Changes

[[Image:Hitchens, Stanford.jpg‎|right|thumb|201px|Christopher Hitchens]]

[[Image:Hitchens, Stanford.jpg‎|right|thumb|201px|Christopher Hitchens]]

'''Christopher Eric Hitchens''' (April 13, 1949 - December 15, 2011) was a [[Journalism|journalist]], [[author]] and literary critic. Hitchens received a degree in PPE ([[philosophy]], [[politics]] and [[economics]]) from [[Oxford University|Balliol College]], [[Oxford]], in 1970. From 1971 to 1981, he worked in [[Britain]] as book reviewer for ''The Times'' newspaper. He emigrated to the [[United States of America|United States]] in 1981, and has written regularly, or been a contributing editor for ''Harper's'', ''Vanity Fair'' and [[Nation (magazine)|''The Nation'']]. He was an avowed [[Marxist]], [[Atheism|atheist]] and [[Antitheism|antitheist]]. Hitchens has a younger brother, [[Peter Hitchens]], who is also a journalist, author and critic. Hitchens was a prominent founder and spokesperson of the [[New Atheism]] movement.

'''Christopher Eric Hitchens''' (April 13, 1949 - December 15, 2011) was a [[Journalism|journalist]], [[author]] and literary critic. Hitchens received a degree in PPE ([[philosophy]], [[politics]] and [[economics]]) from [[Oxford University|Balliol College]], [[Oxford]] in 1970. From 1971 to 1981, he worked in [[Britain]] as a book reviewer for ''The Times'' newspaper. He emigrated to the [[United States of America|United States]] in 1981, and wrote regularly for, or was a contributing editor for, ''Harper's'', ''Vanity Fair'' and [[Nation (magazine)|''The Nation'']]. He was an avowed [[Marxist]], [[Atheism|atheist]] and [[Antitheism|antitheist]]. Hitchens has a younger brother, [[Peter Hitchens]], who is also a journalist, author and critic. Hitchens was a prominent founder and spokesperson of the [[New Atheism]] movement.

Christopher Hitchens was a member of the International Socialists and an active [[Trotskyist]] during his youth. Before his death he claimed to be "on the same side as the [[Neoconservatism|neo-conservatives]]" concerning various military interventions, but did not consider himself a [[conservative]]. He supported [[George W. Bush|George W. Bush's]] foreign policy, but has a negative attitude towards Bush's support of [[intelligent design]]. Hitchens made himself unpopular, even among many fellow atheists for his support of the Iraq War, which was motivated by his hatred of Islamacists, Islamic terrorism, religion and his desire to see secularism advanced.<ref>Book Review: [http://inconvenienthistory.com/archive/2010/volume_2/number_1/christopher_hitchens_and_his_critics.php Christopher Hitchens and His Critics: Terror, Iraq and the Left], edited by Simon Cottee and Thomas Cushman, New York University Press, 365 pages, 2008. L.A. Rollins</ref><ref>[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/rj-eskow/hitchens-weak-defense-of-_b_69553.html Hitchens' Weak Defense of "Islamo-Fascism"] by

Christopher Hitchens was a member of the International Socialists and an active [[Trotskyist]] during his youth. Before his death he claimed to be "on the same side as the [[Neoconservatism|neo-conservatives]]" concerning various military interventions, but did not consider himself a [[conservative]]. He supported [[George W. Bush|George W. Bush's]] foreign policy, but has a negative attitude towards Bush's support of [[intelligent design]]. Hitchens made himself unpopular, even among many fellow atheists, for his support of the Iraq War, which was motivated by his hatred of Islamists, Islamic terrorism, religion, and his desire to see secularism advanced.<ref>Book Review: [http://inconvenienthistory.com/archive/2010/volume_2/number_1/christopher_hitchens_and_his_critics.php Christopher Hitchens and His Critics: Terror, Iraq and the Left], edited by Simon Cottee and Thomas Cushman, New York University Press, 365 pages, 2008. L.A. Rollins</ref><ref>[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/rj-eskow/hitchens-weak-defense-of-_b_69553.html Hitchens' Weak Defense of "Islamo-Fascism"] by

Richard (RJ) Eskow, Huffington Post,  posted 10/23/2007</ref>

Richard (RJ) Eskow, Huffington Post,  posted 10/23/2007</ref>

Hitchens displayed provocative rhetoric and bloodlust towards radical Islamacists.<ref name="Richard Seymour 2013 page 92">''UnHitched: The Trial of Christopher Hitchens''

