Agreed

I just started to do the same thing with Christopher's interviews. I have been finding, at the ripe age of 50, that my understanding of his perspective has been enhanced. His clarity is remarkable.

Same

Especially now.

Instead of searching for videos, you should be buying and reading his books :)

Underrated by who?

@@felina7849 whom

Well it's not really a conversation that calls for debate, which is generally what paxman does

@@felina7849he’s referring to what might be described as an area of this interview. It clearly wasn’t wasted on you because you clearly grasped it because of how utterly amazing you are. Indeed, you’re so amazing you took to the comments section to draw out that line of questioning hoping to engage debate around something that clearly wasn’t missed by you….. Perhaps you should write out even more comments about how great you are….. or save everyone time and just admit you’re a d1ckhead….

It's a good interviewer who can shut up and listen rather than trying to rush through their questions.

I agree with this 100%. He is on my short list of 3 people I’ve never met, but who I actually mourn. And on this note, I’ve been going through my annual Hitchens phase recently, and truly became sad to think that in this era, with everything going on in the world, I don’t have his perspective. This culminated in my discovery that Hitchens’ own self-described “best friend” (although I’m sure he had many), Martin Amis, lived the closing years of his life literally 60 seconds away from my place of work. And on that realization, I felt a little bit closer to Hitchens’ universe.

Hear hear. What a beautiful mind to at least listen to in retrospect. I wonder what he would make of the world today.

i actually liked the guy but jesus christ you sycophants make me want to vomit. i was searching for a recent interview with his brother (to be clear i like his brother much less as far as i can tell although hes never interested me enough to really find out definitively) and wound up here and dear god this is hitchens at his most tedious and pompous. the man is genuinely insufferable in this clip. to heap this kind of praise on him based on this interview is baffling to me. "battling cancer? why, i rather feel like its battling me!" or whatever he said. thats just completely inane semantic nonsense, which would be fine but he just insulted people for saying the inverse. ugh. alright i have to get off this clip reading all these sycophantic comments is darkening my mood very quickly

Edrei Argueta Lmao

Edrei Argueta Absolutely fabulous and very clever joke indeed. It gave me a good giggle that lol!

Haha same! Hitch would have liked that one! He left us in some ways but his afterlife is eternal in his books and these recordings

Edrei Argueta , you made my day!

Similar to Voltaire

@blake bishop can we ask why you feel like that toward him?

blake bishop - I think you are only angry because he made fun of your imaginary friend.

@blake bishop "Where the money was"??? You are the champion of the paraolympic games.

@blake bishop facts please....not just your opinion......he's only speaking the truth.

mistercheez aAżqqqżqqżxqqqqqqqq

A brave man sharing his thoughts at the end and beautifully addressed by Paxman. How could anybody not be moved?

You can Paxman was in awe, and rightly so

So beautifully put, a great amongst intellectuals a worthy man, who lived a live of challenge, who challenged wrongs, and stood tall when all the lies and smoke had faded, i miss his brilliance. God bless him.

Its called a british accent

@@btewb Not just any British accent .Ha certainly not Cockney , Scouse or Geordie accent !

Yep I love that. And focus on their messages.

i think the thing is to remember the salient messages ... but we have had messages defining humanity and calling out slavery etc ... yet they endure

Of course 🔚

Great comment. Thanks for the quote. I'll definitely use that in the future.

he was not so clever 😂😂😂

Yet he died from throat cancer speaking against the holy God of the universe. Ironically. Your truth is you'll die and go to hell just like him if u don't repent and turn to Christ before its to late . He wouldn't have spend 5 minutes talking to u if he was alive. Your is dead quit worshipping men.

He wasn't necessarily a servant of truth. He also said many lies and spread inaccuracies (e.g. the nonsense that JFK ordered killing of the Diem family in Vietnam. A lie that Christopher repeated many times). I do miss him, but he was pretty overrated.

​@@sdkfz2519 Do not show fake love. You can detest him, hate him but do not say you liked him and yet project such atrocities.

A very articulate man who held some good positions, and some bad positions. Like most intellectuals he wasn’t humble enough when challenged on some of his poorer choices/positions. On the subject of truth, God is the source of all Truth. There is only one absolute truth. And that is God. (In Islam one of his names/attributes is : Al-Haqq. The Truth.)

​@@OmarMohamed-ed7kz ... Think you will learn through research that ALL Religions were infiltrated, including Islam ... Why would your Prophet marry a 6 year old girl and consummate the marriage when she was 9 years old, because he didn't. Aisha was at least 16 when she met the Prophet ... You see, there were members of the Ruling Elite in the inner circle of Advisers to Judaism, Christianity and Islam and it was those Advisers who perverted all Religions to suit the Agendas of Rome who were/are from the Ancient Aryan-Persian- Iranian Dynasty and they have ruled Earth for Milenia, they are NOT Italian but Persian. Any guesses why Biden, and Obama before him, sent Billions of $$$ to Iran .

I am just a farmer....and always think the only significant differences between us and animals is that we use tools and can make fires....other than that I believe we believe our existence is way more relevant than it really is?

Rubbish!

Psalm 53:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and vile in their ways; there is no one who does good.

@@jonathonrobinson7236 Are you implying that you believe that Christopher did no good whilst on this planet and was a vile ,corrupt fool ? If so that's a very miscalculated,incriminating and naive statement.

