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Christopher Hitchens warned everyone repeatedly that if there were rumours of a deathbed conversion to religious faith that they would be false. So sick of people trying to imply that he was on a journey towards faith. Take the man at his word! He's no longer here but he couldn't have made his position any plainer when he was.
Yea Im kinda jealous of the level of faith he had. I mean to believe all of the complex intelligence in the world just happened takes crazy amount of faith! Better man than me
@@marcusmayne3831 He had "faith" that complexity and intelligence "just happened"? Intentionally misrepresenting someone's lifetime work doesn't make your point, it makes your point dishonest or fatuous. CH was NOT a person of faith. And no one, especially not CH, claimed that it "just happened". If you're a person of faith, great, but the suspension of the natural order of our universe was NEVER claimed by CH. 🤦♂️
@@marcusmayne3831 You only need faith if you believe you know the answers. Hitchens made no claims to know the answers of any of these questions and, therefore, needed no faith to hold his position.
I disagree. Everyone has faith in something( yours being faith in men who claim to have no agenda) just say you DONT WANT to have faith in a personal God and Creator, that's fine. Just don't say their is evidence against it because their is not.
He was an anti-theïst according to himself. Against religion. I do wonder what he would make of all the current superstitions. He was wonderful, and still inspires individualistic thought.
But....in his final months he was directly asked ‘While facing ur mortality, have ur beliefs changed???’ His response? ‘No, why would they?’ Hitchens did not believe in a God. He was clear in many lectures. The piece used in this video is soooo small & without context, it doesnt come close to representing his opinion or his strong argument against the belief in God, as well, the outright condemnation he expressed for religion & the atrocities performed under the banner of so called faith & organized religion, including but not limited to the extremists that go beyond standard rituals such as circumcision performed by non medical professionals.
@@MyNameIsChristBringsASword I don't see how that is relevant to the conversation, but I'd be mindful about the body count resulting from religion before I start pointing fingers.
@@MiseryRex True. The Holy Bible is the word of God and is not religion. Communism has been attacking God from the beginning. The crimes of the Vatican are a result of extended Roman paganism and not what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross to pay for our sins.
Such a shame Hitch isnt still around. His books, speeches, debates and tv appearances covering the last 10 years of turmoil would have been incredible!
Just think how confusing it will be for the children of atheists. "Daddy, what is Christmas all about, with the people hanging lights and singing and buying gifts." "Well son, they are celebrating the birth of someone who did not exist." Poor kid. Then he asks: " But Santa exists, doesn't he? Yes son, of course he does." What a terrible foundation for Billy to have. Just my understanding.
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
I can't imagine why Russell (who could speak for hour solid without saying anything) would think he was the right person to analyse Hitchens beliefs. Indeed this spiritualism Russell constantly refers to signifies nothing and means nothing other than the way one feels
I found Hitchems just before he died. I binged him like a thirsty alcohol. Now some years later if struggling to sleep I put him on either a talking book or a RUclips video. I miss hitch.
Just think how confusing it will be for the children of atheists. "Daddy, what is Christmas all about, with the people hanging lights and singing and buying gifts." "Well son, they are celebrating the birth of someone who did not exist." Poor kid. Then he asks: " But Santa exists, doesn't he? Yes son, of course he does." What a terrible foundation for Billy to have. Just my understanding.
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
@@jeffforsythe9514listen to supreme atheist Richard Dawkins who believed Jesus did exist just not the magic and he’s happy to sing carols as anyone else. No one adult actually believes Santa Claus in the fantasy sense of delivering presents to the whole world in a single night actually exists. Your argument is meaningless.
@@andybrown3016 Ok, if you say so. Unfortunately, this is how I see existence at the moment, even if it is too simplistic and irrelevant for such great minds as yours. I am not belittling the original commenter, just making a gut reaction comment due to the shit we are going through.
Theres always something terrible going on within the world. Even nature itself is chaotic and unforgiving at times. But if we allow ourselves to get caught up in it then we become resentful and eventually end up becoming a part of the problem. Heaven and hell only exist within the mind. .... I think lol
If you want a wake-up call to start living life and realize what's important, go read Mortality by Hitchens. It was published after his death and is one of the most profoundly moving pieces I've ever read.
Just think how confusing it will be for the children of atheists. "Daddy, what is Christmas all about, with the people hanging lights and singing and buying gifts." "Well son, they are celebrating the birth of someone who did not exist." Poor kid. Then he asks: " But Santa exists, doesn't he? Yes son, of course he does." What a terrible foundation for Billy to have. Just my understanding.
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
@@jeffforsythe9514 it appears to me that the children of religious people are the ones who are going to need the psychologist. We were all lied to as kids when it came to the tooth fairy and the Easter Bunny. But the story of God coming to earth is somehow true? Kids see past that. We don't give them enough credit.
@@Tbone.357 All of the one hundred million Falun Gong practitioners practice truthfulness-compassion-tolerance diligently. What makes you think that God would not come to earth, the earth and all humans sure could use some divine intervention right now. Goethe said: "It is rare to find a human being with a large enough imagination to accept reality".
Which ever side you stand you can’t help but love ‘Hitch’. He was one of a kind, beautifully spoken and brutally condemning and even though I believe in God I feel the same way ,a warmth to him.
Fun fact: in every moment of your life you are creating your future reality based on the way you feel. The way you feel, governs your actions in the present moment and your overall perspective on life as a whole. This is a friendly reminder to make sure you feel good before you make any decisions (even the smallest of them) because those decisions will have a knock on effect on your future. Stay blessed. You have an abundance of love within you. Let it out.
@@tomharding4779 I recommend prayer and gratitude (even if you don't feel it) and on a practical level, drinking distilled water, cutting out processed food and exercise
It's a lazy and inaccurate trope to call atheists "nihilists". I don't believe in gods, in the same way I don't believe in Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. That doesn't make me a nihilist. I don't need to imagine the universe as some kind of ghost to give it "meaning". It is beautiful enough and my life is fulfilled enough without superstition.
People who call atheists nihilists expose something about themselves - that their life would be utterly meaningless if they didn't have a cosmic despot to grovel to.
Instead of wishing Christopher to still be alive, after he's had a full run (which by the way obviously took a lot more effort than just going "hurr-durr I'm an atheist"), why not be the Christopher you want to see in this world? The problem with worshiping someone's work, is that in essence you believe to your core, that you couldn't possibly add such a thing of value to this world, yourself. So you keep wishing him to come back, just like the Christians who desperately want Christ to come back. While in fact you could actually do what he did yourself, and realize that both Christ and Christopher were humanbeings who had to wrestle, and go through life like you and I do. And they just gave it their all, with an intelligence-based passion, in order to improve things for people who couldn't defend themselves. And were abused as such. Both by religious hypocrisy. It would be just as much of a mistake to build a 'religion' around Hitchins work, as it has been with Christianity building a religion around the work of this Christ character in the gospel. Because when you build a religion around it, it becomes an excuse to worship the image of the person, instead of following the real-life example they set. Which was sacrificial to the core. You want more Christopher in this world? Be the change you want to see. Be the Christoper you want to see. Same advice applies to frustrated christians. Christ didn't die mad about the non-believers. He died saying: "God (who is love): Forgive these crazy people who want me dead, because they're being manipulated and mind-controlled by religious fanatics and a loveless system, and they don't know what they're doing." (paraphrasing).
@@william4661 he was irreplaceable. I understand the sentiment, but his continued knowledge and reputation would have given some of us a better light to follow through the very confusing times of 2014-present. He would have praised the change where it was necessary and pointed out plainly where the line to cross would have been.
Come to the dark side MUUUUUHAHAHAH jk it's actually pretty light from where I sit. I am an atheist but my moral framework was mostly derived from my christian upbringing (not saying religion is the source of morality, no fellow atheists need get their panties in a bunch).
Indeed, his eloquence and erudition vastly outperformed the eloquence and erudition within books that have actually been ascribed "godly" authorship and diktat. Hitchens was the more congruent communicator of the two disciplines. The language of scepticism and disbelief actually OUTSHINING the language of belief and (for many) resonating truth in a much more powerful and potent manner....and yet....just a "man."
His defining work was titled "God is not great". He stated that every time some commences a murderous attack, his ( they are overwhelmingly men) battle cry would be a reminder to everybody to buy his book. The sense of humour of Christopher Hitchens is astounding. What a remarkable intellect to see this. Every outbreak of madness all reminds the world of the perspective of Hitchens on their hate cult.
Smile without a reason, eat fruits, veggies. Take a look at the sky when you go outside in the morning. Breath in. Realize how blessed you are to live another day. Be joyful. Spread good vibes during the day. Your life will change by doing these things everyday. Your life will shape based on your habits. You can do it. You can be whatever you want to be. You are amazing, you have the power. Trust yourself. The universe wants you to succeed, to live joyfully. May this year be the year you start living life the way you want. ~ Much love from a Law Of Attraction RUclipsr💜
Bah Humbug lol lol The universe, just like nature, is brutal. There is no magic hoping success for anyone. We r organisms doing what organisms do. We have consciousness so enjoy the rare opportunity of life. With its struggles, the ups & downs, life is still a rare & wonderful opportunity. There is no second chance, no afterlife, no reward, no judgement. Life.....every experience along the way.....& its over. For some longer & for some shorter, some with more, some with less...... Religion & faith r both for people who refuse to accept that we r on our own. I get it, we all would love to know that someone or something, some energy even, is watching over us.....that there is some bigger purpose, but....it’s simply not reality.
I'm enjoying that Russell is taking with and about people that have "opposing" views and idea(l)s than him. I have come to the conclusion that when you start believing in something I have to find two different opposing ideas to mine. I found that three things can happen, and all are good. You could confirm your beliefs and the others are "wrong", or Your beliefs will be shattered and you have to rethink all your beliefs. Or you will realize that they knew something you didn't and some of their ideas can compliment yours, make it better, stronger. The later is the one I find myself the most.
Except Hitchens is not here to debate him. This piece was chosen out of many, presented without context, & elaborated on by someone who has an opposing view....Hes able to ‘assume’ a lot as he thinks out loud with results that just happen to support his own beliefs. Hitchens did not believe in a God. Even in his dying days, asked directly if while facing his mortality did his opinion change he responded directly & clearly ‘No, why would they?’ U can find that interview along with many debates & lectures on RUclips that will provide u with a very clear message as to exactly what Hitchens believed & his extremely strong arguments that supported those beliefs. He also felt organized religion was dangerous in accepted practice of rituals such as circumcision performed by non medical professionals as well as the far out extremists.
Be mindful of echo chambers. Especially online. I'd advise meeting people in real life, such as discussing issues with mainstream religious priests etc. If they're half decent, they will be honest with you, and talk about arguments for and against etc. Honestly, in my experience, most mainstream religious people are agnostic. They've questioned their faith a lot. But faith isn't about blindly accepting something. Faith is about constantly battling doubt. Without doubt, there is no faith. Also, it's worth mentioning 'God' =/= 'gods'. God (big G) is the creator of the Big Bang (and thus outside of time, space, and the material realm. It has no beginning, location, or physical form). Mythological gods are magical entities with super powers, like Zeus (who was created by the Titans, who were created by the Sky and Earth, who were created by God). Yes, the words sound the same, but despite what many militant atheists say, they describe different concepts.
Hitchens was truly incredible. He might not have been everybody’s cup of tea but his logic and oratory ability was flawless. Absolutely nothing was off limits to him and in this world of bullshit and deceit I truly admire that. He was courageous and fearless in his pursuit of the truth. The way he dismantled the hypocrisy and double standards of the church was a thing of beauty. Oh and I will never see Mother Teresa in the same way lol
Have a beer instead. Just think how confusing it will be for the children of atheists. "Daddy, what is Christmas all about, with the people hanging lights and singing and buying gifts." "Well son, they are celebrating the birth of someone who did not exist." Poor kid. Then he asks: " But Santa exists, doesn't he? Yes son, of course he does." What a terrible foundation for Billy to have. Just my understanding.
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
@@MyNameIsChristBringsASword Why are judging someone's eternal soul? Isn't that the job of your god? Maybe you should try love and forgiveness, like Christ, and leave the judgement up to god.
I've adored watching many of Christopher Hitchens content on RUclips, regardless of whether I fall on his side of his arguments or not it is a pleasure to watch a 'first-class-mind' in full articulate flow. My favourite episode was his verbal joust on Firing Line with William F. Buckley Jr.: Is There a Liberal Crack-Up? It was like watching two opponents verbally slap each other about with barely concealed mutual contempt whilst maintaining a tight-lipped and threadbare civility, but the class with which Hitchens defended himself between a hostile host and a derisive fellow guest frankly left me in awe. What a human being.
Christopher Hitchens is my all time hero! He, via RUclips, was pivotal in waking me up from my Jehovah's witness indoctrination. Please don't try to sneak in this idea that he was on some spiritual journey. He was very aware of how people try to push such ideas, such as a death bed conversion post mortem. The word spiritual is such a bullshit word. It is useless. People define it a million different ways. Christopher Hitchens absolutely did not believe in anything supernatural or spiritual other than what sourced from the human mind. As we speak, my friend by proxy, Hitch, is in the grave, still waiting for the sufficient extraordinary evidence to back up these unfounded extraordinary spiritual claims.
But the feeling one gets from meditation is kind of a unique one unexplainable in scientific terms, which is aptly called as spiritual. Spirituality need not have religious element attached to it. In most cases it doesnot
I always thought Hitch (a personal hero of mine) was anti-religion and anti-myth rather than anti-spritual. He himself was such a blazing and elemental spirit he almost (unwittingly) made the case for something beyond base humanity.
Oh my goodness! I was thinking that just the other day! Can you imagine Russell and Hitchens across the table to each other...the discussion and vibe would be AMAZING!!!
@@manjitu4253 I think it would go something like this "get away from me you flaming asshole I can't stop these worms from crawling out of my eyeballs" and Russell says in response "I can't move I am hanging from my eyebrows with fish hooks in them please forgive me my mentor of atheism, oh great flaming drunkard"
He was a man with the greatest and sole command of himself. This is charisma. He knew what he felt, looking at a sunset, and accepted it. Seems to me that's all one needs to be able to do. He was not a believer, a nihilist or "spiritual", he was a Sensitive. He spent his life refining the *way* he thought about his human responses to the world. He did not hold spirituality in contempt; he interrogated it within himself. What he held in contempt was outdated modes of thought, dogma, fearmongering and corruption. It is no wonder he devoted his life to opposing organised religion, not personal beliefs. Although, he did once set out his stall on this matter, saying that he would happily believe those who say they saw christ, or were visited by angels, whilst being quite sure they hadn't been there.