Hitchens displayed provocative rhetoric and bloodlust towards radical Islamists.<ref name="Richard Seymour 2013 page 92">''UnHitched: The Trial of Christopher Hitchens''

By Richard Seymour, Publisher: Verso; 1 edition (January 16, 2013), page 92</ref> At the opening of the [[David Horowitz]] Freedom Center, Hitchens said of radical Islamacists, "It is a pleasure and a duty to kill these people".<ref name="Richard Seymour 2013 page 92"/>  Hitchens said of Islamic [[Iran]], which engages in state-sponsored terrorism, "As for that benighted country, I wouldn't shed a tear if it was wiped off the face of this earth”.<ref>''UnHitched: The Trial of Christopher Hitchens'' By Richard Seymour, Publisher: Verso; 1 edition (January 16, 2013), page 92</ref>  

By Richard Seymour, Publisher: Verso; 1 edition (January 16, 2013), page 92</ref> At the opening of the [[David Horowitz]] Freedom Center, Hitchens said of radical Islamists, "It is a pleasure and a duty to kill these people".<ref name="Richard Seymour 2013 page 92"/>  Hitchens said of Islamic [[Iran]], which engages in state-sponsored terrorism, "As for that benighted country, I wouldn't shed a tear if it was wiped off the face of this earth”.<ref>''UnHitched: The Trial of Christopher Hitchens'' By Richard Seymour, Publisher: Verso; 1 edition (January 16, 2013), page 92</ref>

He was a harsh critic of [[Ronald Reagan]], and considered [[Henry Kissinger]] a [[war criminal]].  

He was a harsh critic of [[Ronald Reagan]], and considered [[Henry Kissinger]] a [[war criminal]].

== Christopher Hitchens' debate against William Lane Craig ==

== Christopher Hitchens' debate against William Lane Craig ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism  vs. Christianity debates]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism  vs. Christianity debates]]

Christopher Hitchens debated [[William Lane Craig]] at Biola University in 2009 in a videotaped debate.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KBx4vvlbZ8 Christopher Hitchens vs William Lane Craig - Does God Exist - 2009].</ref>  

Christopher Hitchens debated [[William Lane Craig]] at Biola University in 2009, in a videotaped debate.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KBx4vvlbZ8 Christopher Hitchens vs William Lane Craig - Does God Exist - 2009].</ref>

The atheist [[Luke Muehlhauser]] wrote concerning the debate: "The debate went exactly as I expected. Craig was flawless and unstoppable. Hitchens was rambling and incoherent, with the occasional rhetorical jab. Frankly, Craig spanked Hitchens like a foolish child."<ref name="The Craig-Hitchens Debate">[http://commonsenseatheism.com/?p=1230#sthash.mPNNrzlt.dpuf The Craig-Hitchens Debate] by Luke Muehlhauser on April 4, 2009 in Debates,Reviews,William Lane Craig</ref>

The atheist [[Luke Muehlhauser]] wrote concerning the debate: "The debate went exactly as I expected. Craig was flawless and unstoppable. Hitchens was rambling and incoherent, with the occasional rhetorical jab. Frankly, Craig spanked Hitchens like a foolish child."<ref name="The Craig-Hitchens Debate">[http://commonsenseatheism.com/?p=1230#sthash.mPNNrzlt.dpuf The Craig-Hitchens Debate] by Luke Muehlhauser on April 4, 2009 in Debates,Reviews,William Lane Craig</ref>

[[File:Christopher Hitchens and smoking.jpg|thumbnail|center|500px|The New Atheist Christopher Hitchens at the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort, in Santa Barbara.]]

[[File:Christopher Hitchens and smoking.jpg|thumbnail|center|500px|The New Atheist Christopher Hitchens at the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort, in Santa Barbara.]]