Its naive when you don't see his true nature. John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Christopher*

Mizrob Abdukholikov Its Christopher

masonmmaspecilist Sorry my bad.

BLOODY IDIOT.

You have exposed yourself as such.

Agreed. Recommend his writing. That is the real gold!

I only just learned of him (2022!) and I’m so glad.

First time hearing of him and so glad I did! Today I watched a couple of his debate videos and I hope he gave the college students something to think about.

@@gordonross784 aman to emulate the depth and breadth of his knowledge was awesome.

What I don't understand is when he harshly condemns the Vietnam war he is a hero but when he advocated the Iraq war that was 2× worse it's like it never happened.

He is one of my great heroes

Sadly Christopher died before the abomination in America of Trump, just would love to hear his thoughts on American politics today

@@richardwait1206 He would not be impressed with the far left activism, riots, and sympathy with Islamic jihad.

No he wasn't

@@user-wf1qf5qv3c both are true

That really is just a very basic requirement for anyone capable of cognitive thought tbh

@@lynnsmithershubbard1896 Nope, he was an unabashed advocate of anti-civility. I think you guys are probably just not British and equating an English accent with being a gentleman. He would not have liked to be called a gentleman

@@cassanateli of course he is not an advocate of anti-civility. There'd be many things he could do better if that were his goal, including showing us which other organs he uses how to blaspheme. He just felt that, in context, it was important to be clear, honest, direct.

Much luck to you brother. May you live many many more years in good health.

That's great you're doing well - hope you continue to have an awesome, illness free life 😊

All the best Hudson

I hope you get through it and beat it, always eat healthy and stay hydrated and stay away from toxic people. Hope the best for you!

Read the book mortality by Hitchens it is really beautiful ! And I hope for u to get cured .

Two brilliant men certainly.

Yes. I would love to hear what Hitch and George Carlin would have to say about the nonsense in philosophy, culture and religion today.

Absolutely.

He ain't got much choice, the man was dying 🤔

@@shaun5944 I've seen the interview where Paxo interviewed Maurice Duvalier. He was dying too and Paxo tore into him .

@@mchristhomas do you have a link?

@@dertdood yes

The only people who talk about "fighting" or "battling" cancer, are cancer charities, or parasites as I call them. Believe me, there is no battling or fighting where cancer's concerned, I'd say, "enduring" or at the end game "suffering".

@@tristramgordon8252 You call cancer charities parasites? If you ever get cancer, don't use any of the treatment that has been funded by cancer charities. Good luck.

Doug Miles, so it's a guarantee if you smoke and are an alcoholic, you get cancer? Is that right, Doctor????

Cancer is PROOF that there can be NO 'God'. Because if I'm wrong? that that would certainly make this so called 'God' THE biggest SADIST that EVER existed! (and prize TWAT too).

It reminds me of his support for the Palestinians and their resistance. The same sentiment can be applied to their plight.

He articulated everything I feel but would never have known, or can ever express. Brilliant, brilliant man. I'm thankful for his time here.x

Amen! He keeps me sane.

Lewis Murphy@ I too listen to his talks, debates, arguments... frequently. He uplifts my spirits immeasurably!

I would very much love to see the look on his face when he died and stood before GOD, whether he believed or not is irrelevant. Even so it was his choice and as such he should be talked about with respect. I do not agree with a lot of what he said, "BUT" he was Brilliant, Articulate, Intelligent. The list goes on.

I do exactly the same. Well said.

​@@Faith-Ministries stood before what God?

almost as good as rowan williams !

Dom Cox hahaha very good joke

He was a master.

Hossam ElGebeily Oh! Spine tingling.

Absolutely! I continually try to expand my vocabulary and when u listen to Hitchens, it's a totally inspiring experience in the art of discussion.

to be fair, he had an outstanding interviewee. but i agree, paxman conducted this well.

I agree, and there are many moments where you can tell that Paxman genuinely loves and admires Hitchens. There are moments where Paxman wanted to take the interview in a more philosophical or emotional direction, but most likely knew it would cross a line of respect to do so. It is a great interview... boy do we need Hitchens in this current political climate.

Totally agree, it is an excellent interview.

He was in awe, this is how honest and respectful people engage

It was a great interview. This is only my second Paxman inerview, and I must say that I am impressed. The first one I saw he took the 'devil's advocate' pt of view against each person at the debate. cuts out the bs and gets right to the pt.

And a sad alcoholic. Certainly not a role-model for happiness but certainly intellectually stimulating.

​@@MS-fg8qoan untroubled intellect is a simp.. Be well!! 🙂

@Kaian凯安 You can see a tear in Hitchen's eye. He's missed

Buddhist belief in a nut shell

Was looking for someone writing this comment to see if I weren't the only one instead of all the comments on him by people who can't seem to make the distinction between honest and uncivil discourse. They indeed seem to be close, and at least respectful towards eachother's professional and intellectual rigor.

Sounded to me like Paxman is actually quite religious compared to him

@@marioluigi9599 doesn’t mean they couldn’t be friends :)

@@stjames3852 I think he's a bit dumb to be honest, because God is important Like he's gonna look like a Muppet once he's resurrected and stood before God. Like it's not gonna pass just having an attitude about it on that day

Yes, I think you’re right James Stuart. The looks they exchanged near the end were very heartfelt, I think.

