evil when warped by some defect in the brain or in their environment. (ie: Religion)

[@ethanlintemuth8023]

Jimmy Giles I would say there is a balance of both good and evil in each person. Over there life it may stay like that or one may increase while the other decrease via many things

[@jimmygiles1153]

Ethan Lintemuth again I disagree. Sure we have aggression to survive as a species but if we had as much evil as good or more evil as you originally stated and as religious folks assert then we humans would have wiped ourselves out by now.

[@ethanlintemuth8023]

Jimmy Giles Not all evil leads to murder

[@bobwill712]

Hitchens was the greatest, he was amazing and every thing that came out of his mouth sounded like poetry spoken.

[@MaykzHozeSkwurrt]

Christianity: God sent himself to die for himself to save us from the punishment he himself will sentence us to. lol

[@vanillagorilla8438]

Does being religious make you a "Better," "More moral..?" I can't get past the simple Fact that the very place on Earth that there are the most Christians just so happens to be the same place with the Most incarcerated citizens...

[@StopMAGA]

Quite telling. Quite telling, indeed.

[@jandrews6254]

Methinks you have misspelt “kkkrischuns”

[@alexgraas1907]

Why is it so bloody hard to understand that there cannot be a God in the sense as described in these 'holy' books!? We live, we die: end of story. The arrogance to believe that there must be an after-life or even a meaning to our lives? The universe gives a crap about whether we exist or not. Everything is randomly existing.

[@stephanwilliams8082]

There could be an afterlife. It may excist, if not understood. If it is so, how can you relate it to any god? For if afterlife is real, it is therefore natural. No god or gods excist.

[@alexgraas1907]

Our atoms keep om existing for ever or for as long as the universe does not collapse into one giant black hole. Our life is short and only WE can extend it through research, maybe live for hundreds or thousands by producing new body parts. Everything is possible, but no AFTER life. Makes no sense at all.

[@stephanwilliams8082]

Alex Graas I can't understand a possibility of a natural afterlife being connected to YOUR god. There are no gods.

[@Stuit3rb4l]

You tell 2 people the same story and one will conclude it's proof of (a) god, while the other is sure that it isn't... one will say it's proof of a design, the other will think that's rediculous... one person see's a face in a piece of toast and thinks it's a miracle, you and I will just think it's funny that it looks like a face, then take a bite and forget it ever happened... the only thing both agree on is that the other person is wrong...

[@wendywoo7898]

Stephan Williams @Alex Graas isn’t talking about a God. Why do you keep asking about “his” god? He said there’s no afterlife end of. 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@celticfox]

Loving "the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" theme on someone's phone at 1:39

[@gerardkowalski7683]

Just heard it . Hilarious

[@josedess8823]

A true Giant of a MAN A man who teached the real truth

[@supersami7748]

One of the many great things about this man is when he discovers/feels he made a mistake/error in judgement he has no problem admitting it. He articulates everything so wonderfully. There are not many people who can write and speak at such a level as Mr. Hitchens.

[@deanronson6331]

This is true of not just Hitch but of most liberals because part of their worldview is to update it based on new evidence. Conversely, right-wingers will hold on to their lies and conspiracy theories and keep doubling down on them until the day they die or at least until these fabrications are not politically or psychologically useful for them any longer.

[@mariuscheek]

I love these videos, and totally appreciate the effort that you've put into editing them down. My only, very gentle, suggestion is that it would be nice if you put a link in the description to the full debates. Apart from that, nice work, dude!

[@AtheistExpert]

I dont even got my trousers off and shes calling time. shit.... this is my new favorite line.... Im gonna try to pull it off in front of my parents.

[@diannerussell1796]

This man left us with great insight. This life is all we have. Live it to the most, it's all we have.

[@SmallC2023]

Amen. These days if you're smart and others see it you won't even be allowed that.

[@sandernielsen8018]

The Vatican is a bit like the Jedi Council in the third Star Wars movie totally unaware of the really bad things

[@terryperring104]

There are Christians who are lightly brought up thus, who dont give it much thought, go to church on occasionally sundays and dont REALLY believe, inside. And.. there are fierce christians who are crazy, and consider everyday events to be miracles and rant in the streets and think prayers work. They may pray for their leg to get better after a fall; it does, quite naturally, but- to the mind of the crazy christian, its no more than a prayer induced miracle. 'Well let's concentrate on this one 'miraculous' success, and completely ignore the fact that most people who die of cancer are prayed for so hard, by so many, that the hands of their loved ones actually hurt from the pressure...''

