Christopher Hitchens: The Moral Necessity of Atheism (1/8)

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A fantastic lecture by Christopher Hitchens about how atheism (and anti-theism) is not only a healthy belief system but a moral necessity. He talks about the very earthly nature of religion, the dangerous effect it is having on our world and the need for people to think for themselves.

Have a drink and get comfortable because Hitchens is going to explain it all to you just brilliantly!

Sewanee University, February 23, 2004

Channel: Howto & Style
Uploaded: September 8, 2007 at 11:51 pm
Author: PiroNiro

Length: 00:10:20
Rating: 4.25
Views: 68015

Tags: Christopher Hitchens Moral Necessity Atheism Religion Christianity Atheist God Anti-Theist Islam Muslim Christian

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Video Comments:
mch50r (December 4, 2008 at 8:16 pm)
Most of my friends and family are not people of faith. I too as LightestTurkey do not refer to myself as religious because that is all about ceremony and tradition as opposed to relationship with Christ. I hope and pray for them everyday, I have no ill will towards them or any other nonbeliever. Sometimes I strike back with a terse attitude when athiests take the position of intellectual superiority based on thier theory vs my belief.
seathanaich (December 4, 2008 at 6:24 pm)
My best friend is very religious. I am forced to assume, from talking to religious people, that there is honestly no way he can appreciate me as much as I appreciate him, no matter how hard he tries. This is, to me, just one of the many sad things that religion causes in its adherents - it reduces the joy in the life of my friend.
xsfslayer (December 4, 2008 at 6:11 pm)
I'm not disagreeing with you at all. But to make the point of true religion accepting all of god's children is a moot point, as a huge majority of religious followers do not practice any "true" practice of religion, as they choose to interpret words as they wish. Even the concept of a "true" religion is only another interpretation of religion.

If you wish to pray for me, I hold no objections :) I just doubt its results.
xsfslayer (December 4, 2008 at 6:08 pm)
Hmm interesting question. I attended a Christian church for 10 years, and during my time there, it seemed as if the majority of its members held non-believers in contempt.
seathanaich (December 4, 2008 at 3:39 pm)
The only real question is whether there can be human kindness WITH religion. I'm not saying this rhetorically. Can a religious believer truly not feel contempt for a non-believer? I can't answer this question, because I'm not religious.
LightestTurkey (December 4, 2008 at 12:46 pm)
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27)

That is true Christian religion. It's not about the ceremony and tradition - that is all man-made. You would appreciate true Christianity that accepts all and proves itself by its acts, not its words. I call Christianity a faith, to escape the negative connotations "relgion" now has. I'll pray for you.
seathanaich (December 4, 2008 at 11:45 am)
Gee, how generous of you, allowing me to think what I want without stoning me to death for it.
Religionists are online because they are alarmed at the erosion of their cults. Atheists are online because they want to help limit and reduce the harm religion does; but it's normal for religionists to project their own insecurity and doubt onto the non-religious. That's a debating trick used in all debates. Demonising is common too.
Tell me a Buy Bull prophesy that has come true, oh Great Carnak.
mch50r (December 4, 2008 at 7:31 am)
If that is what you want to believe then go with that. I suspect that the reason you are online stating it has more to do with you not really being sure about your stance then anything else. All creatures will lash out when they are confused and affraid. If you honestly sit here and claim that no Biblical prophecy has ever come true....then you are completely deluded. I happened upon this site as I listen to the ramblings of this hate filled,miserable, egomaniac and am amazed at how many follow.
xsfslayer (December 3, 2008 at 8:28 pm)
Hmm. I do agree with you to a degree. But in my eyes, religion is man-made, therefore talking about mankind and mankind's correlation with religion is one in the same.

You're right. With all it's hyped up to be, religion should breed common acceptance of all in society, but its very nature helps push that goal away. Religion seeks to comfort by conforming, which does not sit well with many people; especially not with those of different beliefs. It's worse when religion enters politics.
LightestTurkey (December 3, 2008 at 11:36 am)
I am not saying that Christianity breeds kindness and goodness - it doesn't but it should. Practicing Christ's teachings is completely different to what many "religious" organisations practice today e.g. The Roman Catholic Church. However, those that do practice true Christianity such as the numerous Christian charities that strengthen society are the real Christians - it is regretable that in the modern world, such good teachings have been so badly corrupted by so many.