K Nicole true legend

Shane Stephen If God makes people act like you're acting, you can keep him

Shane Stephen ''get real man'' says the one believing in magic

@Vote Little Win Big There is God and there is life after death

@@orlansmith6230 thanks for the clear guidance, and your evidence is?

Hes got hot feet now 🥰

@@toddcameron6298 "He's" - not "Hes". Your spelling is as appalling as your gleeful, sadistic fantasies and Magical-thinking.

@@BiggieBig_ "Shut the fuck up" - not "shut the fuck up". Your grammar is as appalling as your dictatorial demand and wishful-thinking. N.B. Why did you delete your comment? Let me guess - embarrassment?

@@donthesitatebegin9283 are u really grammar policing on the internet😭u are not christoper hitchens, ur trying way too hard with unnecessary adjectives

@@ansxr916 Hilarious!

His politics were complex, and changed over the years. That's just another reason to respect him more. He was honest and humble enough to change his mind and admit it when he did, or if not change his mind, at least change his labels to some extent. Almost nobody ever does that.

Paxman can be a rather aggressive interviewer, even if only to play devil's advocate, a lot of people are made uncomfortable being interviewed by him because he has a way of undermining people who ride their own ego's. In most of his interviews Paxman is very much in control of the debate and in embarrassing the guests by pointing out inconsistencies and hypocrisies in their thoughts and/or actions. But the fact that Paxman can't get any leverage or wedge's in his [Hitchins'] thought process goes to show his control and mastery of rational thought. If nothing else, that should be justification for respect of his intellect. RIP.

DontTouchTheWatch he is a philosopher in most ways but calling him an intellectual works too

I cried when he finally passed, he'd been the voice of reason for me and still is

James M the nh

You should look for Bertrand Russell also. Hitch and him were two peas in a pod.

Shane Stephen you are the deluded fool. Christopher Hitchens although not always right, offers another point of view not previously contemplated which is the very definition of a talented and intelligent philosopher. You my friend need to expand your horizons a touch.

I think woke would of stopped early if he was still around ha

Couldn't agree more mate. One wonders what He would have made of the way the wold looks now

How can he rest when he is dead. He didn't believe in anything.

@@RashidAli-bp3mr Because he's dead lol, superstitious crazy people cant accept the reality of life. When we die, we...die...

@@seane6616 yeah

I miss him too. Loads. Especially in times that he is so much more needed.

You remember him during a Christian celebration. How very ironic.

@@ralphdavidson9542 What does that mean?

@@ralphdavidson9542 Around the time of his death :/

“At this point” At that point**

HE always deserves respect!

@@colin-campbell both, unfortunately....

I'm sorry my friend of your lack of discernment, Hitchens lacked wisdom and was a fool. Proverbs 9:10 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 28:11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him. Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek God; in all his schemes there is no God. Psalm 53:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and vile in their ways; there is no one who does good.

Jonathon Robinson Do you have an actual argument to put, or are you just reaching for the ad hominem and the quotation of documents whose significant is unagreed?

@@bikelawman Did not agree with the late Ch Hitch....but he was not a fool., ..as a believer I think there are good Catholic grounds for thinking he is in Heaven...and would definitely not say he was in Hell...the sort of man I would have liked to have a pint with!

Me too - in the hope that some of his intelligence goes into my mind

Churlisshly - Me too - I listen to him for hours - one of the few voices of reason, who would probably now be ashamed of calling himself " leftist"

I think woke would of stopped early if he was still around ha

@@seane6616 Respectfully disagree, I think he would have explained what 'woke' actually means and why it is not such a bad thing.

@@MrArchie800 It's national socialist propaganda for "Modern audiences" ha, it's basis is lies and cherry picking of statistics to mislead people. Noway he would support it

@@seane6616 It’s always amusing when ignorant bigots act as though they comprehend what being woke means.

@@MrArchie800 He would have definitely agreed with woke because he didn't know the truth (Christ Jesus). The blind leading the blind (spiritually).

Love people like these. Gore Vidal was another.

Only fools get hypnotized by men

@@dialmformowgli Most men get mypnotized by women

@@lwacc are you actually that dense?

@@lwacc I think we’re all wondering what yours is.

I suppose, if blasphemy makes one a legend

Look up cross examined

@@lwacc the fact that we have a human term (blasphemy) that describes the nature of how abominable religious beliefs are as an affront to the values of free speech is what should be considered pathetic. And you are pathetic to consider otherwise.

And the tyranny came from a direction that he could never have foreseen.

He will be very well catered for, as he has gone to meet his Maker and explain...."27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" Hebrews 9:27 (ANIV)

@@earnestlycontendingforthef5332 Still butt-hurt over his hurty words, 10 years after his death?

@@baldieman64 LOL! He hasn't hurt me at all...only himself and his now futile destiny, as he will find out to his cost on Judgment Day! "49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth". Matthew 13:48-50 (KJV)

@@baldieman64 True!!! "God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee" Luke 12:19-20 (KJV)

Jeez that is pathetic.

The reason we became the dominant species is because we learned to share knowledge.

He would hate this kind of simpering attitude, believe me.

We are always in need of it, which is why it’s best to try to create it ourselves.

Me too x

We have his work. I’m grateful for that much.

Yes, and he is now sowing what he reaped. As you will when your time comes and your mockery wanes!

@@FINDINGFITNESS101 right now? He is dead.