{{Clear}}

{{Clear}}

Christopher Hitchens was known for having a history of heavy drinking and chain-smoking.<ref>http://www.counterpunch.org/mccarthy02212003.html</ref><ref name="huffingtonpost.com">[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/17/christopher-hitchens-desp_n_685021.html Christopher Hitchens: Despite Cancer, I'd Drink & Smoke Again]</ref> Christopher Hitchens was being treated for esophageal cancer which was likely caused by [[alcoholism|drinking]] and [[smoking]] up until his death on December 15, 2011.<ref>http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/07/video-extended-interview-hitchens-on-cancer-and-atheism/</ref><ref>[http://healthblog.ctv.ca/post/Why-did-Hitchens-continue-to-smoke-during-his-treatment.aspx Why did Hitchens continue to smoke & drink during treatment? -CTV News]</ref> Despite his esophageal cancer, when asked by interviewer Charlie Rose if in retrospect he would have engaged in heavy drinking and smoking knowing his present cancer condition, Hitchens said he think he would have done things the same.<ref name="huffingtonpost.com"/> Hitchens also had problems with being overweight during his life (see: [[Atheism and obesity]] and [[New Atheism leadership's problem with excess weight]]).<ref>[http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3UXl0oMYPLs/SXgxH_-MgFI/AAAAAAAAAF4/EU-wzxEjOmc/s1600-h/atheist-reason.jpg Picture of an overweight Christopher Hitchens smoking a cigarette]</ref> According to the [[National Cancer Institute]], "[[obesity]] is associated with increased risks of cancers of the esophagus."<ref>[http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/obesity National Institute of Health - Obesity and Cancer Risk]</ref>

Christopher Hitchens was known for having a history of heavy drinking and chain-smoking.<ref>http://www.counterpunch.org/mccarthy02212003.html</ref><ref name="huffingtonpost.com">[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/17/christopher-hitchens-desp_n_685021.html Christopher Hitchens: Despite Cancer, I'd Drink & Smoke Again]</ref> Christopher Hitchens was being treated for esophageal cancer which was likely caused by [[alcoholism|drinking]] and [[smoking]] up until his death on December 15, 2011.<ref>http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/07/video-extended-interview-hitchens-on-cancer-and-atheism/</ref><ref>[http://healthblog.ctv.ca/post/Why-did-Hitchens-continue-to-smoke-during-his-treatment.aspx Why did Hitchens continue to smoke & drink during treatment? -CTV News]</ref> Despite his esophageal cancer, when asked by interviewer Charlie Rose if in retrospect he would have engaged in heavy drinking and smoking knowing his present cancer condition, Hitchens said he thought he would have done things the same.<ref name="huffingtonpost.com"/> Hitchens also had problems with being overweight during his life (see: [[Atheism and obesity]] and [[New Atheism leadership's problem with excess weight]]).<ref>[http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3UXl0oMYPLs/SXgxH_-MgFI/AAAAAAAAAF4/EU-wzxEjOmc/s1600-h/atheist-reason.jpg Picture of an overweight Christopher Hitchens smoking a cigarette]</ref> According to the [[National Cancer Institute]], "[[obesity]] is associated with increased risks of cancers of the esophagus."<ref>[http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/obesity National Institute of Health - Obesity and Cancer Risk]</ref>

Matthew C. Nisbet wrote in his article ''Hitchens and Ebert on Atheism and Dying'':

Matthew C. Nisbet wrote in his article ''Hitchens and Ebert on Atheism and Dying'':

Hitchens met Taunton's adopted, HIV-positive daughter, Sasha, and was deeply moved by her life and faith. "Sasha's impact on him was huge," Taunton said. "It's because of her own innocence. He was powerfully moved by her, an argument he couldn't refute... At the end of the day, the most powerful apologetic is love."...

Hitchens met Taunton's adopted, HIV-positive daughter, Sasha, and was deeply moved by her life and faith. "Sasha's impact on him was huge," Taunton said. "It's because of her own innocence. He was powerfully moved by her, an argument he couldn't refute... At the end of the day, the most powerful apologetic is love."...

"Christopher was in a difficult place," Taunton said. "He's a dying man. He asked me why I thought he didn't convert. I said, 'You've created a global reputation as an atheist, your fortune, your reputation is based on it. I can't imagine how hard it would be to admit you were wrong. You created a prison for yourself.'"<ref name="al.com">[http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2016/04/christian_authors_book_on_famo.html Christian author's book on famous atheist gets him on Fox, MSNBC]</ref>}}

"Christopher was in a difficult place," Taunton said. "He's a dying man. He asked me why I thought he didn't convert. I said, 'You've created a global reputation as an atheist, your fortune, your reputation is based on it. I can't imagine how hard it would be to admit you were wrong. You created a prison for yourself.'"<ref name="al.com">[http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2016/04/christian_authors_book_on_famo.html Christian author's book on famous atheist gets him on Fox, MSNBC]</ref> }}

== Christopher Hitchens' death and the decline of the New Atheism movement ==

== Christopher Hitchens' death and the decline of the New Atheism movement ==

On November 6, 2015, the ''New Republic'' published an article entitled, ''Is the New Atheism dead?''<ref>[https://newrepublic.com/article/123349/new-atheism-dead ''Is the New Atheism dead?] by Elizabeth Bruenig, New Republic, November 6, 2015</ref>

