"A Poison Chalice" ~ Christopher Hitchens ~Video

Let me try to explain why I say that. It is my observation that those with a belief in religion, particularly organized religion, are arrogant in their convictions because they allow for no other path but their own. This is not referring to one religion or another. I have merely observed it in people of all faiths (except Buddhists whom I have not personally encountered). They assert their views, which when you disagree with, are treated with contempt. Now, I do not possess the eloquence of Hitchens, nor the extensive knowledge based on years of study of people of faith and people without it, but I almost feel convinced that if I so abhor this arrogance in religious people, I cannot justify it in those who are without it. That is something I find runs through his writings such as when he writes about Mother Theresa, for example. I have personally a huge problem with missionaries, and yes she was a missionary, but I also believe that she made a great personal sacrifice to serve and whatever drove her to it, her faith, or instinct, it was a big thing and his statements cannot diminish it. He seemed to marvel at himself sometimes, and that to me was like the way religious leaders do, and therein lies the "arrogance" in my opinion. Having said that, I will also acknowledge that I agree with virtually every argument in favor of rationality, reason, and scientific observation he gives, I just wish he wouldn't always assume himself to be better than others. This is strictly my opinion; if you don't agree, you certainly have the right not to!

King Dave,

Forgive me, as this is NOT a personal attack. The thought of anyone using nuclear weapons is insane in itself, and the Catholic Church (for one) considers the existence of nuclear weapons to be one of the greatest sins commited on earth. All life is precious, even a murderer's life. That is why the Catholic Church opposes capital punishment. Those who try to share their faith with others are no different from Mr. Hitchens spewing his ignorant rhetoric. I'll ask the question again, Does Hitchens know all?" If not, then he, like the rest of us, knows nothing.

King Dave,

It's not that "cut and dried." Science gave us the nuclear weapons, science gave us a "safe" Fukushima. Science failed, and the Challenger crashed. Those are arrogant men saying, Hey, we can do this," rather than saying, Should we do this?" Science often pushes ahead without sufficient reflection.

The Catholic Church, for all her faults, has educated some of the best scientists on the planet. Catholic Charities Worldwide gives billions to those who would otherwise have nothing. We do, occasionally, get it right.

Mr. Hitchens, occasionally, gets it wrong, but he will not admit to that uncertainty. His is absolute dogma, if I may borrow a word form my Church.

King Dave,

You really need to read the poem (sonnet), "Ozymandius," by Percy Bysshe Shelley (1818), the second reference.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozymandias

http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/poem/1904.html

King Dave,

I agree. That is interesting stuff. Human "Stuff" has changed, but human nature has not appreciably advanced over the ages. We tend to be self assured, egotistic, and confident that ours is the greatest age ever. That is simply not true, and anyone who holds those views is condemned to a future of finding himself or herself incorrect.

It's a BIG universe, and I think there is room for spiritualism, and, yes, the Catholic Church. The demands of Jesus are all good things. Perhaps the men who run the Catholic Church get it wrong, often, but the ideas expresses by Jesus are sound for every age. The only place I would want to go in a time machine would be to see Jesus, hear Him, and follow Him. He did get up from the dead, a rather remarkable and unique feat.

Neetu M,

Then I suggest his followers stop playing his taped recordings. If I must listen to a dead man, I will respond to that dead man's message.

Kevin, with due respect, and I certainly do mean that, shouldn't we let all dead people rest in peace, including those who died over 2000 years ago?

Neetu M.

Yes, that would be appropriate and nice. However, if you want him left in peace, than leave his ideas and messages in peace as well. I will not agree that a dead man talking from the grave, through his recordings, as though he were alive, has exclusive right to the airwaves and internet. If his writings are published, there will be letters to the editor. So, when someone posts one of his videos here, you can expect a response here.

I have not heard of his resurrection, so, in that case, he loses an argument to Jesus.

Just have a Happy New Year, Kevin! You are absolutely entitled to your belief - no one has the right to question that.

Neetu M.

You have a very nice and prosperous New Year too!

It will be a good year.

Thank you! I hope it is a good year and all people everywhere in the world learn to be tolerant of each other- that, in my opinion, is the only way we will ever have peace on earth.

Needu M.

Tolerance is certainly key to peace. You are right about that.