@@FINDINGFITNESS101 such a loving being 🙄

TL Strength & Conditioning he’s a corpse in the ground you pedantic luddite. You’ll find no converts here so you best move along to some other vulnerable group of folks whose misfortune you can exploit

I think he was primarily referring to his brain lol

Listen to the 6 voices of annelise michel.

I hope Thomas soul doesn't have to die to be recognized

He was an unapologetic socialist so he'd be 100% behind brexit. Given his well publicised contempt for all things Clinton he'd likely have seen Trump as the lesser evil but would be tearing him to shreds although not for the same reasons as those with TDS.

@@aidanmagill6769 He despised the Clinton's as a socialite family and a presidential candidates. But his contempt for Trump would have triumphed over anything, there is no way he would side with a person so averse to the principles he preaches, principles of reason, free thought, the advocacy of scientific research into fields of the unknown. Hitch would put aside his grievances of the Clinton's and would do anything to make sure someone as volatile and dangerous as Trump would never see the light of day in the white house. Sam Harris was actually asked about the question 'What would Hitch do' and shares the same sentiments.

@@aidanmagill6769 It is absolute nonsense that all socialists are behind Brexit. I will grant you that socialists may be divided on the issue, but many socialists see Brexit in terms of those leading and directing it and it's likely outcomes. The EU may have many flaws, but membership is infinitely preferable to allegiance to a Trump-led US, coordinated by the authors of Britannia Unchained and cheered on by the billionaire-owned press. Many people voting on the issue may not have realised that was the choice on offer, but it is very clear when you look at it closely. Being opposed to a thing does not make any alternative better - something that is as true of the EU as of Hilary Clinton.

@@smritivipin not really socialists then, are they?

@@aidanmagill6769 What nonsense. The Brexit program is being directed by the most right-wing government in recent UK history. Only someone who is determined to be wilfully ignorant could think that this will not shape how Brexit plays out. Opposing it hardly makes someone 'not a socialist'. My original post acknowledged that socialists are divided on the issue (as foolish as I think that is). It really is a case of the lesser of two evils. I am well aware that the EU has been used to push some highly objectionable policies; I just think that continued membership is better than giving Johnson, Raab, Patel etc free reign. Your argument is similar to those who supported Trump because Hilary was so awful. Of course she was awful - but you would have to have had one lobotomy too many not to see that Trump is far, far worse.

Seeing the world in the scopes of atheism is a scary realization and I've to commend all these smart intellectuals that publicly announce and defend it

I find it striking that proof exists about Jesus from unbiased sources outside of the Bible. Some of these writers have provided direct evidence of Christians, while others have provided indirect evidence of the existence of Jesus and of His crucifixion. The writings of these writers offer a peek into the current events taking place from the late first century to the late second century. I find difficulty in downplaying or explaining away these writers' writings on the account of the prestige and social position they held, and the disdain illustrated in some of their writing. Tacitus, The Greatest Roman historian, and senator Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judæa, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. He then describes the torture of Christians: Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired. Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a show in the circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft on a car. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man’s cruelty, that they were being destroyed. Mara Bar-Serapion, He was a Syrian philosopher, who wrote a letter to his son sometime after AD 73. There is only one manuscript of his letter in existence and preserved in the British Museum. "What advantage did the Athenians gain from putting Socrates to death? Famine and plague came upon them as a judgment for their crime. What advantage did the men of Samos gain from burning Pythagoras? In a moment their land was covered with sand. What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise King? It was just after that that their kingdom was abolished. God justly avenged these three wise men: the Athenians died of hunger; the Samians were overwhelmed by the sea; the Jews, ruined and driven from their land, live in complete dispersion. But Socrates did not die for good; he lived on in the statue of Hera. Nor did the wise King die for good; he lived on in the teaching which he had given." Lucian, "The Christians, you know, worship a man to this day-the distinguished personage who introduced their novel rites, and was crucified on that account. … You see, these misguided creatures start with the general conviction that they are immortal for all time, which explains their contempt of death and voluntary self-devotion which are so common among them; and then it was impressed on them by their original lawgiver that they are all brothers, from the moment that they are converted, and deny the gods of Greece, and worship the crucified sage, and live after his laws. All this they take quite on faith, with the result that they despise all worldly goods alike, regarding them merely as common property." Pliny the Younger, Is another valuable historical source for information on Jesus and the early Church. Pliny was the governor of the Roman province of Bithynia, located in Asia Minor. In the year 112 AD, he wrote to the Emperor Trajan, asking how he should deal with those in his region who have been accused of being Christians. In the letter, Pliny describes the practices of these “criminals”: “They were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble to partake of food-but food of an ordinary and innocent kind.” Flavius Josephus, Jewish Historian Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works-a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day. Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, Was a Roman historian and court official during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. As the Jews were making constant disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he expelled them from Rome. Punishment by Nero was inflicted on the Christians, a class of men given to a new and mischievous superstition. Thallus, a secular historian Unreasonably of course, because a solar eclipse could not take place at the time of the full moon, and it was at the season of the Paschal full moon that Christ died. Phlegon of Tralles, was a Greek writer During the time of Tiberius Caesar, an eclipse of the sun occurred during the full moon". Julius Africanus, wrote around AD 221 He quotes Tallus' comments about the darkness that enveloped the land during the late afternoon hours when Jesus died on the cross: Tallus, in the third book of his histories. (Julius Africanus also quoting Phelgon of Tralles, Chronography, 18.1)