[@undisputedgreatest]

Did anyone else hear the theme from "the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly?"

[@davidpayne8413]

Yes

[@obiwanobiwan13]

"I've barely got my trousers off and she's already calling 'Time!'" xD OH, your intelligence, insight AND rapier wit will be missed, Hitch... But at least, hopefully, some of that intelligence, some of that insight, and maybe even a dash of that wit will live on in us, the next generation of free thinkers!

[@jaimmiclayton869]

If only he were alive today to witness some of his truths of Putan

[@eanjacobs8678]

Who chopped up Hitch? Don't edit the author, not a syllable is wasted when he speaks.

[@drspaseebo410]

Then WHY is he rambling here ? ? ?

[@scrumpymanjack]

I've seen an awful lot of Hitch on youtube but that was one of the very best clips. Fabulous arguments, evocative phrases - "the insanitary consequences of his being allowed out of his cage" lol - and plenty of wit. The world needs him back. God, could you please.....just kidding.

[@dsiepiela6449]

I’m so sick of being saturated with the Christian mythology. Jesus is just a copy of a copy of previous demigods. See Horas, Mithras and others.

[@phillipmoore9012]

There is a God and He is Saucy, not bloody. His Meatballs are large beyond comprehension. The Fountain of All Flavors, His Noodliness will soon overcome the false prophets who venerate the torture device. Al dente will be revealed as His Truth, above Cheesy Crust!

[@Guppusmaximus]

+Phillip Moore May the Sauce be with you...RAMEN!!

[@lordofliberals2261]

His noodley appendage be upon us all!

[@keithscott1957]

Pasta worshipers are heretics and blasphemers - FOLLOW THE NOODLES!

[@trickhealey]

Lord of Liberals I came in to check this thread just to make sure his noodly appendage was mentioned.

[@jameshardalong423]

And RAMEN!!

[@dgb751]

there's a guy at my work who's super religious, but strangely he is so crooked, we in our group stay away from his customers cause they r often angry cause he lies to them a lot.

[@sa-iw4dr]

Joseph Campbell talks about man's Mythologies Bill Moyer did a excellent program on him filmed at the "Star Wars Ranch"!

[@efransophoto]

Just watched this video three times in a row. Didn't get sick of any of it

[@colinnorris6037]

Can you imagine the lectures he is giving them if he were in heaven.

[@stephenmathews7952]

1:39 The good the bad and the ugly

[@greenhornet299]

A Brilliant Brilliant man....RIP....

[@SunofYork]

I became an atheist in 1958, and, under the influence of Chris, an anti-theist in 2017 .... I am an ex Englishman living in the US as a citizen, and I could not have done this without Chris coz US religiosity is crushing and I get told I have no moral core...

[@SunofYork]

@@sammyquinn1 I think we have much in common apart from the rather large fact that I am an incorrigible atheist and you are religious. However, when it comes to how we should live our lives, I reckon you and I would be in complete accord. A 17 year old Muslim stabbed a gay man to death in New York yesterday. Had the 17 year old been me, or you, the dead man would still be alive. I am an atheist and you are religious, but the difference is the killer was not decent and we are. i.e. Decency works independent of, and not dependent on, religious beliefs...

[@SunofYork]

You say you are deceitful and wicked yet walk around quoting the bible ? Are you that guy who hangs around in the bus station ?

[@peterwilliamson8721]

He presents so much most of us have given little or no thought to.