As someone who doesn't share Hitchens fundamental world view, but also deeply admires him and is interested in (and agrees with much of) what he has to say, I think you're right Russell, that the real division is between those who earnestly and sincerely seek truth and those who are dogmatic in their positions. Never really saw it that way before
We are All One within the One Infinite Field of Consciousness (Known by Many Names... But Beyond All) We are All Manifestations of the Divine 🙏 Raise Your Level of Consciousness and Raise the World 🙏🌎💙
Maybe it's me that associates Atheism with Nihilism..... Yes.. that's you. Atheism is *JUST* "I'm not convinced of the religious claims I've heard thus far." and nothing else... There's still tons of meaning, purpose, beauty, etc *WITHOUT* needing to claim some imaginary entity is the cause of it. In *fact* there is *JUST AS MUCH* meaning, purpose, etc as if there was a God.... really makes me doubt your interest in what the *ACTUAL* position is if you epicly fail to understand that not being convince of a god does not suddenly make you believe everything is pointless, meaningless, etc... I understand why *RELIGIOUS* people de-converting go through that phase, cause they've been promised this great thing that never actually existed, but that's the point... it never actually existed and yet you were having a decent time.
These "lovely" Christians and Catholics mocked him when he caught oesophageal cancer. They said he was punished by God for being so critical about God. Disgusting humans. I just bought a copy of his book Arguably which is anthology of his essays as a journalist. Stunning.
"Good people will do good things and bad people will do bad things, but for good people to do bad things - that takes religion." - Steven Weinberg If it's any consolation, I am a Christian and also have Barrett's esophagus. You are correct in saying those are disgusting behaviors.
Chris was a remarkable man. smart quick funny and could explain everything in a way most people could actually understand. Some just see his confidence or arrogance and pass him by. their loss I could have chatted to him all day.
Always a pleasure to listen to Christopher Hitchen and yourself Russell. A lovely conversation which has made me smile. Honesty, Open-mindedness will invariably bring willingness to explore and then experience spiritual oneness 💫🙏🏽
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
Just think how confusing it will be for the children of atheists. "Daddy, what is Christmas all about, with the people hanging lights and singing and buying gifts." "Well son, they are celebrating the birth of someone who did not exist." Poor kid. Then he asks: " But Santa exists, doesn't he? Yes son, of course he does." What a terrible foundation for Billy to have. Just my understanding.
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
I'm admittedly leaning more agnostic than when I first got into Hitch, and I recognize his flaws of course, but I still go back to him sometimes, and I've never really thought of him as a "nihilist" at all. He seemed to find meaning through a Carl Sagan-like clarity about physical existence as it is (like that clip at 0:28 where he evokes Sagan directly, about us being "the dust of exploded suns"). I look at the world and the universe and see an organic process that's been going on for billions of years that I get to participate in for the blink of an eye, and it inspires awe in me rather than despair.
Yeah i agree. Even just the thought that there's a part of ourselves what lives on within the lives of next generations, can be the type of thought what helps some of us to see life as being about a far bigger picture than ourselves. Russell's present view, would seem, to me, to deem people with more pantheist styled beliefs, to be people who'd need to be less enlightened?. And yet as some people have rightly pointed out (in my opinion), in some way pantheism can seem to be little more than a sexed up style of atheism. I suspect that perhaps Russell Brand might have spent a little too much time hanging around guru's strictly involved in meditational practices?. To the effect that thoughts become emmeshed in a "cult like" style of short sighted enlightenment. Perhaps he'd possibly benefit from spending a little more time out in complete solitude or something. I only wish that Christopher Hitchens were still around here to hop back on board here with a come back to what Russell is implying
Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
I used to live near CH and while I didn’t really know him, I miss seeing him around. He was a presence that exuded intelligence. He was also a very good barfly :)
@@kaizershozei8720 It's obvious everyone is an inferior mind and intellect to CH and so to not bow down before him is to admit you are not intelligent. This is a man fools look to for wisdom because they can all agree there is no God. If you DARE suggest the Bible is the word of God you will be ridiculed instead of taken seriously. This is a man afraid of truth and needs your love and attention to survive (Buy his book) but he drank himself into hell and there he stays.
These atheists ride the circuit and sell books just like any other business person. You've got religious men doing the same exact thing, selling a book to go with their appearances. It's all for the benefit of making money. His reputation is what sells books. If he can get a zinger in to go viral then that is free promotion. He's an actor. He's a liar. He knows what you want to hear and he delivers the goods. Now shut up and buy his book.
@@kaizershozei8720 Carl Sagan is another one. Early in his career he was a pro-UFO phenomenon believer. He became a spokesperson at events and such. Then - he changed. Just like that. Of course, being a scientist, we should not question him, even if he changes his mind. Because scientists and philosophers are smarter than you and I. We should not question their authority.
Russel.. I always enjoy your uploads and I would be commenting more regularly now. This vid was beautifully handled. Thank you for always entertaining the experience of an opened mind ✨
This was more about Brand than it was Hitchens. Hitchens, I believe would have hated the Branding of "King of the Atheists. I believe this miss-step Brands you in an unenlightened and unfavorable light. I love your channel. Cheers!
I am not an atheist nor from any organized religions but I enjoyed Christopher Hitchens very much and I miss him. I share that "don't insult my intelligence" attitude coming out of Hitchens and I wished he considered reaching outside of his five senses and give the benefit of the doubt since we do not have yet the scientific instrument to "measure" what God is about... as it were in the past where today we can scientifically prove and understand certain things which was mysterious and misunderstood. The science is just not there yet to prove the existence of God. I LOVE this quote : “INTELLIGENCE - Not because you think you know everything without questioning, but rather because you question everything you think you know.”
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
All I know for sure, is that when I ask respectfully and with presence, for assistance in working through something difficult, I get very appropriate answers. As far as my experience has proven to me, there is something outside of physical being... a source of absolute truth and love. Don’t know how else to describe it. It cannot make my obstacles disappear, but it can help me to overcome them with wise counsel.
Me too. His brother Peter does not have the charm of Christopher but he actually has more to say than his brother. I am a Christian but did not come to it until i was 25.
I believe in God and I like Hitchens so damn much. Look up the whole water boarding fiasco with him where he supported water boarding, than accepted to try it out, and the result is pure comedy. He lasts 5 seconds, gives up, than changes his mind. That will always stick with me and I have so much respect for him. It's funny but it showed in a very visceral way the fact he really was on the search for truth.
It's a year old but i just got the video in my feed. Religion will never disappear. Just look into this comment section. People distorting what he said, presenting arguments that have been refuted time and time again and yet keep being used. For many, to question faith isn't just an intellectual problem. It means questioning who they are, their upbringing, the honesty and integrity of their forefathers. And some just want to believe. What i never understood is why so many people of faith so desperately try to either prove religious claims using scientific methods or outright dismiss scientific evidence for how the natural world works that have been proven over and over again. It's faith, just have it and keep it to yourself. If it helps, i am genuinely happy for you. Just don't try to drag down everybody else so you can feel better about your personal choices. We need another Hitch.
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
@@jeffforsythe9514 if you think people are replacing God with him you are quite mistaken. Having said that, Hitchens’ version of the Ten Commandments is much better than the one in the Bible.
@@shankz8854 Just think how confusing it will be for the children of atheists. "Daddy, what is Christmas all about, with the people hanging lights and singing and buying gifts." "Well son, they are celebrating the birth of someone who did not exist." Poor kid. Then he asks: " But Santa exists, doesn't he? Yes son, of course he does." What a terrible foundation for little Billy to have. Just my understanding.
@@jeffforsythe9514 Hahaha I’m not sure how serious you are, but just in case you’re more serious than I think, I’ll respond. Atheists are of course not new. Where is the data on the psychological scarring of growing up atheist? I’d be much more concerned about the children growing up believing in Hell. I grew up culturally Protestant and learnt all about Jesus and the nativity. I have no recollection of realising it wasn’t true - it always seemed very abstract and mythological to me. Furthermore, lights, gifts and most Christmas songs have nothing whatsoever to do with Jesus. Many Christmas traditions predate Christianity such as evergreens, pine trees, holly, Yule logs and originate from pagan winter solstice traditions. Saint Nicholas was Turkish I believe and has virtually nothing to do with the modern, largely American, creation that is now known as “Santa Claus”. So I think Christian kids will be just as confused if not more confused by modern Christmas traditions, which have nothing to do with Jesus. They may also have questions if and when they realise the story of Jesus’ birth is not in the oldest gospel which was a source for the later gospels of Luke and Matthew, which in turn contradict one another regarding his birth and lineage.
@@shankz8854 Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
I loved him! He gave me so much strength in my knowing's. I had many Christian friends who wouldn't listen to a different take on truth of God. I have always had Faith, but never believed in the fear written in the bible.... I am appreciative for this man and his strength to speak up against religion with such wisdom.. xoxoxoxoxo Elle
But you still perceive meaning as something that only you can give to yourself. Which sounds logic at first but try to question that such a view leaves you as the most potent being in the universe as giving meaning is truly a creative endeavor.
It's wrong to interpret Hitchens' views on religion as nihilistic. I have admittedly not read God Is Not Great, but for the past few weeks I've voraciously watched the God debate videos. He repeatedly insists that his atheism does not negate a strong moral code and a sense of meaning. To the extent that I understand his position, he simply believes his morality and sense of meaning have not been imbued within him by a creator. He balks at the notion that humanity needed the Ten Commandments, for instance, to understand that killing is wrong, and furthermore considers it insulting to suggest that without God we would be a completely barbarous, immoral species. There is a common morality within most, if not all of us, to be sure, but it's the product of evolution and intelligence. (And I disagree that intelligence is evidence for the almighty, but please someone attempt to win to me over.) We are constantly negotiating morality as a society, and religion is one of humanity's tools for this negotiation. But like Hitchens, I believe that we don't need the Bible or the Torah or the Quran to explain morality to us. It is, to a degree, innate. That which is not innate we learn over the course of our lives through experience, example, and teaching. I don't see any proof of God in our acquisition of morality. Also, absence of God in one's life does not mean they are wallowing in materialism, pain, and despair. The capacity for reverence, for experiencing overwhelming beauty and transcendence, for feeling one with the natural world and connected to all people living, dead, and yet to live, exists within everyone, regardless of religious belief. I have not decided whether or not I am an atheist. Still figuring this out. I'm mostly attracted to Hitch for the reasons Russel mentions - his style, wit, and astounding command of language and intellect. I must say, his argument that religion is a destructive, oppressive force upon the planet is convincing, but I think it is a bit reductive. Obviously people derive enormous peace and purpose from their practice. I would never dissuade anyone from engaging in religion on an individual basis. It's most dangerous when it it wielded by the powerful as a tool of subjugation and oppression, as it has been throughout history. But obviously this is not the universal experience of religion. In the end, I agree with Russell that the true division does not exist between atheists and believers, but instead between the open minded and the close minded, those willing to seek, explore, and question reality, and those stubbornly set in their ways, unwilling to consider anything that contradicts the dogma they've been told. Well put, Russell. Also you missed a button on your shirt, dude.
I think his nihilism comment was more about the meaninglessness of atheism. Sure you can say "I believe in being kind, because it makes me happy" for example, but ultimately you will die, and you being happy was meaningless. You want remember it because you'll be dead. You could say "well, i've made a positive contribution", but ultimately in the end when humanity dies, it won't matter, because nobody will remember.
The problem with religion is I think very well explained with Dawkins' 'meme' idea. The meme spreads around and concomittant with that there were laws formed and structures of society put in place that resembled those ideas held in many people... The problem is when that meme is fundamentally for the sake of keeping a populace pacified and complacent in their suffering, even justifying their suffering in terms of their belief. The problem is when such sociological facts are in place precisely because of tyrannical rulers and groups of people in power who actively sought to control the minds of people. People can't fathom that it is all a well-organized, interestingly and perhaps even beautifully constructed delusion and lie. That is why Nietzsche said people don't want truth... They'd rather their illusions.
@@PIASOC So happiness and kindness are only meaningful if you make it to heaven? I don't understand your point. I believe the contrary, happiness and kindness are all the more meaningful because we die. A good deed done in the dark is still a good deed. Happiness in the face of death is a beautiful thing. And yes, all of our kindness and happiness may well be forgotten forever after we die, that doesn't mean we should not treat people with kindness or strive to be happy.
@@patrickcolinwalsh Nothing is ever forgotten by everything. Nothing is forgotten by the universe. What is... is... and that is what will always have been.
Hate is a strong word. I can see how some could might Dislike him. He did have a big ego, then he learned and matured enough to begin to check it. I’ve personally always enjoyed his comedic sense and ability to articulate.
I don't find his description of "star dust" to be metaphorical or poetical. He means it literally. It's the sheer scope of reality that lends the poetic quality.
I wish Hitch were still around to talk to a figure like Russell. The man could be a bit rude to people he disagreed with, but I believe he would have respected Russell in the end. I will gladly take commentary on him in lieu of that, however.
Fucking hell...I'd want his opinions on things far beyond Russell. BLM, Antifa, gender change, CRT, media control, Big tech, the direction of modern & future politics plus Covid for a start.
Do you really think for a moment that Hitchens would have given Russell the time of day. No he would have followed the example of his brother Peter who quite rightly has zero time for this charlatan
Hard to speculate what he might do were he still alive, I think. Given the gulf in personality and opinion between Christopher and his brother (though there is overlap), I think Christopher might've given Russell the time of day, but then I don't find Russell to be a charlatan either, so I doubt anything I say could persuade you anyway.
@@gregevenden6515 Of course we all have the right to our own opinion but i have no time for a man who believes spiritualism is somehow a cure all. Indeed spiritualism should mean nothing to a thinking man. It is when all is said and done exactly what one wants it to be.
@@johnlewis9158 He would have despised Russell. Russell is an autodidact whose responses haven't been smoothed over by years of Classical schooling and privilege. Hitchens would have raised an expensive eyebrow at Russell's analogies and his acolytes would have fawned at his feet. Hitchens is Somerset Maugham for Darwinians. He tells them what they want to hear.
The Hitchens lecture on free speech in Canada is one the most important videos ever recorded. It only gets more relevant as time goes on. That would be a good one to reflect one.
It was so refreshing to listen to Christopher Hitchens (still is), he made the religious look silly and childish for believing stories that lack any evidence. God - an undefined supernatural entity tailored to meet ones needs. I like Sam Harris too, I recommend his book: "The End of Faith" ...it just makes so much sense!