Have you wondered if there was any “proof” of the miracles of Jesus, outside the Bible (and outside of the writings of believers)? There are documents in which these writers provided us with evidence that Jesus worked miracles, but in writing, intended to downplay belief in such miracles. The first comes from the Babylonian Talmud 43a. Babylonian Talmud (late first or second century AD) Babylonian Sanhedrin43a-b “On the eve of the Passover they hanged Yeshu and the herald went before him for forty days saying [Yeshu] is going forth to be stoned in that he hate practiced sorcery and beguiled and led astray Israel. Here Jesus is accused of sorcery, in obvious parallel with the charge leveled in Matthew 12:22-23. The writer of the Talmud does not agree that Jesus worked bona fide miracles, but he reports that he did things which, to the enemy of Jesus could only be written off as sorcery. In the very early century AD Jewish literature, in "tHul 2:22-23" it is reported that healings were done in the name of Jesus. So we have indirect confirmation of the crucifixion of Jesus and of his working of public miracles-only charging that the miracles were worked by Satan, not God. Flavius Josephus, Jewish Historian Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works-a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day. Celsus was a Greek writer in the second century who criticized Christianity as a threat to the stable communities and worldview that the "pagan" religious and social system sought to uphold. His work as a whole has been lost, but when the third-century theologian Origen sought to answer Celsus' charges in a work appropriately called Against Celsus, he preserved most of Celsus' criticisms. Origen's replies are certainly worth reading in their own right, but the following excerpt is chosen in order to show how a thoughtful "pagan" viewed Christianity. [Celsus] accuses [Jesus] of having "invented his birth from a virgin," and upbraids Him with being "born in a certain Jewish village, of a poor woman of the country, who gained her subsistence by spinning, and who was turned out of doors by her husband, a carpenter by trade, because she was convicted of adultery; that after being driven away by her husband, and wandering about for a time, she disgracefully gave birth to Jesus, an illegitimate child, who having hired himself out as a servant in Egypt on account of his poverty, and having there acquired some miraculous powers, on which the Egyptians greatly pride themselves, returned to his own country, highly elated on account of them, and by means of these proclaimed himself a God."... The point I would make from this material in the Jewish Talmud from the late first century is that it proves that Jesus was a person they felt they had to deal with and that it was sufficiently common knowledge that he worked signs and wonders that they felt they had to address this by claiming that Jesus did his miracles by the power of Satan (sorcery). Does this “prove” that Jesus worked miracles? Maybe or maybe not. What it proves is that many in his day were convinced that he worked miracles and that his enemies were aware of sufficient positive evidence of this that they felt they needed to explain it. In summary, the request for “proof” in written documents that Jesus did in fact work miracles from non-believers is, logically, a very high bar indeed. We can assume that most of those who witnessed his miracles either came to believe in him or found ways to explain away what they saw. In fact, I believe that it is striking that we have these two documented examples of non-Christians feeling the need to explain what seems to have been common knowledge that there was much reason to believe Jesus worked miracles. This does indeed corroborate the accounts of miracles and wonders performed by Jesus in the Bible.

This fella is super intelligent, thanx Mr Hitchins

@@jonathonrobinson7236 I can't begin to imagine what Jesus would have been capable of if he'd had your powers of copy & paste.

Beautifully said friend

His brother is that way too!

.

I'll second that...

Yes. Stunningly beautiful in his linguistics. I can listen to him for hours, and frequently do.

Watch your language you need to expand your volcabulary.

@@athonyhiggins3117 excuse me? My vocabulary’s fine thank you very much and you haven’t any right or authority to tell myself or anyone else to “watch their language”. Fuck off :)

@@athonyhiggins3117 - If you don't like people speaking from the heart, uncensored, whay are you watching a Christopher Hitchens video? He used the F word, with aplomb, on many occasions.

@@BobC250 Hutchins very possible that he is in hell

@Anthony Higgins: Hell? What are you going on about?

his brother is alive

@@EugeneVerster Peter is just not at the same level intellectually.

@@JeffreyGillespie how do you figure that, same genetics, same up bringing, same education, and in fact both used to have the same views. however i would love to hear the objective (and provable factual) reason for why Peter was the dumber brother

@@JeffreyGillespie not sure he isn't as smart in fact I think his world view is more accurate than Christopher, but Peter lacks the hubris and charm of Christopher

@@EugeneVerster Used to have being the operative words, and not because Christopher is dead. It was no secret they barley tolerated each other the last 10 years he was alive. With Peter having a much more conservative and directly religious views.

Science is not able to explain emotions

Where is he resting?

@@athonyhiggins3117 Yes it is 😂😂😂😂

Why would he rest in peace? Which is a religious statement given to those who lived for Christ faithfully and suffered the affliction of the world . Now whether you believe that or not, you cannot attribute that to this man. Neither would he wish to hear it from you.

Fool .

I grew up in the south and the fear of being disowned was strong. No one around me thought the way that I did/do so I felt like I had to stay quiet. I have since embraced it completely. ❤️

He is great indeed and well done about your courage ☺️

Being British it seems bizarre that someone would feel the need to be a closet atheist it’s almost the default setting for us

Religion has been used by man and changed to suit his greed and needs..

I have been impacted by him as well. Even as a teenager, I loved how he stood up to people.