[@robert9ish]

I look forward to seeing the new generation of those whom have taken Hitch's eloquent arguments into consideration. Often, I've read comments that criticize his stridency. That being said, let's not forget the stridency of "The Parties of God" when superstition and religious indoctrination hold sway. We have a duty to ourselves and those who come after to shed these hideous death-cults in modern society. Please, believe as you will, as there are many in parts of the world that risk their lives to protect those rights. "Rights" people... How many will be scorned or sacrificed for people's "rights" to harm others due to indoctrination? Speak up!!! These various "religions" seek to see the end of the world in the wishful "faith" in a better one. Do you? If so, ignore this post at your great-great-great-great-great Grand-children's peril (if we get that far). I hope against their fatalistic hope. Wish-thinking is something I think we all share. It's time to move "wishes" aside and look things in the face of evidence. Could I change my mind? Ofcourse! If I were to see these fictional characters assembling on Earth and defeating, through reason and demonstration of their supernatural reality the ills of our planet, I might be persuaded. So far, all I see is genocide, racism, sexism, tribalism and sexual hysteria... Etc, etc.. I don't care what consenting adults do to sexually amuse themselves in private. It holds no bearing on their opinions of public interest. We've all seen "benevolent" rapists before. While that is concerning, the idea of public religious contrition, rather than a true and reasonable one in the face of misconduct as being the moral high-ground is absurd. "I have sinned against You, My Lord" just doesn't cut to the heart of the problem. You contributed to the ruination of lives and made a profit from it Falwell. Disgusting. "Liberty University"??? Isn't that a contradiction in terms if not an out-right misnomer in that case? Rant over... For now... 9ish.

[@maurieer]

robert9ish I totally agree with you. I'm really surprised that these so-called people who make the claim that I will "burn in hell" for receiveing another's blood (too much Asprin caused a stomach bleed) which could've killed me but I listened to the doctors in the emergancey and I'm still alive because f this. I've been an Atheist and an agonstic for 20 years now. I really liked your comments. Take care, Gene.

[@robert9ish]

***** Thanks, maurieer. I"ve had enough of bullying from people who claim to love me, yet beat me in the face with their "certainty". I don't want to make superstition a daily issue but the crack-pots won't leave me alone! Lol... You take care too. Regards, R.

[@danesboricua]

One of the strangest things in this world is this obsession with religion and especially people blabbing about the “good” it does. I see virtually no evidence whatsoever of that. To me, some people are good and decent DESPITE religion, not because of it!

[@p.bamygdala2139]

I wonder what would happen if those carrying on Christopher's work were to take the discussion beyond "religion is illogical" and to provide the religious-but-becoming-curious person with a roadmap to intellectual recovery, akin to a 12-step program and AA. I advocate: Don't just preach a position, but help people adopt it, embrace it, own it. Empathize with them, make them feel welcome and connected, part of a larger group with a shared understsnding.... oh, I just advocated providing all the ancilary benefits of religion to those contemplating leaving religion... It might help. Food for thought!

[@chrissilver7719]

Does Santa Claus make children behave any better under the premise there will be no toys for those who misbehave.

[@wubbie2002]

I love Hitchens, he was so much more than an atheist, and I think he wants to be remembered for his mind, his writings, he was a world traveler, he met so many leaders, in all fields. Yes, he was a atheist, but he was more something else.

[@bartonim]

There seem to be few examples of how religion can make us better. I am an atheist and I was very quick to contribute to relief funds for the Earthquake victims in Japan. That is just one example of many that people like me have done.

[@sdavis3398]

Who, on Earth, will possesses the eloquence to replace this brilliant thought leader if he succumbs to his illness and leaves us prematurely? The question saddens me.

[@DAKGOD4EVER]

any smart atheist can disprove any argument that anyone from and multiple or single religion or person can make i dont care what it is it can be answered or proven wrong.

[@bjornfossgard8398]

Its time for grownups to stop believing in fairy stories...

[@sovnonproph]

@miloman51 Thanks. There is no reasoning with people that don't care about evidence.

[@p.bamygdala2139]

How do we get rid of the (seemingly innate) desire for dictatorship?

[@ctriamimgons]

We miss Hitchens!!!

[@philrabe910]

I don't think I ever had an agnostic phase, I went from an indoctrinated 12 year old, to an atheist 13 year old. But since I discovered Hitch, well, Hell! I'm antitheist now! I'm with R. Gervais on this one, religion is holding us ALL BACK.

[@roger72715]

All about Missing Hitchens

[@AtamMardes]

♦"Religion began when the first scoundrel met the first fool." ♦"Only fools revere the supernatural myths just bc a book claims itself to be the holy truth." ♦"The delusional religious fools are cocksure and the intelligent full of doubt." ♦"The religious believe by the millions what only lunatics could believe on their own." ♦"It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled." ♦"It's difficult to free fools from the chains they revere."