I found Christopher Hitchens very helpful to my journey towards Islam. I weighed up his criticisms as the biggest attack against so was able to weigh that against the religion and found the faith much more compelling.
A classical romantic in love with the tragic beauty of life and the lyrical art of the spoken word. That was Christopher. This here ape grew up Catholic, beat the atheist drum later, and even wrote atheist slanted articles for Dawkins's website. First LSD trip shut that right down and now what precious time remains is spent on more fulfilling endeavors. Hitchens's desire to disillusion others stemmed from love, not hate; regardless, he was a powerhouse of discourse that is very rare today.
Russel hit the nail on the head with this; The basic atheist argument is humans ascribed meaning onto life for fear of unknowns. Fair enough, but if we are random cells and mutations - why did we ascribe meaning? Apple watches, which are literal gears and cogs in a wheel, are they afraid of running out of batteries? Running out of life?
@@tompaine4044 the most childish argument for a God, may in fact be the best. Although not intellectual in the newest of the “British Proper” sense, the best case for a God is that everyone in every culture for the last 10,000 years has said there is a creator in one way or another. Now of course we don’t always side with the majority. Of course not. But the amount of ego it takes to pompously stand on a stage and say, “Every disconnected culture across all time and continents apart are simply pagan Neanderthals and everyone has been wrong except Western Reductionism” It’s not the best argument, but there is something really to it. What? Everyone has been wrong? When truly disconnected sources arrive at the same conclusion - that is the literal definition of what a fact consists of. Widely held opinions enter the domain of factual based on how many sources agree. Maybe?
@@jinn_particle They might, and that’s why on the video where I outline this approach always begins with “For all we know iPhones are self aware... but for sake of a continued conversation let’s move forward with what we do know.”
@@zacksymes You say siding with the majority is not a reliable path to true beliefs? And that's what you use to determine it's true that a god exists? 🤔 Btw, I hate to be the one to mention it, but you forgot to acknowledge the question: Does not knowing the answer to your questions imply a god exists?
@@tompaine4044 To point one of yours. I said not “always”. A key word to not leave out. But really... it’s super hard to imagine this many cultures arriving to a wrong conclusion. It’s like super duper hard to fathom. To your second point, which question? Does not knowing the answer to which question imply a creator? I know the atheist argument really really hates “The worlds so complicated a God must have made it.” I know that seems silly to anyone who might pride themselves so heavily on the intellect. But it really is just to bizzare. We are perfectly distanced from the sun, and tilted for seasons etc. My god! The human eye is sooooo fucking cool. The only reason one could ever subscribe to the Big Bang (without an intelligent start up) is because we keep adding zeros. Humans can’t fathom 200 billion years. And we use that same inability to even remotely consider “Yup must have been an accident”
Russell, iv noticed many of my favourite comedians either become extremely depressed(Robin Williams), get lost in the physical and meterialistic world or become spiritualy waken (Jim carry, you). I think you and Jim Carry would have a beyond extraordinary conversation!
Earth is a kindergarten, we keep coming back to live every possible life, to have been in everyone's shoes. Once we have learned how to be truly spiritual and at peace do we move on to the next place, that's what makes it heaven.
You don't need faith to believe in god. People took hallucinogens and saw a being who we'd recognise as god. They told others and this is where the idea from. People cannot say God doesn't exist because once You acknowledge the fact God is someone people have met independently of each other in the psychedelic realm then it becomes undeniable. I smoked dmt and saw God and spoke to him for about ten minutes. I was agnostic perhaps before this and wasn't expecting it all. I asked why people are so cruel and he responded by saying "forgive them, they know not what they do". I asked a lot of other questions but most of the memory has faded but when the dmt started to wear off God put his hand on my head and pushed me back into my own reality and it felt like a healing touch. This experience changed my life as I was suffering with anxiety and depression which is why I tried dmt and it gave me the inner strength to get through. So saying God doesn't exist is simply wrong.
Sorry, I forgot about the main protagonist, Christopher Hitchens. He brilliantly brought together all these Theological, Biblical, Spiritual and Historical ideas in a whimsical, witty manner. Even more brilliantly, perhaps, he advocated Atheism, and maybe Agnosticism, as a Devil’s Advocate tool of retroactive analysis. We hear that he sadly died of cancer at about 62 years old. Certainly one of the best voices in this area. Let’s hope his ghost lives on forever in Heaven.
I understand the attraction to a universal oneness, an enlightened experience, a God (conscious or unconscious). Why does an appreciation for the awe that cosmology, biology, art, nature in general have to be strictly spiritual? Why are we so hurried to escape the mundane and create a sacred sphere separate from ourselves? Is it comfort? Is it to make peace with the weird fact that we're here and know we're going to die? Why are we so insistent that we're special and unique in the cosmos and that we have an association to the divine? It feels.. egotistical a bit? As far as we know, we're living on the skin of a rock that repeatedly gets bombarded by life-ending meteors, cancer causing solar rays, where our cells either give us cancer or we die of age-related disease. We're one of millions of species in a natural world and universe that is utterly indifferent to our lives or deaths. Why are we scared of meaninglessness? I feel like it's an invitation to make your own meaning in life, and marveling at all the cool and bizarre things that is the human experience. Why do we need origin stories, and heavens, and reincarnation, or law of attraction or all these things that put us on a pedestal? Does it have to be religious or spiritual to recognize we're all talking cosmic dust that talks to one another and dies?
Well the word "religious" - "relegere" itself is about bringing "nature", broadly speaking, to your attention and reflecting about it. I would have no problem with calling your comment exactly that. Asking yourself questions without expecting any answers is almost the perfect definition of irrational behavior isn't it? Not that I have anything against it.
No it doesn’t but my issue with that train of thought is that it can turn any idea of morality/ value to purely subjective matters. Essentially meaningless, one may be able to find a illusatory sense of meaning being part of a finite world and universe. But without a higher set of principles an idea of a higher objective moral purpose anything goes. Kill, steal, manipulate, serve, love, look after all actions are meaningless finite moments that simply pass. If the holocaust occurs it’s just an action there is no value to human life ultimately. It’s a cosmic blink of the eye as is dust in stars, stars themselves, galaxies, all will fade out into absolute nothingness. Heat in a vacuum. I and many others find no peace or awe in that whetter it’s true or not
Almost every past mythology or cultural story can be traced to a Higher Being influencing people in some way. There is another level of existence, however you name it, summon it, or pray to it, it's there. If I chose to name my spiritual conscience and connection to an Angel named Lucifer, then why should someone who identifies with Jesus condemn me for it? Atheists believe what they do, but again, why should they frown at someone doing rituals/tarots/ouija/ ect? Be free. Believe in what you Will.
Because it NEVER ends that way. They want to legislate it. Those that choose to affirm their faith and do not interfere w the freedom of others, no one would care.
@@dwolfcoach .....this is the main point isn't it? It's not that people care, it's that those of faith often times, seek to impose that faith or system of beliefs on others. I consider myself agnostic because to me to say there is no creation or creator(s) is an anti intellectual as saying there is "definitively" We simply don't know. State as much and be humble. So a person like Hitchens may have felt the need to challenge this constant imposition of faith and morality because it's sphere of influence is so grand in the daily lives of humans. He truly believed this was it. The issue i think are the extreme positions. I think the religious feel they will be persecuted under an atheistic world order and that we will lose some sense of our basic humanity, but i'm not sure i completely agree with that fear. If we just look at Scandanavia.....which has a long history of being very religious. They have shifted quite surprisingly to a very humane society, post rise of secularism or common law. It didn't go the other way. Belief is religion is extremely low yet the people are kind, friendly, generous, and law abiding. Now maybe people are more agnostic and humble, meaning no extreme views one way or the other, i'm not sure but it seems to me highly civil. There are no persecutions of people of faith and i'm sure those countries by this point in history have all types of faiths within their national borders. But then you study Poland and there seems to be more of an imposition of faith and a political climate of discrimination. That seems to be how the majority of Poles want to live and of course it's their nation and their right. It doesn't mean Poland is a bad place to live. It's just different. I prefer to live where people are less able to impose their religious values on the greater society. Just me....
@@sammyslam1 Yes, agreed, it depends on the country's starting point. In the US, we have a secular government under a godless constitution. But we're still very religious, at least much of the aging population is. But if I didn't see so much interference in our politics and our laws, it would be a moot point. Here, it's about control and imposing faith as virtue that gets tiring. For those folks, my response is antitheistic.
@@dwolfcoach ....great points. I will slightly disagree with one part of your response. The U.S Constitution absolutely affirms Creation and Natural Law. Nearly all signatories are deists. They were all of the old order but considered themselves part of the "Enlightened Movement or Age of Reason" They accept and even affirm through secular law, the possibility of deity. Religious law was the opposite of freedom to them. Too rigid for the new way of thinking and living in civil society. Governments of humans would neither promote nor seek to abolish religion. It's a personal choice.... These are definitely not perfect men as they are very much also guided by "Manifest Destiny", which is toxic philosophy akin to "Zionism", "Nazism", and in many ways, "Hinduism" This idea of special classes, chosen peoples, or of divinely inspired humans is incredibly harmful. It is the creator of genocidal tendencies. The spawn of "Common Good" philosophy. I'm not sure how we get past this?
@@sammyslam1 Interesting that, "The US constitution absolutely affirms Creation and natural law"? Natural law is vague enough to argue, but the "Creator" is overtly and intentionally left out of our governing document. Unless you can cite that clause I remain unconvinced. But most were definitely deists and men of the enlightenment, but that meant deism relative to the thinking of Spinoza, or Einstein, and nothing related to supernatural causes. So I'll take issue with your "absolute" affirmation. But the main idea that we can exercise our modes of conscience is clear in the "free exercise" clause. And I'd never want to come between the comfort of anyone's day and my rigid ideas, so I get that. I cant remember the rest of your post, until I send this. So let's keep the conversation going. Especially if you can correct me.
I don’t agree with Hitchens on all his views on religion and politics, but he is still one of the men I admire most in history, from any time period. The oratory and eloquence is peerless. His books Unacknowledged Legislation, his essays on so many interesting topics, letters to a young contrarian, and his legendary memoir are all among my favorite works of writing. He was described at one event with him as “a one man transatlantic institution”.
They sound smart, but actually they often don't make sense. Like when he pushes this lie that 'God' = 'gods'. "I believe in one less god than you!" Yeah, it sounds witty and biting, but it's dishonestly conflating two different words. Also, his "believers are afraid of the dark" remark, could easily be dismissed as "atheists are afraid of the light".
Russell, Hitchens was an amazing intellect, so his ability to discuss spiritual belief was difficult to debate. But I believe he was "spiritual" and not religious (like his tinder profile would have stated). This is to seek the deeper questions of value and existence through the prediction of phenomena and the rigorous and painstaking effort of experiment and logic to confirm them. Like myself and Richard Dawkins, I am OK with not having all the answers and find greater peace of mind through curiosity and discovery.
@@drbobinski1 If you searched for truth and it lead you to the Holy Bible, something in scripture that jumps off the page for example. If you saw something that proved the Bible is truth, you would discard it. You wouldn't give it any attention. Therefore you are blind with or without the truth. You don't want to know that you're going to hell for denying your salvation. The only way you will know the truth is to open your eyes and realize that the King James Bible is perfect and without error. In the Holy Bible is your salvation. You have chosen to deny God and in return God has chosen to leave you alone to complete your sins until you are dead.
Atheism and Nihilism are only equivalent in your mind my friend. The origin story of the atheistic universe is one that is far more rich, full and astounding than (in the words of Hitchens) any bronze aged tale of a paltry burning bush. Our origins, the actuality of it, are more bizarre than you can possibly imagine. You might be mistaking the uncertainty of empiricism with a form of spirituality, but these are not the same... it is a humility that few (if any) faiths actually possess.
@kittieconvoy Well Im not familiar however I do know that the true meaning of the words in the bible are not the generally accepted beliefs and meanings of religions. In the root languages that it was translated from it often has a completely different meaning than what is generally accepted. Apocalypse, lifting of a veil of knowledge or Hell, the returning to nothingness. KJV is a terrible interpretation of the Word.
It's just two extremes. Again, it's what we do (I think because we are so saturated in our worship of our masculine energy; i.e., we know something is missing). I also find it curious that you used the word "faith" rather than religion. Religion doesn't own that word. "Faith" actually means fearlessness. "Fear not"..."for I am with thee always"(hint because I AM thee.) I have to say I find the idea of "point of origin" kinda nonsensical. How could such a thing be? Especially if you feel something created all of this. Because there would be the never-ending question, then what created that creator? Hence, just like "god" is eternal, so is life (because they are the same thing). No beginning, no ending. Death and "rebirth" (reborn?) are the same thing. Um, try to imagine the feeling of KNOWING that nothing ever truly dies. Humans, animals, and also that broccoli and carrots you had for lunch, ha. Yep, plants, trees (all of our precious nature) and even your microbiome has consciousness. All of life is eternal, all is eternal ("all that is"? One thing. Life, consciousness.) We all live on. I feel sad for those who don't know this. Thing is, even if it weren't true, why wouldn't you choose to believe it? Fear of some sort of punishment for not believing the "right" thing? And yet the old book says "believe and it shall be so." You seemed to suggest that the "atheist" side ignores certain things that might chip away at their argument. And yet, doesn't the religious side do the very same thing? Like the multitude of contradictions in the old book. The viciousness of a wrathful, but loving, god? The need to both fear AND love this god?? Not even possible (that's why ppl choose fear, but just superficially speak of love). And "heaven," what the hell is that? Ha, it actually seems like hell. What are you gonna do in heaven? Play a harp for ETERNITY? Ha. I'd rather come back to Earth (or an unseen dimension on another planet) in its original Garden of Eden form and just drink in the true peace of that. That sunset of which you spoke, that's truly "heaven"(peace/joy). Indeed transient, but there are always more. And we dictate that. "Purgatory" is also a strange idea, taken literally. A waiting place? For what? To go play the harp forever? lol. I recently got (intuitive) or noticed how similar the words "purgatory" and "pregnancy" are (prgy). Kinda interesting :-) It does seem to be beyond our comprehension, but "all that is" (including our own consciousness/god-ness) is and always been, and always will be. In one form of existence or another. All the circles (clocks, wheels, seasons, earth's rotation, etc) are a hint, symbolic of this truth. Even the old book speaks of it, "reborn." But we're "reborn" every morning. From a dimension (state of mind) called sleep. And we die to this reality every night (sleep). Yet another hint. Same when we die, we go into another dimension, another "life." And 'round and 'round we go. In fact we die and are "reborn" over and over again in this one life. That is, we change in big ways. Are you still an infant? What happened to the you that was an infant? Are you still the guy you used to be? What happened to that guy? He's not here, because you transformed into another (death/rebirth, just like jesus did in his not-literal, on-the-cross story). "Spirituality" isn't something that requires a book or a guru. It's simply what we are, "spirit" or "consciousness." Eternal life. And there is no greater peace than knowing one has inherent value. AND that the energy behind that sweet, beautiful feline's face never ends. It just moves on to another existence. Just like us. And again, the world changes based on how we feel about ourselves. If you want a hellish world, then teach powerful beings that they're trash ("sinners" "wretches" "nothing without god"). But if you want "heaven on Earth," then teach your little ones how truly precious and valuable they are. Hint, that's not about teaching them how "valuable" a bunch of material sh*t is. Nah, help them to know they need nothing to be valuable/powerful(same thing). Beings that value themselves will value you (and the planet that feeds them), and especially if you can help them to understand that all life is one eternal life.