On November 6, 2015, the ''New Republic'' published an article entitled, ''Is the New Atheism dead?''<ref>[https://newrepublic.com/article/123349/new-atheism-dead ''Is the New Atheism dead?] by Elizabeth Bruenig, New Republic, November 6, 2015</ref>

[[Richard Dawkins]] was also a prominent founder of the New Atheism movement. Dawkins is frequently seen as being an abrasive, aggressive and angry individual and he is less charismatic than Hitchens was (see: [[Abrasiveness of Richard Dawkins]] and [[Richard Dawkins and anger]]). And post [[Elevatorgate]] scandal, Dawkins lost a large amount of influence (See: [[Richard Dawkins' loss of influence]]).

[[Richard Dawkins]] was also a prominent founder of the New Atheism movement. Dawkins is frequently seen as being an abrasive, aggressive and angry individual and he is less charismatic than Hitchens was (see: [[Abrasiveness of Richard Dawkins]] and [[Richard Dawkins and anger]]). And post [[Elevatorgate]] scandal, Dawkins lost a large amount of influence (See: [[Richard Dawkins' loss of influence]]).

== Christopher Hitchens and public speaking  ==

== Christopher Hitchens and public speaking  ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and public speaking]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and public speaking]]

Christopher Hitchens was known for being an eloquent and passionate public speaker who injected humor in his public speaking.

Christopher Hitchens was known for being an eloquent and passionate public speaker who injected humor into his public speaking.

However, Hitchens had his critics in terms of his public debates.<ref name="The Craig-Hitchens Debate"/><ref name="The damnation of St Christopher">[https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/michael-wolff-on-christopher-hitchens The damnation of St Christopher] by Michael Wolff</ref>

However, Hitchens had his critics in terms of his public debates.<ref name="The Craig-Hitchens Debate"/><ref name="The damnation of St Christopher">[https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/michael-wolff-on-christopher-hitchens The damnation of St Christopher] by Michael Wolff</ref>

The other protagonist was probably demented (if not homeless) and borderline coherent. Still, it was a packed house. Hitchens arrived drunk - though I wondered if it was more pretend than actually drunk because he kept talking about how much he'd consumed - but at some point he certainly was drunk. While many people made the excuse for him about how well he could hold his liquor (another old-fashioned trope), he was, in this instance, as walleyed and uncomprehending as any other person I've known who was drinking at his level.<ref name="The damnation of St Christopher">[https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/michael-wolff-on-christopher-hitchens The damnation of St Christopher] by Michael Wolff</ref>}}

The other protagonist was probably demented (if not homeless) and borderline coherent. Still, it was a packed house. Hitchens arrived drunk - though I wondered if it was more pretend than actually drunk because he kept talking about how much he'd consumed - but at some point he certainly was drunk. While many people made the excuse for him about how well he could hold his liquor (another old-fashioned trope), he was, in this instance, as walleyed and uncomprehending as any other person I've known who was drinking at his level.<ref name="The damnation of St Christopher">[https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/michael-wolff-on-christopher-hitchens The damnation of St Christopher] by Michael Wolff</ref>}}

As noted above. Hitchen did very poorly in his debate with William Lane Craig.  

As noted above, Hitchens did very poorly in his debate with William Lane Craig.  

The new atheist [[Richard Dawkins]] has a reputation for avoiding his strongest debate opponents (see: [[Richard Dawkins and debate]]).

The new atheist [[Richard Dawkins]] has a reputation for avoiding his strongest debate opponents (see: [[Richard Dawkins and debate]]).

[[Bestiality]] is the act of engaging in sexual relations with an animal.  

[[Bestiality]] is the act of engaging in sexual relations with an animal.  