[@cbl1984]

Sadly, Hitchens didn't live much more after this, but he would have made minced meat out of this Trumpian era!

[@nicknamefreeman]

Yeah because teaching theories (quite ridiculous ones when you think about it) as fact in schools.. well that's just fine.

[@Messi.1907]

Christopher Hitchen.. If I had a chance to talk to him... I would of asked if he knew who killed Jesus??? Jesus told (religious) people same thing this guy is saying on this video. But only 2021 YEARS AGO!!!!!! Don't you think 🤔 Your missing the point? LOVE ❤

[@Mikhinja]

I stopped after the second time, but I can relate to that. I also feel a slight urge to show it to some friends and family - some are fundamentalist christians. Wouldn't expect much, but I'm interested in how they'll react and rationalize...

[@lowfuellevel]

I thought I was tripping but I heard the Good, the Bad and the Ugly theme too...

[@primitivepatriot]

Read my comment carefully. I never said I "blame Bush," I simply asked WHY NOT blame republicans since they also had a lot to gain from what went down. I can see that you are too drenched in bias to have a proper, mature back and forth. Learn to argue in a civilised manner, preferably using facts and reasoned argument, rather than insults and ad-hominems... people may take you more seriously if you do.

[@FaisalAzad]

@FeLiNe418 It's established incontrovertibly through historians that he's illiterate. Do you see the reality of what you are doing. If a historical fact goes against what you believed, you say, "is that right?" I am not stupid enough to give someone something that they won't take. I will give you a verse. and you are going to say it's wrong because those who look for faults will eventually find it, although in reality it's not. type on KZbin: scientific miracles in Quran

[@FaisalAzad]

@OppressedAnarchist Why is it not evidence that God exists? So the world came out of nothing? It has absolutely intelligence behind it? do you need to be intelligent to figure out that creation needs a creator, just like an invention needs an inventor. How is that being rational? I can gurantee u became atheist because u thought one religion was wrong. So u basically concluded: the other religions are wrong too... Atheist CAN never answer questions. they can only insult ppl of faith

[@GoblinXXX]

@BrFaisal The "scientific facts" that Muslims ignored until they were actually discovered by ordinary means? Very useful. The Bhagavad Gita makes similar claims to revealed wisdom from gods. Read THAT and see how quick you convert to Hinduism. (Or just try to explain why that's obviously wrong and the Koran is right.)

[@GoblinXXX]

@BrFaisal No you don't! Rejecting a proposition on its own merits doesn't require an alternate explanation. If I accused you of murder, and there was no evidence that you'd done it, you wouldn't have to present the actual murderer to be found not guilty. And what can be asserted without evidence, such as claims of gods, can be dismissed without examination.

[@uzimachi1]

I don't think, I know based on evidence that there are several lies behind religion, I was into religion in my childhood, and now as an adult I waked up from that mind prison in which the majority of man kind is trapped unless they question their religion and go out and learn the truth that is right there in front of them.

[@emmanuelkatele1]

Does being religious make you a “better” more “moral”? I hope the late Hitchens is not implying that the badness of religious people discredits religion. I think it does the contrary. You would not say that the vast chasm of ignorance discredits science. On the contrary, it rather proves it necessity. But in that scientific field which is trying to close that chasm of ignorance there will be some, even many, scientists who are extremely incompetent in their field. But these scientists would not be called scientists by the competent scientists. They would be called pseudoscientists because they are not following the natural orders of what constitutes them as pure scientists. In the same way, religion, more specifically the church, is not discredited by the sins of its people. On the contrary, as Chesterton puts it, the church is justified because her children do sins. And religious people who continue to sin would simply mean they were never religiously at all; and, if Christianity is true, they will be punish for their sins in the end. Just as incompetent scientists are often peer reviewed negatively by their peers for their bad science. Christ says: “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Even the self-proclaimed religious people, such as myself, will be punish for our iniquities, especially religious people because we are hypocrites. Just as Christ called us. But let not this fallacy of Hitchens lead you to suppose religion is false because its people are bad. It’s the opposite. The flood does not discredit the Ark, it rather proves the Ark’s necessary existence.