👏👏👏 OK! I totally agree. My favorite definition of faith is by javed akhtar He says ".. What is the difference between faith and belief? Faith is any belief that is void of reason, rational, and evidence...." Not the exact quote, but should look him up 😜I think you'd enjoy.
Thanks for making this video about Hitchens, a man that I admire greatly. I've only discovered Hitchens last year through RUclips and then bought his book 'God is not great'. I identify a lot with his words and thoughts. I think there is a journey towards agnosticism or atheism, a journey that happens to you only through loss and pain, it does not happen out of the blue. At least that's what is happening to me. I lost my faith and meaning when my mum died of Covid last year, she was only 50 years old. My whole world shattered and don't imagine I'll ever believe in God or in a higher purpose, there is none. It's not easy to feel this way,it's extremely painful, I guarantee that every atheist has a battle inside his being, struggling with this sense of abandonment.
Just think how confusing it will be for the children of atheists. "Daddy, what is Christmas all about, with the people hanging lights and singing and buying gifts." "Well son, they are celebrating the birth of someone who did not exist." Poor kid. Then he asks: " But Santa exists, doesn't he? Yes son, of course he does." What a terrible foundation for Billy to have. Just my understanding.
Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
I'm so sorry for your losses. I hope you'll hold on and get through all this (sooo much easier said than done, aye?). But I truly hope to see you overcome, as an atheist or as a believer. Check Hitchen's Mortality (his last book), it *might* help. He lost his mom to a complicated suicide. He adored her. And I think (think!) he felt some degree of irrational guilt, cause he was her support system and she called his hotel multiple times before taking her own life, but he wasn't there and mobile phones didn't exist. It's been a year since your comment, I truly hope you are coping. ❤🩹
I consider myself to be a spiritual individual but as for believing in a God that loves you so much that he offered up his son for mankind's sake but will see to it that you'll burn in hell if you color outside of the lines, I don't think so.
Exactly, for an all powerful and forgiving being the fella seems a bit jealous too, better believe in him and not another one. If there is a creator people need to remove the image of a guy in the clouds watching you. If something created us, we will never understand or even have the faculties to understand it, that much I'm sure of.
@@bigsteve6729 true that. There is a simple human behavior experiment I saw that I believe goes a long way toward proving that God is a construct that came about when people realized that advancement came quicker when people brain stormed a problem together and began to live in closer proximity to one another. In the experiment they put a few adolescents in a room with a target and velcro balls that they were to stand with their backs to the board and toss the balls over their shoulder and hope to get a treat if fortunate enough to make a bullseye with no adult supervision. Virtually all of them cheated. Next group, same rules except that we're told that in an empty chair sat the invisible princess Alice and she would know if they cheated. Few did, just incase someone unseen was watching...
Religion is dying slowly thankfully. The eastern spiritual traditions will stand the test of time and outlive the Abrahamic religions which are nothing more than man made nonsense to control and keep the peasants in line
i liked watching his talks on you tube , they held my attention , such an eloquent speaker, i left school at 14 and for that reason found it a little difficult to keep up with him, if at all , broke my heart when he passed
Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
The only reason that people believe in an invisible and unproved being is to give themselves something to hold onto. I understand that the thought of dying and becoming exactly the same as before you were conceived is really scary, that however is (in my opinion) the truth of it. As daft as it sounds, I would love to be religious, it would give me something to focus on and maybe give this shitty life some meaning. Unfortunately, you can not make yourself believe in something and therefore I will just continue as I am and fight this bull shit we are up against at the moment.
Doesn't sound daft at all. Faith helps alot of People get through the suffering of life. Ironically, I actually like the idea of no afterlife. That there is truly Nothing. No memory, no "me"... I'm worried that is not the case.
It’s nice for you that your life is so good that you don’t have to yourself stories just to survive! Maybe not so nice to insist or fight as you said to make everyone think as you!
Atheism is nihilistic? Come on Russell, you know that statement is ridiculous. A disbelief in the existence of God (i.e. the one and only criteria for being an atheist) does in no way necessitate a nihilistic worldview.
@@aneurinellis3926 there's nothing to research. Atheism is difined as the lack of belief in god(s), nothing more nothing less. It technically has nothing to do with nihilism.
@@aneurinellis3926 That is everything then? Why the need to specify atheism in that case? As every worldview/idea/origin story is a product of the mind.
Christopher Hitchens turned my views of religion on its head. I was raised a Roman Catholic. Even though I was indoctrinated, I still had questions about many things that just didn't make sense, but I was afraid to ask because I know I would have pushback. Like George Carlin said, "I tried to believe but the older you get, the more you realize something is fucked up." I just stumbled on a video of Hitchens debating some clergy, not sure who, but he utterly destroyed his opponent. I viewed every other video I could find, of his and realized he had the same questions and made me feel not embarrassed to ask those questions.
Hey Russel, good to hear your view on Hitchens. It is unfortunate (for many reasons) that he is longer with us, would have been amazing to hear you both in conversation on Under the Skin. It has been a few years now since I have listened to or read any of his insights, but I think it is safe to say that he wasn't on any kind of spiritual quest. Particularly in regards to anything related to faith or religion. I don't think I'm the only one who feels that we too often conflate religion and spirituality - or perhaps religion simply hijacked spirituality - but regardless of our world views, we can very much experience awe and wonder without equating it with religion or any connection to faith. All religions, systems of belief and rational individuals share many of same values that we consider to be moral. A lot of which also overlap with Veganism in that we know as animals we want to avoid harm and to not inflict suffering on other sentient beings. Does this have anything to do with a higher power? I don't think so. If anything suggesting that it is connected to God undermines our ability to grow and potential to understand more. As for other videos and specific topics, I guess there are a few versions of Christopher Hitchens' Ten Commandments and critique of those delivered by Moses... - ruclips.net/video/v-63cTYJDCA/видео.html - ruclips.net/video/9JyFVJEVQhA/видео.html - ruclips.net/video/pTBabza9hyU/видео.html Religion was the precursor to philosophy, science, and our attempts to understand the world around us. It played an important role in human evolution and consciousness, but there is nothing wrong with outgrowing it and building on our collective knowledge. I do feel that corona has opened our eyes to the fact that our leaders and government have no interest in our well being, and that a "greater good" is something we tell ourselves to feel better. I'm struggling to find the right words and put this more concisely, but my five month old daughter is strapped to my chest and I'm trying not to wake her :) Look forward to hearing more and keep up the great work!
When every word of the Bible was written by man, how could you see someone asking for the recognition of man's work as nihilistic? A higher power there may be, but not one thats been presented to us. All of our knowledge is human driven. Every word was penned by a man, woman, or group of either. Hitchens wants to remind us that this is the case. That is not nihilistic. Camille paglia also felt like he wasn't trying as hard as he could have at the time. His brother feels like he was too used to having the same back and forths, that he tended to talk past specific points with quips he was used to bringing the house down with. He was amazing. Tho, he wasn't always on his game. When he was drinking less he was more sharp. But he was probably always with some amount of booze at all times :)
Not one that's been presented to us? You gotta be kidding me right? Jesus Christ was God incarnate and walked the earth, died on the cross for the sins of all men, and then rose from the dead on the third day. Which might I remind you was an event that was recorded by secular non believing historians and scribes of the time. He's also coming back extremely soon so you might want to join us while you still can, bc judgement is coming to the earth and the 7 year tribulation period is going to be the worst period of time in human history.
@@c.h.7580 I'm not kidding you. You have faith in what you say, and that's obvious. I won't knock it. But I don't believe it myself anymore than the countless stories about dragons and unicorns that persist they exist as well.
@@MsFreshadenu Well you might not think much of this little interaction we as two total strangers are having on the internet, but this is God giving you another chance to understand these things and accept them before it is too late. So please take it seriously, I beg of you.
Because I can assure you, when God himself lends his hand out to you the last thing you want to do is turn it away. It is the greatest honor you could ever be offered, you may not ever meet a celebrity but you can say you met the creator of all things on this day... And who are you for him to be mindful of you? He must think you are worth saving on this day for whatever reason..
Good video, and I say that despite you (gently) disagreeing with one of my heroes, Christopher Hitchens. The issue I have with religious debates is that the defence of religion tends to very quickly descend (or ascend maybe) into the metaphysical rather than the idea of a God who can hear our prayers and sometimes responds to them which is the idea of God that the majority of people believe in. Where Christopher Hitchens/Sam Harris/ Neil deGrasse Tyson, etc, has debated with those who try to defend a God entity who takes an active interest in humans the audience quickly falls onto the side of the atheists. To steal an argument from Sam Harris; There isn't a word for people that don't believe in Tarot Card reading, we just call those people sane. That is all that Atheism is with regards to religion
Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
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Is what you're wearing buttoned wrong? Looks like it. I adore your channel.
Laurel Dell “wrong” ? What’s that?
@@gratefuldoge8598 Are you serious?
He buttoned his shirt missing the top button hole. Did i really need to explain that to you?
Laurel Dell I just don’t understand the word. What is “wrong”? You don’t need to do anything for me. You took that upon yourself.
HITCHENS on QT, re, Salman Rushdie, was one of the most important cultural moments in the UK in recent menory... and throughly depressing....
Christopher Hitchens warned everyone repeatedly that if there were rumours of a deathbed conversion to religious faith that they would be false.
So sick of people trying to imply that he was on a journey towards faith. Take the man at his word! He's no longer here but he couldn't have made his position any plainer when he was.
Yea Im kinda jealous of the level of faith he had. I mean to believe all of the complex intelligence in the world just happened takes crazy amount of faith! Better man than me
@@marcusmayne3831 evolution by natural selection doesn't require faith. Only time. Almost incomprehensible amounts of time.
@@marcusmayne3831 He had "faith" that complexity and intelligence "just happened"? Intentionally misrepresenting someone's lifetime work doesn't make your point, it makes your point dishonest or fatuous. CH was NOT a person of faith. And no one, especially not CH, claimed that it "just happened". If you're a person of faith, great, but the suspension of the natural order of our universe was NEVER claimed by CH. 🤦♂️
@@marcusmayne3831 You only need faith if you believe you know the answers. Hitchens made no claims to know the answers of any of these questions and, therefore, needed no faith to hold his position.
I disagree. Everyone has faith in something( yours being faith in men who claim to have no agenda) just say you DONT WANT to have faith in a personal God and Creator, that's fine. Just don't say their is evidence against it because their is not.
He was an anti-theïst according to himself. Against religion. I do wonder what he would make of all the current superstitions. He was wonderful, and still inspires individualistic thought.
But....in his final months he was directly asked ‘While facing ur mortality, have ur beliefs changed???’ His response? ‘No, why would they?’
Hitchens did not believe in a God. He was clear in many lectures. The piece used in this video is soooo small & without context, it doesnt come close to representing his opinion or his strong argument against the belief in God, as well, the outright condemnation he expressed for religion & the atrocities performed under the banner of so called faith & organized religion, including but not limited to the extremists that go beyond standard rituals such as circumcision performed by non medical professionals.
@@friedricengravy6646 what religion is communism? How many people has it killed?
@@MyNameIsChristBringsASword I don't see how that is relevant to the conversation, but I'd be mindful about the body count resulting from religion before I start pointing fingers.
@@MyNameIsChristBringsASword Religion is built on mountains of corpses, repression and suffering.
@@MiseryRex True. The Holy Bible is the word of God and is not religion. Communism has been attacking God from the beginning. The crimes of the Vatican are a result of extended Roman paganism and not what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross to pay for our sins.
Such a shame Hitch isnt still around. His books, speeches, debates and tv appearances covering the last 10 years of turmoil would have been incredible!
Just think how confusing it will be for the children of atheists. "Daddy, what is Christmas all about, with the people hanging lights and singing and buying gifts." "Well son, they are celebrating the birth of someone who did not exist." Poor kid. Then he asks: " But Santa exists, doesn't he? Yes son, of course he does." What a terrible foundation for Billy to have. Just my understanding.
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
Hitchens is my absolute hero.
He's had such a positive impact on my life.
Him and Dawkins teased me out of all my bigoted and hate filled thinking as a young man.
I can't imagine why Russell (who could speak for hour solid without saying anything) would think he was the right person to analyse Hitchens beliefs. Indeed this spiritualism Russell constantly refers to signifies nothing and means nothing other than the way one feels
Maybe not if you were autistic though, shame about that.
@@johnlewis9158 I think it's the tired "I want hope, meaning, and purpose" line, where you insist those things must be external to you, "because."
I found Hitchems just before he died. I binged him like a thirsty alcohol. Now some years later if struggling to sleep I put him on either a talking book or a RUclips video. I miss hitch.
I'm no atheist, but I have the utmost respect for Christopher Hitchens. He was an absolutely brilliant man.
Just think how confusing it will be for the children of atheists. "Daddy, what is Christmas all about, with the people hanging lights and singing and buying gifts." "Well son, they are celebrating the birth of someone who did not exist." Poor kid. Then he asks: " But Santa exists, doesn't he? Yes son, of course he does." What a terrible foundation for Billy to have. Just my understanding.
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
@@jeffforsythe9514 Santa bad? Evil god good? Hmm okay then
Same here.
@@jeffforsythe9514listen to supreme atheist Richard Dawkins who believed Jesus did exist just not the magic and he’s happy to sing carols as anyone else. No one adult actually believes Santa Claus in the fantasy sense of delivering presents to the whole world in a single night actually exists. Your argument is meaningless.
Does anyone else find it absolutely fascinating just to exist?
Yes. What the hell is actually going on here 😂 A bunch of intelligent apes communicating over a wireless network wtf
No I don't, and never less so than at the moment. We are facing an evil every bit as bad as in Nazi germany, this isn't fascinating but bloody scary.
