The late Christopher Hitchens destroys Bill Maher, and his audience!

[was_peacemaker]

Not always a fan of the late Hitchens but he gave it to Bill Maher and his audience good here in fact he even defended G.W. Bush.

[LAGC]

He was certainly opinionated in his time. I haven't read his memoirs (Hitch 22) but I do seem to recall an article summarizing it that said he gave somewhat of a death-bed confession saying he was mightily disappointed that no weapons of mass destruction were ever found in Iraq, the rationale used to justify that bogus war.

One thing's for sure: he never found Jesus before he died -- he was a militant atheist to his very grave.

[was_peacemaker]

He was certainly opinionated in his time. I haven't read his memoirs (Hitch 22) but I do seem to recall an article summarizing it that said he gave somewhat of a death-bed confession saying he was mightily disappointed that no weapons of mass destruction were ever found in Iraq, the rationale used to justify that bogus war.

One thing's for sure: he never found Jesus before he died -- he was a militant atheist to his very grave.

Actually no he wasn't as nearly militant as you might think. He studied with theologians he argued with and even welcomed the prayers of people praying for him while he was dieing.

[LAGC]

Actually no he wasn't as nearly militant as you might think. He studied with theologians he argued with and even welcomed the prayers of people praying for him while he was dieing.

Oh? Next you'll be telling me he almost converted to SDA with his dying breath.

[was_peacemaker]

Oh? Next you'll be telling me he almost converted to SDA with his dying breath.

What do the SDA have to do with this?

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/1...iend-hitchens/

[LAGC]

I'm not sure how much stock you can put into the account of a rival debate partner, as Hitch wasn't exactly there to corroborate his story. Although he always regarded his opponents with respect and dignity.

I do know many Christians like to think that all atheists repent on their death-beds, but many stay true to form to the very end.

I just don't see Hitch caving in the end. Not on that issue, anyway.

[was_peacemaker]

I'm not sure how much stock you can put into the account of a rival debate partner, as Hitch wasn't exactly there to corroborate his story. Although he always regarded his opponents with respect and dignity.

I do know many Christians like to think that all atheists repent on their death-beds, but many stay true to form to the very end.

I just don't see Hitch caving in the end. Not on that issue, anyway.

I wasn't implying that he did confess on his death bed but that he did have theologian friends...just like Dawkins has mellowed out a bit since the chief Rabbi of the UK him...I think you'll appreciate this. Its with Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Start watching @ 14:30 probably one of the best discussions between a theist and a non-theist.

[L1A1Rocker]

Bill seems to be a bit thin skinned when it comes back at him doesn't he.

[LAGC]

I wasn't implying that he did confess on his death bed but that he did have theologian friends...just like Dawkins has mellowed out a bit since the chief Rabbi of the UK him...I think you'll appreciate this. Its with Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Start watching @ 14:30 probably one of the best discussions between a theist and a non-theist.

That was an interesting interview. Judaism really is kind of unique though, in that it long has been more of a secular-minded religion, more open to science and inquiry versus strict adherence to tradition and faith. Quite a few Jewish scientists have won the Nobel Prize over the years... and like the rabbi said, the stories in the Old Testament: they didn't necessarily happen literally, but were meant more as parables describing why we should or shouldn't do different things (such as sacrificing young children to the gods like many pagans of the day back before them did.)

I won't deny that the ideology behind the Big Three Abrahamic religions (Judaism-Christianity-Islam) had some marked improvements over the pagan rituals of the times prior, but they are still far from perfect systems for devising a modern system of ethics. Especially in today's changing world.

[Pat Garrett]

I won't deny that the ideology behind the Big Three Abrahamic religions (Judaism-Christianity-Islam) had some marked improvements over the pagan rituals of the times prior, but they are still far from perfect systems for devising a modern system of ethics. Especially in today's changing world.

And you would replace them with.........................WHAT???????

[FunkyPertwee]

And you would replace them with.........................WHAT???????

Communism and atheism.