[@primitivepatriot]

See what I mean. No reasoned arguments, just accusations and slander. Tell me, what did I say that you deem so dishonest, oh wise and benevolent master of the moral high ground? And instead of coming at me with some childish name-calling, hows about you try and ANSWER THE QUESTION.

[@FaisalAzad]

@GoblinXXX To what you say, you either present proof because we all know Atheists are rational people. or you keep your mouth shut. Quran is not a book science. It's a book of signs, that indicate the Quran is not a man-made product, but it's divine

[@bendream544]

As much as I like Christopher its still hypocritical of him to be going on about religious mania meeting weaponry that could end the world? Isn't that what happened in 1945? At least up to this point thats the only time they've been used. And let's not forget that the same religious mentality controls the Western governments as well.

[@wilsonbeddingfield4860]

Giving and wanting a blessing is what religion is built on "I'll be get a blessing later, or get back 10 times" then turn around and judge everybody and other religious factions !

[@FaisalAzad]

Whenever reject an idea, you have to provide an alternative. So if you say religion is false, then tell me which is true. If the world didn't start the way the religion says, then tell me the way it did

[@krissysspice4lifem.o.lskin801]

First we must force all religions to admit legally & publicly that their religion is a myth. Then make it law to arrest all religious people who educate anyone saying it's true.

[@Hermunkle]

I have heard this a few times and never heard that +1 on you friend thanks much, it adds a bit of something.

[@TheKibeer]

I think Ayn Rand made a better case against religion. She did not debunked only theocracy, faith, she debunked the underlying condition for it - altruism. The believe every collectivist ideology is based upon - that you should or must be sacrificed for the 'greater good' - the annihilation of what makes us human beings - REASON. She called them mystics of the spirit and mystics of the muscle or material. One sacrifices body, second sacrifices soul in order to bring paradise. Both sack reason.

[@dumbo800]

@TomFynn and @1tabligh You are both terrible at arguing/debating. Step away from the internet and go outside for a little.

[@johaneriksandberg]

I miss Hitchens.

[@frankmurphyburr3598]

He predicts the future without supernatural bullshit, instead uses his genius mind in reality

[@XX-qi5eu]

No second coming of Hitchens, but his teachings will outlast all religions.

[@bleirdo_dude]

Jesus clearly states that one is exempt from judgement when one believes in him. When Xtrians say that no scholar refutes the existence of Jesus they are lying. The Christogram "Chi Ro" is actually the "Julian Star" that Constantine used. This symbol is actually Caesar's comet.44 B.C.E. comet in the sky during Divus Iulius Christos's funeral games.Julius Caesar was a Christos to his celestial mother the Goddess Venus (God of love).Christos is a title (annointed with oil).

[@bleirdo_dude]

The Tropaion is a sacred trophy for victory.The cross like symbol was a stick or tree with armor/weaponry placed on it mimicking an upright person.This was reserved for the spirits of there Gods.Prisoners would allways be bound at the base,and would be sacrilegious to put anything not of divinity on it.The Civic Laural Crown was a symbol of high honor reserved for honorable,or holy citizens. KZbin search "wax imago" "caesar's comet" "gospel of caesar" wiki/Alulim

[@bleirdo_dude]

Crucify is a homophonous mistranslation of Latin "cremo" cremate,Greek kremo "to hang".Caesar was cremated (cremo),and a wax effigy was hanged (kremo) on a Tropaion.Pontifex Maximus aka Augustus Caesar formed the imperial cult of Caesar wich lasted for over 200 years.Augustus was Julius's adopted son Octavian who was the son of the God Apollo thru a virgin birth by a night visit by a serpent. Holy Trinity is plagiarism by 175-225 C.E.Theologians of the the Osiris mythos.

[@Jesuspeake]

No Steve the journey ism not over; if the journey was over you would be eternally stuck in the quagmire of religious stupidism but keep searching and one day you might discover the real Jesus although with your current attitude I don't think you would recognize Jesus if you tripped over me at this time in your life. Odd that religious people are suppose to be the happiest, most secure, healthy and wealthy but research actually shows otherwise and you might ask yourself why that is.