I find it striking that proof exists about Jesus from unbiased sources outside of the Bible. Some of these writers have provided direct evidence of Christians, while others have provided indirect evidence of the existence of Jesus and of His crucifixion. The writings of these writers offer a peek into the current events taking place from the late first century to the late second century. I find difficulty in downplaying or explaining away these writers' writings on the account of the prestige and social position they held, and the disdain illustrated in some of their writing. Tacitus, The Greatest Roman historian, and senator Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judæa, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. He then describes the torture of Christians: Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired. Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a show in the circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft on a car. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man’s cruelty, that they were being destroyed. Mara Bar-Serapion, He was a Syrian philosopher, who wrote a letter to his son sometime after AD 73. There is only one manuscript of his letter in existence and preserved in the British Museum. "What advantage did the Athenians gain from putting Socrates to death? Famine and plague came upon them as a judgment for their crime. What advantage did the men of Samos gain from burning Pythagoras? In a moment their land was covered with sand. What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise King? It was just after that that their kingdom was abolished. God justly avenged these three wise men: the Athenians died of hunger; the Samians were overwhelmed by the sea; the Jews, ruined and driven from their land, live in complete dispersion. But Socrates did not die for good; he lived on in the statue of Hera. Nor did the wise King die for good; he lived on in the teaching which he had given." Lucian, "The Christians, you know, worship a man to this day-the distinguished personage who introduced their novel rites, and was crucified on that account. … You see, these misguided creatures start with the general conviction that they are immortal for all time, which explains their contempt of death and voluntary self-devotion which are so common among them; and then it was impressed on them by their original lawgiver that they are all brothers, from the moment that they are converted, and deny the gods of Greece, and worship the crucified sage, and live after his laws. All this they take quite on faith, with the result that they despise all worldly goods alike, regarding them merely as common property." Pliny the Younger, Is another valuable historical source for information on Jesus and the early Church. Pliny was the governor of the Roman province of Bithynia, located in Asia Minor. In the year 112 AD, he wrote to the Emperor Trajan, asking how he should deal with those in his region who have been accused of being Christians. In the letter, Pliny describes the practices of these “criminals”: “They were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble to partake of food-but food of an ordinary and innocent kind.” Flavius Josephus, Jewish Historian Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works-a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day. Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, Was a Roman historian and court official during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. As the Jews were making constant disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he expelled them from Rome. Punishment by Nero was inflicted on the Christians, a class of men given to a new and mischievous superstition. Thallus, a secular historian Unreasonably of course, because a solar eclipse could not take place at the time of the full moon, and it was at the season of the Paschal full moon that Christ died. Phlegon of Tralles, was a Greek writer During the time of Tiberius Caesar, an eclipse of the sun occurred during the full moon". Julius Africanus, wrote around AD 221 He quotes Tallus' comments about the darkness that enveloped the land during the late afternoon hours when Jesus died on the cross: Tallus, in the third book of his histories. (Julius Africanus also quoting Phelgon of Tralles, Chronography, 18.1)

Have you wondered if there was any “proof” of the miracles of Jesus, outside the Bible (and outside of the writings of believers)? There are documents in which these writers provided us with evidence that Jesus worked miracles, but in writing, intended to downplay belief in such miracles. The first comes from the Babylonian Talmud 43a. Babylonian Talmud (late first or second century AD) Babylonian Sanhedrin43a-b “On the eve of the Passover they hanged Yeshu and the herald went before him for forty days saying [Yeshu] is going forth to be stoned in that he hate practiced sorcery and beguiled and led astray Israel. Here Jesus is accused of sorcery, in obvious parallel with the charge leveled in Matthew 12:22-23. The writer of the Talmud does not agree that Jesus worked bona fide miracles, but he reports that he did things which, to the enemy of Jesus could only be written off as sorcery. In the very early century AD Jewish literature, in "tHul 2:22-23" it is reported that healings were done in the name of Jesus. So we have indirect confirmation of the crucifixion of Jesus and of his working of public miracles-only charging that the miracles were worked by Satan, not God. Flavius Josephus, Jewish Historian Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works-a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day. Celsus was a Greek writer in the second century who criticized Christianity as a threat to the stable communities and worldview that the "pagan" religious and social system sought to uphold. His work as a whole has been lost, but when the third-century theologian Origen sought to answer Celsus' charges in a work appropriately called Against Celsus, he preserved most of Celsus' criticisms. Origen's replies are certainly worth reading in their own right, but the following excerpt is chosen in order to show how a thoughtful "pagan" viewed Christianity. [Celsus] accuses [Jesus] of having "invented his birth from a virgin," and upbraids Him with being "born in a certain Jewish village, of a poor woman of the country, who gained her subsistence by spinning, and who was turned out of doors by her husband, a carpenter by trade, because she was convicted of adultery; that after being driven away by her husband, and wandering about for a time, she disgracefully gave birth to Jesus, an illegitimate child, who having hired himself out as a servant in Egypt on account of his poverty, and having there acquired some miraculous powers, on which the Egyptians greatly pride themselves, returned to his own country, highly elated on account of them, and by means of these proclaimed himself a God."... The point I would make from this material in the Jewish Talmud from the late first century is that it proves that Jesus was a person they felt they had to deal with and that it was sufficiently common knowledge that he worked signs and wonders that they felt they had to address this by claiming that Jesus did his miracles by the power of Satan (sorcery). Does this “prove” that Jesus worked miracles? Maybe or maybe not. What it proves is that many in his day were convinced that he worked miracles and that his enemies were aware of sufficient positive evidence of this that they felt they needed to explain it. In summary, the request for “proof” in written documents that Jesus did in fact work miracles from non-believers is, logically, a very high bar indeed. We can assume that most of those who witnessed his miracles either came to believe in him or found ways to explain away what they saw. In fact, I believe that it is striking that we have these two documented examples of non-Christians feeling the need to explain what seems to have been common knowledge that there was much reason to believe Jesus worked miracles. This does indeed corroborate the accounts of miracles and wonders performed by Jesus in the Bible.

