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[[Image:Hitchens,_Stanford.jpg‎ |right|thumb|200px|Christopher Hitchens]]

[[Image:Hitchens,_Stanford.jpg‎|right|thumb|200px|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 1971-1981, 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 1971-1981, 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.

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>''UnHitched: The Trial of Christopher Hitchens''

Hitchens displayed provocative rhetoric and bloodlust towards radical Islamacists.<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>''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>  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]].  

''See also:'' [[New Atheism leaders and unhealthy lifestyles]] and [[Atheism and health]]

''See also:'' [[New Atheism leaders and unhealthy lifestyles]] and [[Atheism and health]]

Mr. Hitchens was known for having a history of heavy drinking and chain-smoking.<ref>http://www.counterpunch.org/mccarthy02212003.html</ref><ref>[http://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>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/17/christopher-hitchens-desp_n_685021.html Christopher Hitchens: Despite Cancer, I'd Drink & Smoke Again]</ref> 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>

Mr. 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">[http://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>

A majority of the founders of the New Atheism movement have engaged in unhealthy behaviors which have upon occasion caused them significant health problems (see: [[New Atheism leaders and unhealthy lifestyles]]).

A majority of the founders of the New Atheism movement have engaged in unhealthy behaviors which have upon occasion caused them significant health problems (see: [[New Atheism leaders and unhealthy lifestyles]]).

=== Hitchens' contemplation of Christian conversion before death ===

=== Hitchens' contemplation of Christian conversion before death ===

[[File:Larry Taunton.jpeg|thumbnail|left|150px|[[Fixed Point Foundation|Larry Taunton]] ]]

[[File:Larry Taunton.jpeg|thumbnail|left|150px|[[Fixed Point Foundation|Larry Taunton]] ]]

Hitchens developed a close friendship with the evangelical Christian [[Fixed Point Foundation|Larry Taunton]] and took two road trips with Taunton near the end of his life.<ref>[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><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XXZwwipNys The Faith of Christopher Hitchens by Larry Alex Taunton | Book Trailer]</ref> He was contemplating converting to Christianity at this time.<ref>[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> During one of the road trips Hitchens read aloud the [[Gospel of John]] and asked Taunton questions about the book.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XXZwwipNys The Faith of Christopher Hitchens by Larry Alex Taunton | Book Trailer]</ref>

Hitchens developed a close friendship with the evangelical Christian [[Fixed Point Foundation|Larry Taunton]] and took two road trips with Taunton near the end of his life.<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><ref name="youtube.com">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XXZwwipNys The Faith of Christopher Hitchens by Larry Alex Taunton | Book Trailer]</ref> He was contemplating converting to Christianity at this time.<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> During one of the road trips Hitchens read aloud the [[Gospel of John]] and asked Taunton questions about the book.<ref name="youtube.com"/>

According to the Alabama Media Group:

According to the Alabama Media Group:

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>[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 ==

[[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: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FofDChlSILU VIDEO]).<ref>[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>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRGOJmD8yYA Atheism and Bestiality - portion of Craig vs. Hitchens debate - audience participation period]</ref><ref>[http://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>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FofDChlSILU Christopher Hitchens vs William Lane Craig - Does God Exist Debate] </ref>

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: [http://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">[http://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 ==

==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>http://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>http://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 ==