[@Jesuspeake]

I know it must be difficult for you BUT the conception of God is one of the most corrupt conceptions arrived at on earth. God degenerated to the contradiction of life, instead of being its transfiguration and eternal Yes! In God a declaration of hostility towards life, nature, and the will to life! God the formula for every calumny of 'this world,' for every lie about 'the next world'. In God nothingness deified, the will to nothingness sanctified! - The Anti-Christ 18

[@Jesuspeake]

Your version of the story is exactly the version of the clergy, the Scribes and Pharisees. However for you to discount Jesus yet uphold the cleric's version is the reason that Jesus said of the Clergy they were hypocrites. You supporting the Pharisee position is in the same hypocritical vein as the Clergy of Jesus day as it continues to be today. You are right that L Ron Hubbard and the Pharisees fall into the same category of scum buckets but nothing to do with Jesus, he was an atheist.

[@Jesuspeake]

DISCLAIMER: Lest anyone afflicted with Academia pounce. Socrates (know thyself) and Shakespeare (to thine own self be true) were onto to something way back then. Shakespeare summarized Socrates “Know thyself” thusly: "....and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." Jesus knew he was a microcosm of the whole human race, he was in essence, Everyman. He could not eat the Forbidden Fruit from the Tree of Deceit.

[@sovnonproph]

@MissSaharaja As an atheist I wouldn't know who to pray to. :) You are probably right when you wrote: "not every person who is spiritual is a bigot" , but it seems to me if the "spiritual person" in question has found religion, their lack of bigotry is despite their religion. Lastly, most of the things that people call "spiritual" seem like wish-thinking. If something can't be tested, demonstrated or peer reviewed, how do we know it is real?

[@sovnonproph]

@TheGhostFromPlanetX Thank you for adding more proof to my point. I thought you would. Just like with your belief in god, you make assertions about me without evidence. There seems to be a pattern here. BTW, if I were a bigot towards homosexuals or insecure about my own sexuality your assertions might offend me, but since I am not either of those things...fire away Ghost Boy!

[@SlackerSlayer]

@sciencevsreligion01 "agnostics and atheists must work together and continue to voice our disapproval and objections against the intrusive influence of religions." A better method is to just let them be but not make any laws that favor their insanity, like a tax break just for speaking frauds to the gullible. We have something like that which has been twisted to mean the opposite of the intention, the 1st thought ofthe 1st amend in the bill of rights. I know this is more than just in amerika

[@SlackerSlayer]

cont, your words can be transposed with better accuracy regarding those that have faith in some unseen objects. It is insane to talk to imaginary friends, except when you claim that friend is a godt. It is a fraud to lie to others for money, except when you claim you are Gods cash collector. Tax their parasite azzes and you will see who is a lawful citizen or who is a fraud. It was figured in the 80s if non profits paid a 10% they couldn't excuse taxing anyones work income, for the surplus.

[@Tonithenightowl]

When the Power of Love overcomes the love of power, then there will be peace on earth. Not sure any religion can accomplish this. Hasn't so far. Mostly what religion does is makes us scared of God. Fear is very real weapon. How immature do you have to be to only do good for Godly reward, instead of simply doing it because it's the right thing to do? Are we that primitive? I believe in God, but religion has done a poor job of representing what they are sure is God.

[@deeliciousplum]

illogical sense of reality or because that is the course of one's refutable aggressive human nature/tendencies. We can debate all each of us wish to, but insanity and harmful intent has no boundary. It has no preference nor does it choose the theist, the atheist, the deist nor the indifferent over the other as to who deserves the pervasive qualities of the qualities and attributes of the insane and of the unreasonable. We are kind of screwed to state the obvious.

[@deeliciousplum]

as well as, what has it been, and continues to be, like to live under the hospice of Israel's and of the United States' arsenal of nuclear armaments? If one would ask me, but it is rather rhetorical, that do reasonable minded people and communities build weapons that harm themselves and others? No. Reasonable minded people do not build machinery and such that have purposes for harming, for intending to control through fear and/or to counterbalance someone else's...

[@Jesuspeake]

Hahahaha. Oh Steve onthejourneyoflife, you do have such a sense of humour but if it wasn't for nonsense, you would have no sense of at all I'm afraid. Take care and if you get lonely send me a message because I may still reply to you while others, less tolerant than myself may not. oh well. Buh Bye; or, as the followers of Bahá’u’lláh say: Bahá'í, Bahá'í for now......