I knew that Christopher Hitchens had been ill for some time, but was surprised when I learned of his death on the morning news just a few days ago. Without realizing it, I somehow thought he could beat anything, including the Terminator, Godzilla, and cancer. If only it were so. Christopher Hitchens will be missed by many, especially those atheists who saw him in action during debates, interviews, or read his book “God is Not Great.”
If only everyone felt that way.
The very fact that his death has caused a stir among believers as well as nonbelievers says something about the Hitch. Maybe he’s just a love him or hate him kinda guy? Many fundamentalist believers have shared their reactions online, including this brilliant thread at JWD entitled “Notorious Asshole Christopher Hitchens Thrown Into Eternal Flame of Gehenna.”
The first time I heard of Christopher Hitchens was today when his named was mentioned multiple times in the comment section of a YouTube video. After reading a brief summary of his life, it became clear that this guy was a complete douche-bag. A very arrogant sarcastic bigoted f**k who looked down on everyone who didn’t share his beliefs. It’s always nice to see someone who deserves to die actually die, rather than the usual innocent victim. Hopefully the grim reaper can rid us of two more a**holes by coming for Bill Maher and Richard Dawkins next.
Yes, very witty. I knew nothing of the poster before that day, but trust me, Philadelphia Ponos made an impression. In fact, he (?) originally created two threads with the same name as the one above because one thread just wasn’t enough to express the joy P.P. felt about the death of a man he claims not to have even heard of a day before. I remember a similarly brilliant comment that was posted here when I announced the death of Raymond Franz by someone calling them self Opheliagrneyes.
So he died, huh? Well…..
….he ain’t coming back 🙂
See what I mean? I can practically hear Opheliagrneyes chuckling to himself at the death of a man who stood up for his principles and suffered for them. Good times, eh? I can see that the New System of Things will be filled with good people if they’re anything like Opheliagrneyes. Glad I won’t be there to see it.
I think both comments are amazing tributes to the kinds of people and ideas both men sought to oppose. Not only because they reveal the true character of the people who hated them, but because they give the rest of us the chance to show our mettle. There are at least 4 pages of reactions to P.P’s. comment about Hitchens on JWD as you read this. Some of them would have made the Hitch proud.
So, in honor of the Hitch’s memory, here are some links of interest. Some will make you laugh. Some will piss you off. What could be a more appropriate tribute to a man like Christopher Hitchens than that?
VIDEO: UK Channel 4 Tribute | Daily Hitchens
Hitchens fought dogma’s delusion
Is Christopher Hitchens about to convert? « » Print The Daily Caller
Note the date on this last one. It came out shortly before he died.
New Statesman – Preview: Richard Dawkins interviews Christopher Hitchens
25 Ridiculous Reactions To #GodIsNotGreat
The 20 Best Christopher Hitchens Quotes | Unreasonable Faith
Christopher Hitchens quotes: the writer’s most memorable bons mots | Books | guardian.co.uk
Christopher Hitchens – Godless Quotes
Christopher Hitchens’ Greatest Hits
VIDEO: Christopher Hitchens – The Best of the Hitchslap – YouTube