@@dianne9365 your conditioning and egoic attachments are irrelevant to this question
@@andybrown3016 Ok, if you say so. Unfortunately, this is how I see existence at the moment, even if it is too simplistic and irrelevant for such great minds as yours. I am not belittling the original commenter, just making a gut reaction comment due to the shit we are going through.
Theres always something terrible going on within the world. Even nature itself is chaotic and unforgiving at times. But if we allow ourselves to get caught up in it then we become resentful and eventually end up becoming a part of the problem. Heaven and hell only exist within the mind. .... I think lol
If you want a wake-up call to start living life and realize what's important, go read Mortality by Hitchens. It was published after his death and is one of the most profoundly moving pieces I've ever read.
Just think how confusing it will be for the children of atheists. "Daddy, what is Christmas all about, with the people hanging lights and singing and buying gifts." "Well son, they are celebrating the birth of someone who did not exist." Poor kid. Then he asks: " But Santa exists, doesn't he? Yes son, of course he does." What a terrible foundation for Billy to have. Just my understanding.
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
Thank you, hadn't heard about it
@@jeffforsythe9514 it appears to me that the children of religious people are the ones who are going to need the psychologist. We were all lied to as kids when it came to the tooth fairy and the Easter Bunny. But the story of God coming to earth is somehow true? Kids see past that. We don't give them enough credit.
@@Tbone.357 All of the one hundred million Falun Gong practitioners practice truthfulness-compassion-tolerance diligently. What makes you think that God would not come to earth, the earth and all humans sure could use some divine intervention right now. Goethe said: "It is rare to find a human being with a large enough imagination to accept reality".
Which ever side you stand you can’t help but love ‘Hitch’. He was one of a kind, beautifully spoken and brutally condemning and even though I believe in God I feel the same way ,a warmth to him.
Fun fact: in every moment of your life you are creating your future reality based on the way you feel.
The way you feel, governs your actions in the present moment and your overall perspective on life as a whole.
This is a friendly reminder to make sure you feel good before you make any decisions (even the smallest of them) because those decisions will have a knock on effect on your future.
Stay blessed.
You have an abundance of love within you.
Let it out.
@@tomharding4779 I recommend prayer and gratitude (even if you don't feel it) and on a practical level, drinking distilled water, cutting out processed food and exercise
@@tomharding4779 But sometimes, you're just gunna feel bad. It won't last forever, nor does feeling good
you can run but you cannot hide from your eternal suffering in hell
Beautifully said. May you have prosperity and abundance!
It's a lazy and inaccurate trope to call atheists "nihilists".
I don't believe in gods, in the same way I don't believe in Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny.
That doesn't make me a nihilist. I don't need to imagine the universe as some kind of ghost to give it "meaning". It is beautiful enough and my life is fulfilled enough without superstition.
Well said.
People who call atheists nihilists expose something about themselves - that their life would be utterly meaningless if they didn't have a cosmic despot to grovel to.
here here
@@christopherbremer2192 It's "hear, hear!"
@@siim605 thank you, i knew i had that wrong
I can’t help but feel badly Christopher is needed today.
Instead of wishing Christopher to still be alive, after he's had a full run (which by the way obviously took a lot more effort than just going "hurr-durr I'm an atheist"), why not be the Christopher you want to see in this world?
The problem with worshiping someone's work, is that in essence you believe to your core, that you couldn't possibly add such a thing of value to this world, yourself. So you keep wishing him to come back, just like the Christians who desperately want Christ to come back.
While in fact you could actually do what he did yourself, and realize that both Christ and Christopher were humanbeings who had to wrestle, and go through life like you and I do. And they just gave it their all, with an intelligence-based passion, in order to improve things for people who couldn't defend themselves. And were abused as such. Both by religious hypocrisy.
It would be just as much of a mistake to build a 'religion' around Hitchins work, as it has been with Christianity building a religion around the work of this Christ character in the gospel. Because when you build a religion around it, it becomes an excuse to worship the image of the person, instead of following the real-life example they set. Which was sacrificial to the core.
You want more Christopher in this world? Be the change you want to see. Be the Christoper you want to see.
Same advice applies to frustrated christians. Christ didn't die mad about the non-believers. He died saying: "God (who is love): Forgive these crazy people who want me dead, because they're being manipulated and mind-controlled by religious fanatics and a loveless system, and they don't know what they're doing." (paraphrasing).
@@william4661 he was irreplaceable. I understand the sentiment, but his continued knowledge and reputation would have given some of us a better light to follow through the very confusing times of 2014-present. He would have praised the change where it was necessary and pointed out plainly where the line to cross would have been.
@@william4661 paraphrasing Jesus because you cannot accept He is God. You're going to hell.
@@MsFreshadenu CH is replaceable. All you need is another cranky old drunk that hates God
No he is not needed today.
I'm not an atheist but Hitchens always captivated me with his eloquence and erudition. His audiobooks and speeches are a pleasure to listen to.
ruclips.net/video/JXEiKPxCSdA/видео.html
Come to the dark side MUUUUUHAHAHAH jk it's actually pretty light from where I sit. I am an atheist but my moral framework was mostly derived from my christian upbringing (not saying religion is the source of morality, no fellow atheists need get their panties in a bunch).
Indeed, his eloquence and erudition vastly outperformed the eloquence and erudition within books that have actually been ascribed "godly" authorship and diktat. Hitchens was the more congruent communicator of the two disciplines. The language of scepticism and disbelief actually OUTSHINING the language of belief and (for many) resonating truth in a much more powerful and potent manner....and yet....just a "man."
indeed..!
His defining work was titled "God is not great".
He stated that every time some commences a murderous attack, his ( they are overwhelmingly men) battle cry would be a reminder to everybody to buy his book.
The sense of humour of Christopher Hitchens is astounding.
What a remarkable intellect to see this. Every outbreak of madness all reminds the world of the perspective of Hitchens on their hate cult.
Smile without a reason, eat fruits, veggies. Take a look at the sky when you go outside in the morning. Breath in. Realize how blessed you are to live another day. Be joyful. Spread good vibes during the day. Your life will change by doing these things everyday. Your life will shape based on your habits. You can do it. You can be whatever you want to be. You are amazing, you have the power. Trust yourself. The universe wants you to succeed, to live joyfully. May this year be the year you start living life the way you want.
~ Much love from a Law Of Attraction RUclipsr💜
The universe wants me to succeed?!? How would things be different if the universe were inanimate? What changes would we see?
Beautiful words mate I could truly learn from you god bless
You ❤️
Couple of steaks would be the icing on the cake, and a few whiskeys and a nice strain of smoke - heaven, for those that are able to do so. \m/
Thanks Gavin, sounds like a pretty complete prescription❤️
Bah Humbug lol lol
The universe, just like nature, is brutal. There is no magic hoping success for anyone. We r organisms doing what organisms do. We have consciousness so enjoy the rare opportunity of life. With its struggles, the ups & downs, life is still a rare & wonderful opportunity. There is no second chance, no afterlife, no reward, no judgement. Life.....every experience along the way.....& its over. For some longer & for some shorter, some with more, some with less......
Religion & faith r both for people who refuse to accept that we r on our own. I get it, we all would love to know that someone or something, some energy even, is watching over us.....that there is some bigger purpose, but....it’s simply not reality.
I'm enjoying that Russell is taking with and about people that have "opposing" views and idea(l)s than him. I have come to the conclusion that when you start believing in something I have to find two different opposing ideas to mine. I found that three things can happen, and all are good. You could confirm your beliefs and the others are "wrong", or Your beliefs will be shattered and you have to rethink all your beliefs. Or you will realize that they knew something you didn't and some of their ideas can compliment yours, make it better, stronger.
The later is the one I find myself the most.
@BereanJenn Thanks. I learned that through a lot of pain and suffering, but I learned it.
Except Hitchens is not here to debate him. This piece was chosen out of many, presented without context, & elaborated on by someone who has an opposing view....Hes able to ‘assume’ a lot as he thinks out loud with results that just happen to support his own beliefs. Hitchens did not believe in a God. Even in his dying days, asked directly if while facing his mortality did his opinion change he responded directly & clearly ‘No, why would they?’
U can find that interview along with many debates & lectures on RUclips that will provide u with a very clear message as to exactly what Hitchens believed & his extremely strong arguments that supported those beliefs. He also felt organized religion was dangerous in accepted practice of rituals such as circumcision performed by non medical professionals as well as the far out extremists.
@BereanJenn as only one who believes in God could conclude with no proof
Same
Brilliant comment my friend
I don’t know if I’m basic or on the right track, but McKenna, Watts, and Hitchens, all transformed my life as well.
You're on the right track friend
Me too!!!!!
All 3 are very kuuush
Be mindful of echo chambers. Especially online.
I'd advise meeting people in real life, such as discussing issues with mainstream religious priests etc. If they're half decent, they will be honest with you, and talk about arguments for and against etc.
Honestly, in my experience, most mainstream religious people are agnostic. They've questioned their faith a lot. But faith isn't about blindly accepting something. Faith is about constantly battling doubt.
Without doubt, there is no faith.
Also, it's worth mentioning 'God' =/= 'gods'.
God (big G) is the creator of the Big Bang (and thus outside of time, space, and the material realm. It has no beginning, location, or physical form).
Mythological gods are magical entities with super powers, like Zeus (who was created by the Titans, who were created by the Sky and Earth, who were created by God).
Yes, the words sound the same, but despite what many militant atheists say, they describe different concepts.
Same here
Hitchens was truly incredible. He might not have been everybody’s cup of tea but his logic and oratory ability was flawless. Absolutely nothing was off limits to him and in this world of bullshit and deceit I truly admire that. He was courageous and fearless in his pursuit of the truth. The way he dismantled the hypocrisy and double standards of the church was a thing of beauty. Oh and I will never see Mother Teresa in the same way lol
if it was so flawless then where is he now?
@@MyNameIsChristBringsASword In Heaven
@@jlbtech105 good one
@@MyNameIsChristBringsASword
On RUclips of course?
@@atheist666 not hitchens' false doctrine; I mean his soul. Where is his soul? It's burning like a torch.
Just listening to Christopher Hitchens, whatever he is talking about, always makes me feel better.
Except when he justified the Iraq war.
@@sabinereynaudsf He didn't have the foresight to know its consequences
Have a beer instead. Just think how confusing it will be for the children of atheists. "Daddy, what is Christmas all about, with the people hanging lights and singing and buying gifts." "Well son, they are celebrating the birth of someone who did not exist." Poor kid. Then he asks: " But Santa exists, doesn't he? Yes son, of course he does." What a terrible foundation for Billy to have. Just my understanding.
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
Hitches is one of my favorite orators.
ruclips.net/video/JXEiKPxCSdA/видео.html
Open minded in the pursuit of truth - that's the key
Here's the truth: You're going to hell.
But not so open minded that your brain falls out 😂
@@SiRushBass An open minded person denies the Holy Bible
@@MyNameIsChristBringsASword Why are judging someone's eternal soul? Isn't that the job of your god? Maybe you should try love and forgiveness, like Christ, and leave the judgement up to god.
@@user-tf2wd1eh3g You deny God, ergo, hell is your destiny.
I've adored watching many of Christopher Hitchens content on RUclips, regardless of whether I fall on his side of his arguments or not it is a pleasure to watch a 'first-class-mind' in full articulate flow.
My favourite episode was his verbal joust on Firing Line with William F. Buckley Jr.: Is There a Liberal Crack-Up?
It was like watching two opponents verbally slap each other about with barely concealed mutual contempt whilst maintaining a tight-lipped and threadbare civility, but the class with which Hitchens defended himself between a hostile host and a derisive fellow guest frankly left me in awe.
What a human being.
Christopher Hitchens is my all time hero! He, via RUclips, was pivotal in waking me up from my Jehovah's witness indoctrination. Please don't try to sneak in this idea that he was on some spiritual journey. He was very aware of how people try to push such ideas, such as a death bed conversion post mortem. The word spiritual is such a bullshit word. It is useless. People define it a million different ways. Christopher Hitchens absolutely did not believe in anything supernatural or spiritual other than what sourced from the human mind. As we speak, my friend by proxy, Hitch, is in the grave, still waiting for the sufficient extraordinary evidence to back up these unfounded extraordinary spiritual claims.
But the feeling one gets from meditation is kind of a unique one unexplainable in scientific terms, which is aptly called as spiritual. Spirituality need not have religious element attached to it. In most cases it doesnot
I always thought Hitch (a personal hero of mine) was anti-religion and anti-myth rather than anti-spritual. He himself was such a blazing and elemental spirit he almost (unwittingly) made the case for something beyond base humanity.
Man, I miss Christopher Hitchens so much. Imagine how amazing it would be to have him as a guest on Under the Skin!
You can see him again in hell
Oh my goodness! I was thinking that just the other day! Can you imagine Russell and Hitchens across the table to each other...the discussion and vibe would be AMAZING!!!
@@MyNameIsChristBringsASword Haha, you guys always give me a good laugh 😂
@@BobbyGuitarHynd Enjoy the short life you have left before you spend eternity in pain
@@manjitu4253 I think it would go something like this "get away from me you flaming asshole I can't stop these worms from crawling out of my eyeballs" and Russell says in response "I can't move I am hanging from my eyebrows with fish hooks in them please forgive me my mentor of atheism, oh great flaming drunkard"
He was a man with the greatest and sole command of himself. This is charisma. He knew what he felt, looking at a sunset, and accepted it. Seems to me that's all one needs to be able to do. He was not a believer, a nihilist or "spiritual", he was a Sensitive. He spent his life refining the *way* he thought about his human responses to the world. He did not hold spirituality in contempt; he interrogated it within himself. What he held in contempt was outdated modes of thought, dogma, fearmongering and corruption. It is no wonder he devoted his life to opposing organised religion, not personal beliefs. Although, he did once set out his stall on this matter, saying that he would happily believe those who say they saw christ, or were visited by angels, whilst being quite sure they hadn't been there.
"The point where I dismount the vehicle of thought" - dear oh dear.
As someone who doesn't share Hitchens fundamental world view, but also deeply admires him and is interested in (and agrees with much of) what he has to say, I think you're right Russell, that the real division is between those who earnestly and sincerely seek truth and those who are dogmatic in their positions. Never really saw it that way before
We are All One within the One Infinite Field of Consciousness (Known by Many Names... But Beyond All) We are All Manifestations of the Divine 🙏 Raise Your Level of Consciousness and Raise the World 🙏🌎💙
Maybe it's me that associates Atheism with Nihilism..... Yes.. that's you. Atheism is *JUST* "I'm not convinced of the religious claims I've heard thus far." and nothing else... There's still tons of meaning, purpose, beauty, etc *WITHOUT* needing to claim some imaginary entity is the cause of it. In *fact* there is *JUST AS MUCH* meaning, purpose, etc as if there was a God.... really makes me doubt your interest in what the *ACTUAL* position is if you epicly fail to understand that not being convince of a god does not suddenly make you believe everything is pointless, meaningless, etc... I understand why *RELIGIOUS* people de-converting go through that phase, cause they've been promised this great thing that never actually existed, but that's the point... it never actually existed and yet you were having a decent time.