They'll make ethical decisions based upon whats best for the quality of life of the most number of people over the longest period of time. Quite a dangerous road to travel.

[LAGC]

And you would replace them with.........................WHAT???????

There is a rich tradition of the study of ethics in Western philosophy, dating clear back to Socrates' time and before. I really think general ethics classes ought to be taught to kids in public schools, especially as more and more parents these days shirk their responsibilities of teaching kids right at home. I just think it would help greatly fill the void that this country has left with religion having diminishing influence over the past couple decades. It might not prevent every future act of mass violence (like school shooting), but it certainly couldn't hurt.

[was_peacemaker]

Bill seems to be a bit thin skinned when it comes back at him doesn't he.

Bingo! Like the time he got flustered up on meet the press when he was talking to people who were actually educated on various topics.

[was_peacemaker]

There is a rich tradition of the study of ethics in Western philosophy, dating clear back to Socrates' time and before. I really think general ethics classes ought to be taught to kids in public schools, especially as more and more parents these days shirk their responsibilities of teaching kids right at home. I just think it would help greatly fill the void that this country has left with religion having diminishing influence over the past couple decades. It might not prevent every future act of mass violence (like school shooting), but it certainly couldn't hurt.

Yeah, my issue with that is this. It could lead to more and more tools for a socialist teacher such as "The Republic" by Plato. If not taught with an open mind that book can be used as a pre-text for Marxist education in the public schools.

[El Jefe]

There is a rich tradition of the study of ethics in Western philosophy, dating clear back to Socrates' time and before. I really think general ethics classes ought to be taught to kids in public schools, especially as more and more parents these days shirk their responsibilities of teaching kids right at home. I just think it would help greatly fill the void that this country has left with religion having diminishing influence over the past couple decades. It might not prevent every future act of mass violence (like school shooting), but it certainly couldn't hurt.

Says the two time felon. Who has on multiple occasions attempted to defend Bill Ayers and Joe Stalin.

You know nothing of ethics.

[was_peacemaker]

A lot of professors in liberal arts studies have tried for years to slide Greek Philosophy under the rug as a replacement for religion. Though guys like St. Paul, and Maimonides harmonized them with religion, many today for whatever reason want to keep the two separate which is a shame. Kind of keeps the studies of both a bit more narrow.

[Kadmos]

Yeah, my issue with that is this. It could lead to more and more tools for a socialist teacher such as "The Republic" by Plato. If not taught with an open mind that book can be used as a pre-text for Marxist education in the public schools.

Just as the bible or Koran can be used to create some pretty nasty theocracies.

Personally, I think "the golden rule" is a much better start than any of the worlds holy books.

Religion can be a great thing, but it's not something I would care to base a society on, or even a legal system.

And truthfully, in America, our legal system has tended to become about as distant from the religious books as we can get it, and for good reason.

[was_peacemaker]

Just as the bible or Koran can be used to create some pretty nasty theocracies.

Personally, I think "the golden rule" is a much better start than any of the worlds holy books.

Religion can be a great thing, but it's not something I would care to base a society on, or even a legal system.

And truthfully, in America, our legal system has tended to become about as distant from the religious books as we can get it, and for good reason.

Valid points. But at the same time I don't know if ethics could be taught without someone wanting to slide in "The Republic", which shouldn't be taught on anything lower than college level.

[LAGC]

Says the two time felon. Who has on multiple occasions attempted to defend Bill Ayers and Joe Stalin.

Quote where I've ever defended Stalin. Maybe Ayers in passing, only by proxy of pointing out the Weather Underground's role in helping end the Vietnam War.

You know nothing of ethics.

I'm actually taking an Ethics class (Philosophy 202) at my community college right now.

Want me to quote you some Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative?

[Kadmos]

Want me to quote you some Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative?

Not really.

Well...maybe...what do you have?


Although, if you've got to quote Kant, not that I've read it, but he does have one of the coolest book titles ever....






The Only Possible Argument in Support of a Demonstration of the Existence of God