@@jonathonrobinson7236 All nonsense, there is no god or heaven or hell, it's all man made because we're afraid of the dark, afraid to die.

@@stevewright4576 Those who knew Jesus wasn't afraid to die. They couldn't wait to die after He appeared to them after His resurrection.

If we all reflect like him …..what an honest and intellectually beautiful world this would be .

Satan has done his job

@@Nobodieslistening123 do you think your god would think your time is being spent in a valuable way?

@@tykingswell3717 sure I’m trying to help souls

@@Nobodieslistening123 But your not. Your not preaching in kind like Jesus did, your not seeking to ferry these people through expert and kind education. Your just being a “keyboard” warrior online to make yourself feel better about your “lack of damnation” ultimately god being an all seeing being would know this as well. I’d go so far to say, I bet your god thinks you’re a waste.

It's called wilfull ignorance in this case .

@@Patrick-hb7bk wait, admitting to not know everything is willful ignorance? who is there that knows everything... and please don't say god

What does he say after that? I quite couldn’t catch the exact words but I really wish to know You will be surprised by how much ....??

@@Scaraptor619 im wondering too

@@Scaraptor619 how much difference it can make

Yes, kind words unsaid can lead to great regret.

He was so moved!

He seems vaguely terrified and evasive, at least to me. He answers direct questions with rambling statements that sometimes lack coherence. Like belittling cancer as just another ailment like polio or smallpox, suggesting terror of these diseases is somehow irrational or "superstitious." Or incoherent, strange musings comparing having cancer to a woman being pregnant, hosting another organism inside one's body. That's at best a completely bizarre comparison. He thinks and hopes there is some kind of genuine philosophical insight there (i.e., as if cancer is an opportunity to learn about pregnancy, and possibly be more empathic to women and the burdens of bearing children), but the analogy is just to weak for these half-baked ponderings to go anywhere, and he's repeatedly just forced back on himself as an avowed atheist dying of cancer at a young age, whose physical appearance even before getting the illness implies he was living a decadently indulgent life, probably abusing liquor, food or other dangerous indulgences. I say all this not to rant sanctimoniously, but to say he looks like he might be worrying about a debt coming due, after defying and taunting the collector. That's just sort of the vibe he gives off.

@@AnonYmous-ry2jn I could not have put it better myself. I would have just summed him up as a bitter old pisshead.

​@@AnonYmous-ry2jn Respect what you're saying. Not very nice reading though I have to say. Quite nasty in places.

@@brettpritchard265 thanks; I hate that it sounded or seemed nasty; and it’s not a sanctimonious, religiously driven kind of “here you see the decadent, libertine heathen getting his just dessert” type of rant, though it may seem that way. I’m deeply sympathetic to a great deal of what Mr. Hitchens says, particularly his heroically and eloquently calling out the Catholic Church on all the heinous abuses and hypocrisy. It’s just that as a supposed champion of science and rationality, he seems extremely passion-driven and appetite-driven, to an obviously self-destructive fault, and this may well discredit some of his arguments. It often appears, in this sense, that he is no more rational and scientific than his opponents, particular when he rants this way about cancer and dying: the things he says seem to come from fantasy and sophistry no less than the sophistries and fantastical thinking he accuses the Church of. And my impression is there may be an underlying fear (warranted or not), that his health condition could in fact be a divine comeuppance for his behavior. I definitely don’t want that to be nasty. You know what they say by the way: there’s no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole. Do soldiers facing mortal danger retreat into childish fear-driven, religious fantasy? Or is a genuine insight awakened in those conditions? Thank G-d, I’ve never been there, or in Mr. Hitchens’ health predicament, but maybe instead of atheism a better stance would be a more modest agnosticism, if one does not find genuine religious faith compelling or tenable. To be an outspoken practically militant atheist probably triggers some self-questioning in many who find themselves battling cancer at a young age or thrown into a foxhole. Btw: I recommend the movie “Indigination” or the Phillip Roth novel it’s based on (admitting to only read maybe a third of it; perhaps I’ll take it up again): it’s all about a self-proclaimed atheist’s finding himself in a position of severe moral culpability and confronting that punishment may not be some childish fantasy. The movie (or book presumably) seems to be saying that religious claims about divine or cosmic punishment and reward may be true, they may be false-- but life events compel us to consider the moral consequences of our actions which could be viewed in naturalistic of supernatural terms, and each person has to ultimately weigh what kinds of risks are worth taking; and it’s very possible that in a foxhole (or battling cancer), earlier swagger or confidence might find itself challenged by self-doubt.

@@AnonYmous-ry2jn yet you rant sanctimoniously.

Bless you. I know what you mean. He understood what it means to stick to one's principles, and debate always from that point. He was true to himself in every moment and I wish I could have been like that. I miss him desperately.