These "lovely" Christians and Catholics mocked him when he caught oesophageal cancer. They said he was punished by God for being so critical about God. Disgusting humans. I just bought a copy of his book Arguably which is anthology of his essays as a journalist. Stunning.
"Good people will do good things and bad people will do bad things, but for good people to do bad things - that takes religion." - Steven Weinberg
If it's any consolation, I am a Christian and also have Barrett's esophagus. You are correct in saying those are disgusting behaviors.
Yet these same people will say nothing when innocent children die of cancer or are sexualy abused because "hE wOrKs In MyStErIoUs WaYs".
I replaced Nihilism with Stoicism, life is much better!
Very thin line between both, I tend to fluctuate.
hope it helps you with the eternal suffering in hell
@Thom Noonan keep repeating that if it helps: "It's a dry heat"
@@MyNameIsChristBringsASword weirdo
@@Booster85 Don't go away angry
Chris was a remarkable man. smart quick funny and could explain everything in a way most people could actually understand. Some just see his confidence or arrogance and pass him by. their loss I could have chatted to him all day.
Always a pleasure to listen to Christopher Hitchen and yourself Russell. A lovely conversation which has made me smile. Honesty, Open-mindedness will invariably bring willingness to explore and then experience spiritual oneness 💫🙏🏽
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
Just think how confusing it will be for the children of atheists. "Daddy, what is Christmas all about, with the people hanging lights and singing and buying gifts." "Well son, they are celebrating the birth of someone who did not exist." Poor kid. Then he asks: " But Santa exists, doesn't he? Yes son, of course he does." What a terrible foundation for Billy to have. Just my understanding.
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
@@jeffforsythe9514what an utterly ridiculous comment...why would athiests be putting up Christmas decorations???😂😂😂😂
@@lynnecartwright3976 Atheists are so lost who knows.
Hitch was and still is one of the most important contemporary intellectuals. As he would put it: If I had heroes, he would be one of mine.
I'm admittedly leaning more agnostic than when I first got into Hitch, and I recognize his flaws of course, but I still go back to him sometimes, and I've never really thought of him as a "nihilist" at all. He seemed to find meaning through a Carl Sagan-like clarity about physical existence as it is (like that clip at 0:28 where he evokes Sagan directly, about us being "the dust of exploded suns"). I look at the world and the universe and see an organic process that's been going on for billions of years that I get to participate in for the blink of an eye, and it inspires awe in me rather than despair.
Yeah i agree. Even just the thought that there's a part of ourselves what lives on within the lives of next generations, can be the type of thought what helps some of us to see life as being about a far bigger picture than ourselves. Russell's present view, would seem, to me, to deem people with more pantheist styled beliefs, to be people who'd need to be less enlightened?. And yet as some people have rightly pointed out (in my opinion), in some way pantheism can seem to be little more than a sexed up style of atheism. I suspect that perhaps Russell Brand might have spent a little too much time hanging around guru's strictly involved in meditational practices?. To the effect that thoughts become emmeshed in a "cult like" style of short sighted enlightenment. Perhaps he'd possibly benefit from spending a little more time out in complete solitude or something. I only wish that Christopher Hitchens were still around here to hop back on board here with a come back to what Russell is implying
I'm becoming a bigger fan with each one of your videos, Russell. I don't agree with all, but love the open dialogue and wide range of subjects.
Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
I love Christopher Hitchens.If I ever debated him it would be post 2011
I used to live near CH and while I didn’t really know him, I miss seeing him around. He was a presence that exuded intelligence. He was also a very good barfly :)
Pride. He exuded pride just like all assholes exude pride. He demands your obedience the way your asshole tells you "it's time"
@@MyNameIsChristBringsASword how does he demand??...I would have thought the opposite....
@@kaizershozei8720 It's obvious everyone is an inferior mind and intellect to CH and so to not bow down before him is to admit you are not intelligent. This is a man fools look to for wisdom because they can all agree there is no God. If you DARE suggest the Bible is the word of God you will be ridiculed instead of taken seriously. This is a man afraid of truth and needs your love and attention to survive (Buy his book) but he drank himself into hell and there he stays.
These atheists ride the circuit and sell books just like any other business person. You've got religious men doing the same exact thing, selling a book to go with their appearances. It's all for the benefit of making money. His reputation is what sells books. If he can get a zinger in to go viral then that is free promotion. He's an actor. He's a liar. He knows what you want to hear and he delivers the goods. Now shut up and buy his book.
@@kaizershozei8720 Carl Sagan is another one. Early in his career he was a pro-UFO phenomenon believer. He became a spokesperson at events and such. Then - he changed. Just like that. Of course, being a scientist, we should not question him, even if he changes his mind. Because scientists and philosophers are smarter than you and I. We should not question their authority.
Omg!!! Love love love Christopher Hitchens... what a beautiful mind...just like yours Russell!
ruclips.net/video/JXEiKPxCSdA/видео.html
@@wadjeturaeus .... this was wonderful... thank you
"... an echo of oneness...", beautifully said Russell! 💗
Russel.. I always enjoy your uploads and I would be commenting more regularly now. This vid was beautifully handled. Thank you for always entertaining the experience of an opened mind ✨
What you are doing is important. You are helping people.
I'm afraid Hitch is dead, but I'm sure he would have appreciated your sentiments 😉
This was more about Brand than it was Hitchens. Hitchens, I believe would have hated the Branding of "King of the Atheists. I believe this miss-step Brands you in an unenlightened and unfavorable light. I love your channel. Cheers!
I am not an atheist nor from any organized religions but I enjoyed Christopher Hitchens very much and I miss him. I share that "don't insult my intelligence" attitude coming out of Hitchens and I wished he considered reaching outside of his five senses and give the benefit of the doubt since we do not have yet the scientific instrument to "measure" what God is about... as it were in the past where today we can scientifically prove and understand certain things which was mysterious and misunderstood. The science is just not there yet to prove the existence of God. I LOVE this quote : “INTELLIGENCE - Not because you think you know everything without questioning, but rather because you question everything you think you know.”
Always loved Chris, to listen to him is just a joy, incredible being ❤
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
Don’t call him Chris, it’s Christopher.
All I know for sure, is that when I ask respectfully and with presence, for assistance in working through something difficult, I get very appropriate answers. As far as my experience has proven to me, there is something outside of physical being... a source of absolute truth and love. Don’t know how else to describe it. It cannot make my obstacles disappear, but it can help me to overcome them with wise counsel.
Always loved Hitch. Never thought back then that I'd now be a fan of his brother. 👀
Me too. His brother Peter does not have the charm of Christopher but he actually has more to say than his brother. I am a Christian but did not come to it until i was 25.
I believe in God and I like Hitchens so damn much. Look up the whole water boarding fiasco with him where he supported water boarding, than accepted to try it out, and the result is pure comedy. He lasts 5 seconds, gives up, than changes his mind. That will always stick with me and I have so much respect for him. It's funny but it showed in a very visceral way the fact he really was on the search for truth.
Incorrect. He never supported waterboarding.
I live in the nadir. It's great. Nihilism is strangely comforting
Thats nice I wish I could find comfort with it
It's a year old but i just got the video in my feed.
Religion will never disappear. Just look into this comment section. People distorting what he said, presenting arguments that have been refuted time and time again and yet keep being used.
For many, to question faith isn't just an intellectual problem. It means questioning who they are, their upbringing, the honesty and integrity of their forefathers.
And some just want to believe.
What i never understood is why so many people of faith so desperately try to either prove religious claims using scientific methods or outright dismiss scientific evidence for how the natural world works that have been proven over and over again.
It's faith, just have it and keep it to yourself. If it helps, i am genuinely happy for you.
Just don't try to drag down everybody else so you can feel better about your personal choices.
We need another Hitch.
Loving your videos Russell. It's like my sub conscious mind speaking to me but with more clarity! Thank you for your insights 👍😊
@Shankz Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
Hitchens is one of my all-time heroes. A champion of free-thought, moral and ethical accountability and of course rhetorical debate.
I cannot believe that people replace God with that guy, very odd.
@@jeffforsythe9514 if you think people are replacing God with him you are quite mistaken. Having said that, Hitchens’ version of the Ten Commandments is much better than the one in the Bible.
@@shankz8854 Just think how confusing it will be for the children of atheists. "Daddy, what is Christmas all about, with the people hanging lights and singing and buying gifts." "Well son, they are celebrating the birth of someone who did not exist." Poor kid. Then he asks: " But Santa exists, doesn't he? Yes son, of course he does." What a terrible foundation for little Billy to have. Just my understanding.
@@jeffforsythe9514 Hahaha I’m not sure how serious you are, but just in case you’re more serious than I think, I’ll respond.
Atheists are of course not new. Where is the data on the psychological scarring of growing up atheist? I’d be much more concerned about the children growing up believing in Hell. I grew up culturally Protestant and learnt all about Jesus and the nativity. I have no recollection of realising it wasn’t true - it always seemed very abstract and mythological to me.
Furthermore, lights, gifts and most Christmas songs have nothing whatsoever to do with Jesus. Many Christmas traditions predate Christianity such as evergreens, pine trees, holly, Yule logs and originate from pagan winter solstice traditions. Saint Nicholas was Turkish I believe and has virtually nothing to do with the modern, largely American, creation that is now known as “Santa Claus”.
So I think Christian kids will be just as confused if not more confused by modern Christmas traditions, which have nothing to do with Jesus. They may also have questions if and when they realise the story of Jesus’ birth is not in the oldest gospel which was a source for the later gospels of Luke and Matthew, which in turn contradict one another regarding his birth and lineage.
@@shankz8854 Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
I loved him! He gave me so much strength in my knowing's. I had many Christian friends who wouldn't listen to a different take on truth of God. I have always had Faith, but never believed in the fear written in the bible.... I am appreciative for this man and his strength to speak up against religion with such wisdom.. xoxoxoxoxo Elle
Not believing in god is far from being nihilistic. Atheists simply find meaning in other things. In humanity. In yourself.
But you still perceive meaning as something that only you can give to yourself. Which sounds logic at first but try to question that such a view leaves you as the most potent being in the universe as giving meaning is truly a creative endeavor.
It's wrong to interpret Hitchens' views on religion as nihilistic. I have admittedly not read God Is Not Great, but for the past few weeks I've voraciously watched the God debate videos. He repeatedly insists that his atheism does not negate a strong moral code and a sense of meaning. To the extent that I understand his position, he simply believes his morality and sense of meaning have not been imbued within him by a creator. He balks at the notion that humanity needed the Ten Commandments, for instance, to understand that killing is wrong, and furthermore considers it insulting to suggest that without God we would be a completely barbarous, immoral species. There is a common morality within most, if not all of us, to be sure, but it's the product of evolution and intelligence. (And I disagree that intelligence is evidence for the almighty, but please someone attempt to win to me over.) We are constantly negotiating morality as a society, and religion is one of humanity's tools for this negotiation. But like Hitchens, I believe that we don't need the Bible or the Torah or the Quran to explain morality to us. It is, to a degree, innate. That which is not innate we learn over the course of our lives through experience, example, and teaching. I don't see any proof of God in our acquisition of morality.
Also, absence of God in one's life does not mean they are wallowing in materialism, pain, and despair. The capacity for reverence, for experiencing overwhelming beauty and transcendence, for feeling one with the natural world and connected to all people living, dead, and yet to live, exists within everyone, regardless of religious belief.
I have not decided whether or not I am an atheist. Still figuring this out. I'm mostly attracted to Hitch for the reasons Russel mentions - his style, wit, and astounding command of language and intellect. I must say, his argument that religion is a destructive, oppressive force upon the planet is convincing, but I think it is a bit reductive. Obviously people derive enormous peace and purpose from their practice. I would never dissuade anyone from engaging in religion on an individual basis. It's most dangerous when it it wielded by the powerful as a tool of subjugation and oppression, as it has been throughout history. But obviously this is not the universal experience of religion.
In the end, I agree with Russell that the true division does not exist between atheists and believers, but instead between the open minded and the close minded, those willing to seek, explore, and question reality, and those stubbornly set in their ways, unwilling to consider anything that contradicts the dogma they've been told. Well put, Russell.
Also you missed a button on your shirt, dude.
I think his nihilism comment was more about the meaninglessness of atheism.
Sure you can say "I believe in being kind, because it makes me happy" for example, but ultimately you will die, and you being happy was meaningless. You want remember it because you'll be dead.
You could say "well, i've made a positive contribution", but ultimately in the end when humanity dies, it won't matter, because nobody will remember.
The problem with religion is I think very well explained with Dawkins' 'meme' idea. The meme spreads around and concomittant with that there were laws formed and structures of society put in place that resembled those ideas held in many people... The problem is when that meme is fundamentally for the sake of keeping a populace pacified and complacent in their suffering, even justifying their suffering in terms of their belief. The problem is when such sociological facts are in place precisely because of tyrannical rulers and groups of people in power who actively sought to control the minds of people. People can't fathom that it is all a well-organized, interestingly and perhaps even beautifully constructed delusion and lie. That is why Nietzsche said people don't want truth... They'd rather their illusions.
@@PIASOC "fools long for life because they fear death" - democritus
@@PIASOC So happiness and kindness are only meaningful if you make it to heaven? I don't understand your point. I believe the contrary, happiness and kindness are all the more meaningful because we die. A good deed done in the dark is still a good deed. Happiness in the face of death is a beautiful thing. And yes, all of our kindness and happiness may well be forgotten forever after we die, that doesn't mean we should not treat people with kindness or strive to be happy.
@@patrickcolinwalsh Nothing is ever forgotten by everything. Nothing is forgotten by the universe. What is... is... and that is what will always have been.
Thanks mr brand for a great start to the day! Chris was a great thinker. Let’s be nice to each other.
I used to hate Russell Brand, I don’t anymore after watching some of his videos.
Hate? I could hate Bin laden, kim jung un and hitler...But Russell?
Same here. He's changed a lot over the years and all for the better
@@jonrotten31 when was he ever a bad guy?