At the end of [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[William Lane Craig]] vs. atheist Christopher Hitchens debate there was an audience question and answer period (see: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FofDChlSILU VIDEO]).<ref name="ReferenceA">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRGOJmD8yYA Atheism and Bestiality - portion of Craig vs. Hitchens debate - audience participation period]</ref>   The first audience member to ask a question twice asked Christopher Hitchens to label bestiality as an immoral act, but he refused to do so.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="ReferenceB">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FofDChlSILU Christopher Hitchens vs William Lane Craig - Does God Exist Debate]</ref> Dr. Craig said the question posed to Hitchens was a good one and it helped illustrate that atheism cannot offer objective moral standards (see: [[Atheism and morality]]).<ref name="ReferenceB"/>

At the end of [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[William Lane Craig]] vs. atheist Christopher Hitchens debate there was an audience question and answer period (see: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FofDChlSILU VIDEO]).<ref name="ReferenceA">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRGOJmD8yYA Atheism and Bestiality - portion of Craig vs. Hitchens debate - audience participation period]</ref> The first audience member to ask a question twice asked Christopher Hitchens to label bestiality as an immoral act, but he refused to do so.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="ReferenceB">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FofDChlSILU Christopher Hitchens vs William Lane Craig - Does God Exist Debate]</ref> Dr. Craig said the question posed to Hitchens was a good one and it helped illustrate that atheism cannot offer objective moral standards (see: [[Atheism and morality]]).<ref name="ReferenceB"/>

== Christian patience, forgiveness and long-suffering towards Christopher Hitchens ==

== Christian patience, forgiveness and long-suffering towards Christopher Hitchens ==

Although it is not reported in the press often, due the press preferring to focus on controversy and conflict, as it garners more viewership/readers, many Christians quietly pray for atheists/[[agnosticism|agnostics]] - even those of the [[militant atheism|militant variety]] such as [[Richard Dawkins]].<ref>[https://creation.com/dawkins-upset Richard Dawkins upset that public doesn’t like him] by Warren Nunn, Published by [[Creation Ministries International]] 13 May 2014 (GMT+10)</ref> The late atheist Christopher Hitchens had many Christians praying for him before he passed away and they were saddened when he died.<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/christians-grieve-death-of-christopher-hitchens-share-hopes-for-deathbed-conversion-65035/ Christians Grieve Death of Christopher Hitchens; Share Hopes for Deathbed Conversion] by Eryn Sun, ''Christian Post'' Reporter, December 16, 2011</ref>

Although it is not reported in the press often, due the press preferring to focus on controversy and conflict, as it garners more viewership/readers, many Christians quietly pray for atheists/[[agnosticism|agnostics]] - even those of the [[militant atheism|militant variety]] such as [[Richard Dawkins]].<ref>[https://creation.com/dawkins-upset Richard Dawkins upset that public doesn’t like him] by Warren Nunn, Published by [[Creation Ministries International]] 13 May 2014 (GMT+10)</ref> The late atheist Christopher Hitchens had many Christians praying for him before he passed away and they were saddened when he died.<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/christians-grieve-death-of-christopher-hitchens-share-hopes-for-deathbed-conversion-65035/ Christians Grieve Death of Christopher Hitchens; Share Hopes for Deathbed Conversion] by Eryn Sun, ''Christian Post'' Reporter, December 16, 2011</ref>

[[Jesus Christ]] said pray for those who persecute you and love your enemies (Matthew 5:44).

[[Jesus Christ]] said, pray for those who persecute you and love your enemies (Matthew 5:44).

== Hitchen's self-refutation of his irrational atheistic claims ==

== Hitchen's self-refutation of his irrational atheistic claims ==

==Insults toward Jerry Falwell==

==Insults toward Jerry Falwell==

In a TV interview with Hannity and Colmes a day after [[Jerry Falwell]]'s death, Christopher Hitchens expressed his anger over Falwell's legacy, calling the media coverage of his death uniform in its "stupidity" and calling Falwell himself a "vulgar fraud and crook".<ref name=FAL>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doKkOSMaTk4</ref> Hitchens went on to state such comments as "we have been rid of an extremely dangerous demagogue who lived by hatred of others and prejudice", "that it's a pity there isn't a hell for him to go to", "the evil he did will live after him", and "and I think his death is a deliverance".<ref name=FAL/> [[Hannity]] said that such comments were "crude", "thoughtless", "mean", and "hateful."

In a TV interview with Hannity and Colmes a day after [[Jerry Falwell]]'s death, Christopher Hitchens expressed his anger over Falwell's legacy, calling the media coverage of his death uniform in its "stupidity" and calling Falwell himself a "vulgar fraud and crook".<ref name=FAL>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doKkOSMaTk4</ref> Hitchens went on to state such comments as "we have been rid of an extremely dangerous demagogue who lived by hatred of others and prejudice", "that it's a pity there isn't a hell for him to go to", "the evil he did will live after him", and "and I think his death is a deliverance".<ref name=FAL/> [[Hannity]] said that such comments were "crude", "thoughtless", "mean", and "hateful."

==Select bibliography ==

==Select bibliography ==