So true, words of wisdom..

I think Ricky Gervais has a great take on religion but I can't get past the frivolous...🤔

@Gary Fletcher f**k off you fool.

@Gary Fletcher yeah, don't worry about me mate - I'll be fine. Worry about your own god, leave the rest of us alone troll.

You are on the correct path, in my opinion.

while he did have flaws like any other mammal he did communicate his meaning plainly.

I found him after his passing and 7 years after watching my first video I still find content I've not seen. Welcome to an awesome learning journey. His debates are better as you can learn both sides of the argument .

@@NunyaBusinessMKAbsolutely! Well spoken.

I met him. He was awesome in person... feet away... at the podium at a humanist conference in 2008. He had a mastery of words that thrilled and delighted me. And still do. I'm so sorry we lost him.

what a sellout that married a rich jew, hated himself so much he drank himself to death. very sad

Timestamp?

@@aimanahmad645 😂😂😂

@@aimanahmad645 Shut your mouth and go back to hating Jews and stoning people to death, or whatever you do in your moral sewer of a society.

@@aimanahmad645 really?

Hope you now enjoy sinning as much as the rest of us. I'm being a saint today though with my salad & uncustomary iced coffee ( usually wine). Cheers!

@@jaysterling26 haha, yes. Luckily my parents aren't hyper religious just (very) religious, and we have learned to co exist with our very different beliefs.

If you had doubt after listening to hitchens once , then I would say your faith was never strong in the first place. If it was shaken that easily.

@@TheeMrAbz Poor logic, founded on an un-evidenced belief. The ills of humanity in a nutshell.

@@peterweeds4682 in the end you will see the truth . No point arguing with you over youtube

@Roger Loquitur unlike yourself! *slow clap*

He is being very well catered for, as he has gone to meet his Maker and explain...."27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" Hebrews 9:27 (ANIV)

@@earnestlycontendingforthef5332 What an evil person you are. Shame on you; a typical “religious person.”

@@earnestlycontendingforthef5332 In your dreams.

@@earnestlycontendingforthef5332 you really are a c@nt aren’t you?

And at the touch of a key Eternally, that's his gift.

What was it that Christopher Hitchens contributed that it needed now?

@@jonathonrobinson7236 What choices do I have?

I agree wholeheartedly.

Based on what? Coronavirus? Trump?

LMFAO

What part inspired you the most his depression his addictions his stupidity for killing himself ? His arrogance ? His utter contempt for anyone who disagreed with him ? I’d like to know . Thank you

Write to his brother, heaven knows he could use some cheering up.

@@matt.willoughby i don't know about writing to the brother. but his son is a university lecturer dealing with radicalization. I would rather write to him. look him up.

Snap !

No need to be sad when Jesus has always been there for us.

@@jonathonrobinson7236 What bollocks!

i was arguing the point of atheism not being anti god and hitch came up in my mind ... he is still very much with me ... ironically almost religiously

@@EvilSean62 Every intellectual misses him greatly. Nobody could replace him, 10 years after his departure nobody came even close.

Had no idea who he was- was a suggestion in my feed and clicked and watched. So now next 8 hours read about him and watch more.

I can. Look at the state of things. I long for someone with his intellect now. .

@@barracuda7018 never considered myself an intelectual ...my wife begs to differ ...this would explain the awkward silences when i ask questions about the tribalisation in football and the misuse of the word "important" in art and yes ... i did intentionally mis spell ...i do that a lot and it drives my mates crazy ( short drive)

Me too, me too....

What is the best debater, orator, educator, and author of our time going to accomplish in the afterlife? This is what God says will happen to those who have rejected Jesus to follow satan, "Depart from Me, you workers of iniquity, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels". Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

@@jonathonrobinson7236 He accomplished a lot during his informative life and that’s what matters the most! You believe in Jesus Christianity and hell and that’s your belief and obviously helps you with your life but this has no meaning or sense to me. Good luck to you in the afterlife though 😌

@@jonathonrobinson7236 a deity wanting homage?

@@disct1597 Oh, you're playing the, ignorance is bliss, game. My friend, consequences come with ignorance.

The poor man's Bertrand Russell.

@@2msvalkyrie529 Oh no, you could of said, the Modern mans Bertrand Russell but even then, two very different people and there was nothing poor or sub par about Hitch.

Try his brother's retort, The Rage Against God", also a great read.

Exactly. I think I'll be returning to this interview a lot in the future

It is just transparent honesty, the ultimate humility and compassion derives from speaking the truth, as you understand. Dignity implies the seeking of respect for ones being or image, Hitchens never did this.

@dagnut dignity is not about seeking anything fro another ie respect, it's more about humility and conduct. You're thinking of affirmation. You're right that Hitchens never did this of course!

SPL look up the definition of the word. I am not trying to be pedantic, Hitchens would have said the same.

I actually did before I posted to double check; perhaps we are getting crossed wires in that case

Very sad, that he didn't find to Jesus.

​@@alexanderw.1003 I have read the Bible. And I quickly decided that it is almost certainly a work of fiction.

@@xxMrBaldyxx ALL religion is 'Fiction'! (did you NOT know that?) DUH

@@alexanderw.1003 Have YOU ever found the end of a rainbow? (Pst! it simply does NOT exist) Pft

Did you know him well Shawn,how close were you guys,sorry for your loss