So you used to hate someone for no reason. I've a feeling you hate a lot of things. I'm sure he's so pleased to have your approval Brian
Hate is a strong word. I can see how some could might Dislike him. He did have a big ego, then he learned and matured enough to begin to check it.
I’ve personally always enjoyed his comedic sense and ability to articulate.
I don't find his description of "star dust" to be metaphorical or poetical. He means it literally. It's the sheer scope of reality that lends the poetic quality.
I wish Hitch were still around to talk to a figure like Russell. The man could be a bit rude to people he disagreed with, but I believe he would have respected Russell in the end. I will gladly take commentary on him in lieu of that, however.
Fucking hell...I'd want his opinions on things far beyond Russell. BLM, Antifa, gender change, CRT, media control, Big tech, the direction of modern & future politics plus Covid for a start.
Do you really think for a moment that Hitchens would have given Russell the time of day. No he would have followed the example of his brother Peter who quite rightly has zero time for this charlatan
Hard to speculate what he might do were he still alive, I think. Given the gulf in personality and opinion between Christopher and his brother (though there is overlap), I think Christopher might've given Russell the time of day, but then I don't find Russell to be a charlatan either, so I doubt anything I say could persuade you anyway.
@@gregevenden6515 Of course we all have the right to our own opinion but i have no time for a man who believes spiritualism is somehow a cure all. Indeed spiritualism should mean nothing to a thinking man. It is when all is said and done exactly what one wants it to be.
@@johnlewis9158 He would have despised Russell. Russell is an autodidact whose responses haven't been smoothed over by years of Classical schooling and privilege. Hitchens would have raised an expensive eyebrow at Russell's analogies and his acolytes would have fawned at his feet. Hitchens is Somerset Maugham for Darwinians. He tells them what they want to hear.
The Hitchens lecture on free speech in Canada is one the most important videos ever recorded. It only gets more relevant as time goes on. That would be a good one to reflect one.
It was so refreshing to listen to Christopher Hitchens (still is), he made the religious look silly and childish for believing stories that lack any evidence. God - an undefined supernatural entity tailored to meet ones needs. I like Sam Harris too, I recommend his book: "The End of Faith" ...it just makes so much sense!
I found Christopher Hitchens very helpful to my journey towards Islam. I weighed up his criticisms as the biggest attack against so was able to weigh that against the religion and found the faith much more compelling.
"Created from the dust of exploding stars" Vs "Born of nothing"
The ultimate straw man.
Not straw man at all. Where do you think carbon comes from? We are carbon based lifeforms.
Just because you're scienece illiterate, doesnt mean hes talking jibberish.
@@chopsueykungfu born of nothing was Russells interpretation of Hitchens saying were born of stars. That was the straw man.
@@3allz born of nothing was Russells interpretation of Hitchens saying were born of stars. That was the straw man.
He thought no one would notice false equivalence 🤷🏻♂️
A classical romantic in love with the tragic beauty of life and the lyrical art of the spoken word. That was Christopher. This here ape grew up Catholic, beat the atheist drum later, and even wrote atheist slanted articles for Dawkins's website. First LSD trip shut that right down and now what precious time remains is spent on more fulfilling endeavors. Hitchens's desire to disillusion others stemmed from love, not hate; regardless, he was a powerhouse of discourse that is very rare today.
Russel hit the nail on the head with this;
The basic atheist argument is humans ascribed meaning onto life for fear of unknowns. Fair enough, but if we are random cells and mutations - why did we ascribe meaning?
Apple watches, which are literal gears and cogs in a wheel, are they afraid of running out of batteries? Running out of life?
Good questions! Does not knowing the answer to those questions imply a god exists?
@@tompaine4044 the most childish argument for a God, may in fact be the best. Although not intellectual in the newest of the “British Proper” sense, the best case for a God is that everyone in every culture for the last 10,000 years has said there is a creator in one way or another.
Now of course we don’t always side with the majority. Of course not. But the amount of ego it takes to pompously stand on a stage and say, “Every disconnected culture across all time and continents apart are simply pagan Neanderthals and everyone has been wrong except Western Reductionism”
It’s not the best argument, but there is something really to it. What? Everyone has been wrong?
When truly disconnected sources arrive at the same conclusion - that is the literal definition of what a fact consists of. Widely held opinions enter the domain of factual based on how many sources agree. Maybe?
@@jinn_particle They might, and that’s why on the video where I outline this approach always begins with “For all we know iPhones are self aware... but for sake of a continued conversation let’s move forward with what we do know.”
@@zacksymes You say siding with the majority is not a reliable path to true beliefs? And that's what you use to determine it's true that a god exists? 🤔
Btw, I hate to be the one to mention it, but you forgot to acknowledge the question: Does not knowing the answer to your questions imply a god exists?
@@tompaine4044 To point one of yours. I said not “always”. A key word to not leave out. But really... it’s super hard to imagine this many cultures arriving to a wrong conclusion. It’s like super duper hard to fathom.
To your second point, which question? Does not knowing the answer to which question imply a creator?
I know the atheist argument really really hates “The worlds so complicated a God must have made it.” I know that seems silly to anyone who might pride themselves so heavily on the intellect. But it really is just to bizzare. We are perfectly distanced from the sun, and tilted for seasons etc. My god! The human eye is sooooo fucking cool.
The only reason one could ever subscribe to the Big Bang (without an intelligent start up) is because we keep adding zeros. Humans can’t fathom 200 billion years. And we use that same inability to even remotely consider “Yup must have been an accident”
Russell, iv noticed many of my favourite comedians either become extremely depressed(Robin Williams), get lost in the physical and meterialistic world or become spiritualy waken (Jim carry, you). I think you and Jim Carry would have a beyond extraordinary conversation!
*Carrey
Earth is a kindergarten, we keep coming back to live every possible life, to have been in everyone's shoes. Once we have learned how to be truly spiritual and at peace do we move on to the next place, that's what makes it heaven.
You don't need faith to believe in god. People took hallucinogens and saw a being who we'd recognise as god. They told others and this is where the idea from. People cannot say God doesn't exist because once You acknowledge the fact God is someone people have met independently of each other in the psychedelic realm then it becomes undeniable.
I smoked dmt and saw God and spoke to him for about ten minutes. I was agnostic perhaps before this and wasn't expecting it all.
I asked why people are so cruel and he responded by saying "forgive them, they know not what they do".
I asked a lot of other questions but most of the memory has faded but when the dmt started to wear off God put his hand on my head and pushed me back into my own reality and it felt like a healing touch.
This experience changed my life as I was suffering with anxiety and depression which is why I tried dmt and it gave me the inner strength to get through.
So saying God doesn't exist is simply wrong.
More importantly.... Why can't you button up your cardy properly sweetheart? Love you 😘
Lol, I noticed that too. I doubt it's that important to him. He is focused on his words and thoughts 💭, 💜🙏
Sorry, I forgot about the main protagonist, Christopher Hitchens. He brilliantly brought together all these Theological, Biblical, Spiritual and Historical ideas in a whimsical, witty manner. Even more brilliantly, perhaps, he advocated Atheism, and maybe Agnosticism, as a Devil’s Advocate tool of retroactive analysis. We hear that he sadly died of cancer at about 62 years old. Certainly one of the best voices in this area. Let’s hope his ghost lives on forever in Heaven.
Have some consideration for OCD sufferers Russel...Sort your cardigan out! 😝 Always love a bit of Christopher H.
I am an atheist. The best part of no deeper purpose is YOU provide the purpose in this, the most important part of life.
Russel is definitely developing a Jesus complex and living in a Solar system means we’re all attracted to an Enlightened awakening. ☀️
For me in my capacity of understanding, spirituality is love and being aware of oneself.
I understand the attraction to a universal oneness, an enlightened experience, a God (conscious or unconscious). Why does an appreciation for the awe that cosmology, biology, art, nature in general have to be strictly spiritual? Why are we so hurried to escape the mundane and create a sacred sphere separate from ourselves? Is it comfort? Is it to make peace with the weird fact that we're here and know we're going to die? Why are we so insistent that we're special and unique in the cosmos and that we have an association to the divine? It feels.. egotistical a bit?
As far as we know, we're living on the skin of a rock that repeatedly gets bombarded by life-ending meteors, cancer causing solar rays, where our cells either give us cancer or we die of age-related disease. We're one of millions of species in a natural world and universe that is utterly indifferent to our lives or deaths. Why are we scared of meaninglessness? I feel like it's an invitation to make your own meaning in life, and marveling at all the cool and bizarre things that is the human experience. Why do we need origin stories, and heavens, and reincarnation, or law of attraction or all these things that put us on a pedestal?
Does it have to be religious or spiritual to recognize we're all talking cosmic dust that talks to one another and dies?
Well the word "religious" - "relegere" itself is about bringing "nature", broadly speaking, to your attention and reflecting about it.
I would have no problem with calling your comment exactly that.
Asking yourself questions without expecting any answers is almost the perfect definition of irrational behavior isn't it?
Not that I have anything against it.
No it doesn’t but my issue with that train of thought is that it can turn any idea of morality/ value to purely subjective matters. Essentially meaningless, one may be able to find a illusatory sense of meaning being part of a finite world and universe. But without a higher set of principles an idea of a higher objective moral purpose anything goes. Kill, steal, manipulate, serve, love, look after all actions are meaningless finite moments that simply pass. If the holocaust occurs it’s just an action there is no value to human life ultimately. It’s a cosmic blink of the eye as is dust in stars, stars themselves, galaxies, all will fade out into absolute nothingness. Heat in a vacuum. I and many others find no peace or awe in that whetter it’s true or not
I’m glad you think your Shakespeare show is “brilliant”! That takes a load off my mind.
Almost every past mythology or cultural story can be traced to a Higher Being influencing people in some way. There is another level of existence, however you name it, summon it, or pray to it, it's there. If I chose to name my spiritual conscience and connection to an Angel named Lucifer, then why should someone who identifies with Jesus condemn me for it? Atheists believe what they do, but again, why should they frown at someone doing rituals/tarots/ouija/ ect? Be free. Believe in what you Will.
Because it NEVER ends that way. They want to legislate it. Those that choose to affirm their faith and do not interfere w the freedom of others, no one would care.
@@dwolfcoach .....this is the main point isn't it?
It's not that people care, it's that those of faith often times, seek to impose that faith or system of beliefs on others.
I consider myself agnostic because to me to say there is no creation or creator(s) is an anti intellectual as saying there is "definitively"
We simply don't know.
State as much and be humble.
So a person like Hitchens may have felt the need to challenge this constant imposition of faith and morality because it's sphere of influence is so grand in the daily lives of humans.
He truly believed this was it.
The issue i think are the extreme positions.
I think the religious feel they will be persecuted under an atheistic world order and that we will lose some sense of our basic humanity, but i'm not sure i completely agree with that fear.
If we just look at Scandanavia.....which has a long history of being very religious.
They have shifted quite surprisingly to a very humane society, post rise of secularism or common law. It didn't go the other way. Belief is religion is extremely low yet the people are kind, friendly, generous, and law abiding.
Now maybe people are more agnostic and humble, meaning no extreme views one way or the other, i'm not sure but it seems to me highly civil.
There are no persecutions of people of faith and i'm sure those countries by this point in history have all types of faiths within their national borders.
But then you study Poland and there seems to be more of an imposition of faith and a political climate of discrimination. That seems to be how the majority of Poles want to live and of course it's their nation and their right.
It doesn't mean Poland is a bad place to live. It's just different.
I prefer to live where people are less able to impose their religious values on the greater society.
Just me....
@@sammyslam1 Yes, agreed, it depends on the country's starting point. In the US, we have a secular government under a godless constitution. But we're still very religious, at least much of the aging population is. But if I didn't see so much interference in our politics and our laws, it would be a moot point. Here, it's about control and imposing faith as virtue that gets tiring. For those folks, my response is antitheistic.
@@dwolfcoach ....great points.
I will slightly disagree with one part of your response.
The U.S Constitution absolutely affirms Creation and Natural Law.
Nearly all signatories are deists.
They were all of the old order but considered themselves part of the "Enlightened Movement or Age of Reason"
They accept and even affirm through secular law, the possibility of deity.
Religious law was the opposite of freedom to them.
Too rigid for the new way of thinking and living in civil society.
Governments of humans would neither promote nor seek to abolish religion.
It's a personal choice....
These are definitely not perfect men as they are very much also guided by "Manifest Destiny", which is toxic philosophy akin to "Zionism", "Nazism", and in many ways, "Hinduism"
This idea of special classes, chosen peoples, or of divinely inspired humans is incredibly harmful.
It is the creator of genocidal tendencies.
The spawn of "Common Good" philosophy.
I'm not sure how we get past this?
@@sammyslam1 Interesting that, "The US constitution absolutely affirms Creation and natural law"? Natural law is vague enough to argue, but the "Creator" is overtly and intentionally left out of our governing document. Unless you can cite that clause I remain unconvinced. But most were definitely deists and men of the enlightenment, but that meant deism relative to the thinking of Spinoza, or Einstein, and nothing related to supernatural causes. So I'll take issue with your "absolute" affirmation. But the main idea that we can exercise our modes of conscience is clear in the "free exercise" clause. And I'd never want to come between the comfort of anyone's day and my rigid ideas, so I get that.
I cant remember the rest of your post, until I send this. So let's keep the conversation going. Especially if you can correct me.
I don’t agree with Hitchens on all his views on religion and politics, but he is still one of the men I admire most in history, from any time period. The oratory and eloquence is peerless. His books Unacknowledged Legislation, his essays on so many interesting topics, letters to a young contrarian, and his legendary memoir are all among my favorite works of writing. He was described at one event with him as “a one man transatlantic institution”.
I think you would enjoy Christopher hitchen's "hitch slaps." A hitch slap is his very funny and ultimately biting insults.
They sound smart, but actually they often don't make sense.
Like when he pushes this lie that 'God' = 'gods'.
"I believe in one less god than you!" Yeah, it sounds witty and biting, but it's dishonestly conflating two different words.
Also, his "believers are afraid of the dark" remark, could easily be dismissed as "atheists are afraid of the light".
Russell,
Hitchens was an amazing intellect, so his ability to discuss spiritual belief was difficult to debate. But I believe he was "spiritual" and not religious (like his tinder profile would have stated). This is to seek the deeper questions of value and existence through the prediction of phenomena and the rigorous and painstaking effort of experiment and logic to confirm them. Like myself and Richard Dawkins, I am OK with not having all the answers and find greater peace of mind through curiosity and discovery.
Those searching for truth while denying God will find Hitchens a breath of corpse air that emits from the foul stench of his decomposing body.
