Posted on 06/02/2007 8:59:04 PM PDT by rface
Some of you may know that I have a brother, Christopher, who disagrees with me about almost everything.
Some of those who read his books and articles also know that I exist, though they often dislike me. But in general we inhabit separate worlds in more ways than one.
He is of the Left, lives in the United States and recently became an American citizen. I am of the Right and, after some years in Russia and America, live in the heart of England. Occasionally we clash in public.
Family differences: Christopher Hitchens and Peter have disagreed
about politics and about the invasion of Iraq - now they are arguing about God...
But now, in God Is Not Great, he has written about religion itself, attacking it as a stupid delusion.
This case, I feel, needs an answer. Most of the British elite will applaud, since they see religion as an embarrassing and (worse) unfashionable form of mania.
And I am no less qualified to defend God than Christopher is to attack him, neither of us being experts on the subject.
Christopher is an atheist. I am a believer. He once said in public: "The real difference between Peter and myself is the belief in the supernatural.
"Im a materialist and he attributes his presence here to a divine plan. I cant stand anyone who believes in God, who invokes the divinity or who is a person of faith."
I dont feel the same way. I like atheists and enjoy their company, because they agree with me that religion is important.
I liked and enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anybody who is interested in the subject. Like everything Christopher writes, it is often elegant, frequently witty and never stupid or boring.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
I did not think you were condescending, nor did I believe you needed to apologize. Your posts are always interesting and well-written. I simply wanted to point out that believers are usually wrong when they presume to know that non-believers are really just believers-in-denial. I see that as a variation of the old fallacy that “there are no atheists in foxholes.”
Agree as well. Am thinking this book may only be the beginning of what could be a 'watershed moment' or. . .in a more spiritual parlance; an epiphany. . .for Christopher. This does not have to include an acceptance of religion of course. . .only an awakening to the possibilities of Faith. . .
Whatever the case, athiest and/or Leftist; with or without the 'ex'. . . am left with a genuine appreciation for this man. Excellance or aspiring to excellence, in any honest endeavor; and certainly 'writing'. . .identifies one as a seeker of Truth. . .it is most often, a painful undertaking.
b.
I'll sleep on it. Have a very good evening.
I found that paradox so interesting that I elicited a comment to the Daily Mail saying in essence that it was strangely perverse that a man (Peter Hitchens) who believes in God would be opposed to the salvation and freedom of the oppressed while a man who is an anti-theist preaches for the liberation of millions.
Peter Hitchens says that one’s conscience determines our morality. Perhaps, but there is a greater test of morality - and that is what Christ taught us - sacrifice.
Again, rather perverse, that it is the atheist in this case who is willing to make the sacrifice.
You do of course have the right to believe or not believe whatever your heart's desire. I take comfort in the following Scripture.
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil;
Satan is the only named entity recorded in the Bible to have been given the ultimate death sentence...
Bleeding from the eyes is a dead give-away.
For a much better response, see theologian Douglas Wilson's interactions (of which THIS is one of the most brilliant), and his devastating debate with Hitchens himself, starting HERE.
Ah, I did not know of his drinking habit. Having been a previous heavy drinker (many long years ago), I should have thought of that.
But I’m sure it’s also the isolation that comes from atheism - especially since he aggressively promoting it.
Prayer is food, actually, the real daily bread.
bump
pox on both brothers. Actually I find Christopher more sympathetic because at least he is on the just side in the real world.
The Great God Debate: Mark Roberts & Christopher Hitchens in debate all 3 hours of The Hugh Hewitt Show with Hugh as moderator. Just ending here in LA. Very interesting. I hope Hugh posts a transcript on his page.
Please let me know if he does. Thanks.
True. That is why one needs to read the bible and discover the awful truth about ourselves.
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