@@MyNameIsChristBringsASword Why does the search for truth require God?
@@drbobinski1 Because if you do not recognize God then you go to hell
@@MyNameIsChristBringsASword Could I not search for truth before I go to hell?
@@drbobinski1 If you searched for truth and it lead you to the Holy Bible, something in scripture that jumps off the page for example. If you saw something that proved the Bible is truth, you would discard it. You wouldn't give it any attention. Therefore you are blind with or without the truth. You don't want to know that you're going to hell for denying your salvation. The only way you will know the truth is to open your eyes and realize that the King James Bible is perfect and without error. In the Holy Bible is your salvation. You have chosen to deny God and in return God has chosen to leave you alone to complete your sins until you are dead.
This is Jesus' best video yet.
Atheism and Nihilism are only equivalent in your mind my friend. The origin story of the atheistic universe is one that is far more rich, full and astounding than (in the words of Hitchens) any bronze aged tale of a paltry burning bush. Our origins, the actuality of it, are more bizarre than you can possibly imagine. You might be mistaking the uncertainty of empiricism with a form of spirituality, but these are not the same... it is a humility that few (if any) faiths actually possess.
That said... I do like the way you think my dude.
Check out Neville Goddard, might take a while to absorb his biblical interpretations. Totally mind blowing!
@kittieconvoy Well Im not familiar however I do know that the true meaning of the words in the bible are not the generally accepted beliefs and meanings of religions. In the root languages that it was translated from it often has a completely different meaning than what is generally accepted. Apocalypse, lifting of a veil of knowledge or
Hell, the returning to nothingness. KJV is a terrible interpretation of the Word.
@kittieconvoy @that guy down the street ,which version do you guys think is good?
Never thought I would, but I am really enjoying your content Russell...Appreciate you..
It's just two extremes. Again, it's what we do (I think because we are so saturated in our worship of our masculine energy; i.e., we know something is missing). I also find it curious that you used the word "faith" rather than religion. Religion doesn't own that word. "Faith" actually means fearlessness. "Fear not"..."for I am with thee always"(hint because I AM thee.) I have to say I find the idea of "point of origin" kinda nonsensical. How could such a thing be? Especially if you feel something created all of this. Because there would be the never-ending question, then what created that creator? Hence, just like "god" is eternal, so is life (because they are the same thing). No beginning, no ending. Death and "rebirth" (reborn?) are the same thing.
Um, try to imagine the feeling of KNOWING that nothing ever truly dies. Humans, animals, and also that broccoli and carrots you had for lunch, ha. Yep, plants, trees (all of our precious nature) and even your microbiome has consciousness. All of life is eternal, all is eternal ("all that is"? One thing. Life, consciousness.) We all live on. I feel sad for those who don't know this. Thing is, even if it weren't true, why wouldn't you choose to believe it? Fear of some sort of punishment for not believing the "right" thing? And yet the old book says "believe and it shall be so." You seemed to suggest that the "atheist" side ignores certain things that might chip away at their argument. And yet, doesn't the religious side do the very same thing? Like the multitude of contradictions in the old book. The viciousness of a wrathful, but loving, god? The need to both fear AND love this god?? Not even possible (that's why ppl choose fear, but just superficially speak of love). And "heaven," what the hell is that? Ha, it actually seems like hell. What are you gonna do in heaven? Play a harp for ETERNITY? Ha. I'd rather come back to Earth (or an unseen dimension on another planet) in its original Garden of Eden form and just drink in the true peace of that. That sunset of which you spoke, that's truly "heaven"(peace/joy). Indeed transient, but there are always more. And we dictate that.
"Purgatory" is also a strange idea, taken literally. A waiting place? For what? To go play the harp forever? lol. I recently got (intuitive) or noticed how similar the words "purgatory" and "pregnancy" are (prgy). Kinda interesting :-)
It does seem to be beyond our comprehension, but "all that is" (including our own consciousness/god-ness) is and always been, and always will be. In one form of existence or another. All the circles (clocks, wheels, seasons, earth's rotation, etc) are a hint, symbolic of this truth. Even the old book speaks of it, "reborn." But we're "reborn" every morning. From a dimension (state of mind) called sleep. And we die to this reality every night (sleep). Yet another hint. Same when we die, we go into another dimension, another "life." And 'round and 'round we go. In fact we die and are "reborn" over and over again in this one life. That is, we change in big ways. Are you still an infant? What happened to the you that was an infant? Are you still the guy you used to be? What happened to that guy? He's not here, because you transformed into another (death/rebirth, just like jesus did in his not-literal, on-the-cross story).
"Spirituality" isn't something that requires a book or a guru. It's simply what we are, "spirit" or "consciousness." Eternal life. And there is no greater peace than knowing one has inherent value. AND that the energy behind that sweet, beautiful feline's face never ends. It just moves on to another existence. Just like us. And again, the world changes based on how we feel about ourselves. If you want a hellish world, then teach powerful beings that they're trash ("sinners" "wretches" "nothing without god"). But if you want "heaven on Earth," then teach your little ones how truly precious and valuable they are. Hint, that's not about teaching them how "valuable" a bunch of material sh*t is. Nah, help them to know they need nothing to be valuable/powerful(same thing). Beings that value themselves will value you (and the planet that feeds them), and especially if you can help them to understand that all life is one eternal life.
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OK! I totally agree.
My favorite definition of faith is by javed akhtar
He says ".. What is the difference between faith and belief? Faith is any belief that is void of reason, rational, and evidence...."
Not the exact quote, but should look him up 😜I think you'd enjoy.
Thanks for making this video about Hitchens, a man that I admire greatly. I've only discovered Hitchens last year through RUclips and then bought his book 'God is not great'. I identify a lot with his words and thoughts. I think there is a journey towards agnosticism or atheism, a journey that happens to you only through loss and pain, it does not happen out of the blue. At least that's what is happening to me. I lost my faith and meaning when my mum died of Covid last year, she was only 50 years old. My whole world shattered and don't imagine I'll ever believe in God or in a higher purpose, there is none. It's not easy to feel this way,it's extremely painful, I guarantee that every atheist has a battle inside his being, struggling with this sense of abandonment.
Just think how confusing it will be for the children of atheists. "Daddy, what is Christmas all about, with the people hanging lights and singing and buying gifts." "Well son, they are celebrating the birth of someone who did not exist." Poor kid. Then he asks: " But Santa exists, doesn't he? Yes son, of course he does." What a terrible foundation for Billy to have. Just my understanding.
@@jeffforsythe9514 says the religious guy. I love love love how unaware you people are. Makes taking the piss out of you so easy 😜
Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
@@jeffforsythe9514 get help bro, you're not well
I'm so sorry for your losses.
I hope you'll hold on and get through all this (sooo much easier said than done, aye?).
But I truly hope to see you overcome, as an atheist or as a believer.
Check Hitchen's Mortality (his last book), it *might* help.
He lost his mom to a complicated suicide. He adored her. And I think (think!) he felt some degree of irrational guilt, cause he was her support system and she called his hotel multiple times before taking her own life, but he wasn't there and mobile phones didn't exist.
It's been a year since your comment, I truly hope you are coping. ❤🩹
If god truly exists, he would’ve given you a sign that you’ve buttoned your cardi wrong!
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it."
I consider myself to be a spiritual individual but as for believing in a God that loves you so much that he offered up his son for mankind's sake but will see to it that you'll burn in hell if you color outside of the lines, I don't think so.
Exactly, for an all powerful and forgiving being the fella seems a bit jealous too, better believe in him and not another one. If there is a creator people need to remove the image of a guy in the clouds watching you. If something created us, we will never understand or even have the faculties to understand it, that much I'm sure of.
@@bigsteve6729 true that. There is a simple human behavior experiment I saw that I believe goes a long way toward proving that God is a construct that came about when people realized that advancement came quicker when people brain stormed a problem together and began to live in closer proximity to one another. In the experiment they put a few adolescents in a room with a target and velcro balls that they were to stand with their backs to the board and toss the balls over their shoulder and hope to get a treat if fortunate enough to make a bullseye with no adult supervision. Virtually all of them cheated. Next group, same rules except that we're told that in an empty chair sat the invisible princess Alice and she would know if they cheated. Few did, just incase someone unseen was watching...
Religion is dying slowly thankfully. The eastern spiritual traditions will stand the test of time and outlive the Abrahamic religions which are nothing more than man made nonsense to control and keep the peasants in line
I agree I believe if there’s a god it’s something else outside of time and space. Or is the universe
i liked watching his talks on you tube , they held my attention , such an eloquent speaker, i left school at 14 and for that reason found it a little difficult to keep up with him, if at all , broke my heart when he passed
Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.
The only reason that people believe in an invisible and unproved being is to give themselves something to hold onto. I understand that the thought of dying and becoming exactly the same as before you were conceived is really scary, that however is (in my opinion) the truth of it. As daft as it sounds, I would love to be religious, it would give me something to focus on and maybe give this shitty life some meaning. Unfortunately, you can not make yourself believe in something and therefore I will just continue as I am and fight this bull shit we are up against at the moment.
Doesn't sound daft at all. Faith helps alot of People get through the suffering of life. Ironically, I actually like the idea of no afterlife. That there is truly Nothing. No memory, no "me"... I'm worried that is not the case.
It’s nice for you that your life is so good that you don’t have to yourself stories just to survive! Maybe not so nice to insist or fight as you said to make everyone think as you!
Looking forward to the Ramdass video! 👍🏻
Atheism is nihilistic? Come on Russell, you know that statement is ridiculous.
A disbelief in the existence of God (i.e. the one and only criteria for being an atheist) does in no way necessitate a nihilistic worldview.
@@aneurinellis3926 there's nothing to research. Atheism is difined as the lack of belief in god(s), nothing more nothing less. It technically has nothing to do with nihilism.
@@aneurinellis3926 Research on what? Atheism is only a disbelief in God. Any other content attributed to it is wrong as there isn't any.
@@aneurinellis3926 That is everything then? Why the need to specify atheism in that case? As every worldview/idea/origin story is a product of the mind.
Christopher Hitchens turned my views of religion on its head. I was raised a Roman Catholic. Even though I was indoctrinated, I still had questions about many things that just didn't make sense, but I was afraid to ask because I know I would have pushback. Like George Carlin said, "I tried to believe but the older you get, the more you realize something is fucked up." I just stumbled on a video of Hitchens debating some clergy, not sure who, but he utterly destroyed his opponent. I viewed every other video I could find, of his and realized he had the same questions and made me feel not embarrassed to ask those questions.
Christopher was very damaging in hindsight, although at the time I thought he was genius
How so
Hey Russel, good to hear your view on Hitchens. It is unfortunate (for many reasons) that he is longer with us, would have been amazing to hear you both in conversation on Under the Skin.
It has been a few years now since I have listened to or read any of his insights, but I think it is safe to say that he wasn't on any kind of spiritual quest. Particularly in regards to anything related to faith or religion. I don't think I'm the only one who feels that we too often conflate religion and spirituality - or perhaps religion simply hijacked spirituality - but regardless of our world views, we can very much experience awe and wonder without equating it with religion or any connection to faith.
All religions, systems of belief and rational individuals share many of same values that we consider to be moral. A lot of which also overlap with Veganism in that we know as animals we want to avoid harm and to not inflict suffering on other sentient beings. Does this have anything to do with a higher power? I don't think so. If anything suggesting that it is connected to God undermines our ability to grow and potential to understand more.
As for other videos and specific topics, I guess there are a few versions of Christopher Hitchens' Ten Commandments and critique of those delivered by Moses...
- ruclips.net/video/v-63cTYJDCA/видео.html
- ruclips.net/video/9JyFVJEVQhA/видео.html
- ruclips.net/video/pTBabza9hyU/видео.html
Religion was the precursor to philosophy, science, and our attempts to understand the world around us. It played an important role in human evolution and consciousness, but there is nothing wrong with outgrowing it and building on our collective knowledge. I do feel that corona has opened our eyes to the fact that our leaders and government have no interest in our well being, and that a "greater good" is something we tell ourselves to feel better.
I'm struggling to find the right words and put this more concisely, but my five month old daughter is strapped to my chest and I'm trying not to wake her :)
Look forward to hearing more and keep up the great work!
When every word of the Bible was written by man, how could you see someone asking for the recognition of man's work as nihilistic? A higher power there may be, but not one thats been presented to us. All of our knowledge is human driven. Every word was penned by a man, woman, or group of either. Hitchens wants to remind us that this is the case. That is not nihilistic.
Camille paglia also felt like he wasn't trying as hard as he could have at the time. His brother feels like he was too used to having the same back and forths, that he tended to talk past specific points with quips he was used to bringing the house down with. He was amazing. Tho, he wasn't always on his game. When he was drinking less he was more sharp. But he was probably always with some amount of booze at all times :)
Nicely said, a point I always feel is brushed over,
Not one that's been presented to us? You gotta be kidding me right? Jesus Christ was God incarnate and walked the earth, died on the cross for the sins of all men, and then rose from the dead on the third day. Which might I remind you was an event that was recorded by secular non believing historians and scribes of the time. He's also coming back extremely soon so you might want to join us while you still can, bc judgement is coming to the earth and the 7 year tribulation period is going to be the worst period of time in human history.
@@c.h.7580 I'm not kidding you. You have faith in what you say, and that's obvious. I won't knock it. But I don't believe it myself anymore than the countless stories about dragons and unicorns that persist they exist as well.
@@MsFreshadenu Well you might not think much of this little interaction we as two total strangers are having on the internet, but this is God giving you another chance to understand these things and accept them before it is too late. So please take it seriously, I beg of you.
Because I can assure you, when God himself lends his hand out to you the last thing you want to do is turn it away. It is the greatest honor you could ever be offered, you may not ever meet a celebrity but you can say you met the creator of all things on this day... And who are you for him to be mindful of you? He must think you are worth saving on this day for whatever reason..
Good video, and I say that despite you (gently) disagreeing with one of my heroes, Christopher Hitchens. The issue I have with religious debates is that the defence of religion tends to very quickly descend (or ascend maybe) into the metaphysical rather than the idea of a God who can hear our prayers and sometimes responds to them which is the idea of God that the majority of people believe in. Where Christopher Hitchens/Sam Harris/ Neil deGrasse Tyson, etc, has debated with those who try to defend a God entity who takes an active interest in humans the audience quickly falls onto the side of the atheists.
To steal an argument from Sam Harris; There isn't a word for people that don't believe in Tarot Card reading, we just call those people sane. That is all that Atheism is with regards to religion
Because I am certain that if any one of you received the Lord's blessing as I have, you would try and make me understand the true Glory of God, sincerely me.