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In Memoriam
Hitch-62
Christopher Hitchens, RIP.
The popular British expat journalist Christopher Hitchens died last Thursday at 62 of pneumonia brought on by esophageal cancer. One might say “passed away” but Hitchens’s writerly ghost won’t stand for it. In life, Hitchens was not sentimental about death, anyone else’s or his own impending anticipated oblivion. When Ronald Reagan died in 2004, Hitchens called the former president a “phony and a loon” and judged him “as dumb as a stump” in an obituary for Slate.
The Hitchens of 1994 would have stopped there but his more mature self needed to go further. “However,” he wrote, “there came a day when Mikhail Gorbachev visited Washington” and the world changed forever. Hitchens had huddled at the Marriott Hotel “from dawn to dusk with friends, wondering if it could be real.”
Many of those friends were very smart Democrats who had “all deeply wanted either Jimmy Carter or Walter Mondale to be… the president instead of Reagan.” Their cars would soon sport Dukakis-Bentsen bumper stickers. “No doubt,” he wrote, “they wish that Mondale had been in the White House when the U.S.S.R. threw in the towel, just as they presumably yearn to have had Dukakis on watch when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait.”
Hitchens continued, “I have been wondering ever since not just about the stupidity of American politics, but about the need of so many American intellectuals to prove themselves clever by showing that they are smarter than the latest idiot in power, or the latest Republican at any rate.”
“Ever since” was not quite right. As a columnist for the left-liberal Nation magazine, Hitchens had raged against George H.W. Bush and the first Gulf War in 1991. He first embraced American intervention with the Kosovo war in 1999. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, he had his name stricken from the Nation’s masthead over the left’s putative pacifism. His final column there cheered on war in Iraq.
Many conservatives admired what Hitchens had to say in the pages of the Nation, Slate, Vanity Fair and so many other places, yet, like his hero George Orwell, he stubbornly considered himself a man of the left. He was correct in one respect. National Review founder William F. Buckley Jr. held that you didn’t have to believe in God to be a conservative, but you could not be an outright mocker of religion. Hitchens hated the Almighty, even as he professed not to believe in Him, and he hated the overtly religious “God botherers.”
Though he denounced many aspects of the Soviet Union, Hitchens always praised its creation of a “secular Russia” — a development made possible by persecuting the Russian Orthodox Church. When Rev. Jerry Falwell died, Hitchens lamented it was a “shame that there is no hell for Falwell to go to.” He thought militant Islam worse than conservative Christianity by degree only, which created some logical problems with his support for the George W. Bush administration.
His anti-God thoughts found their fullest expression in the 2007 runaway bestselling book [G]od Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. It was not a good book. Its arguments were flawed and it was riddled with errors. The reviewer for the Washington Post concluded, “I have never encountered a book whose author is so fundamentally unacquainted with its subject.”
The book brought Hitchens increased fame, fortune, infamy and a few surprises. After he announced that he had late stage 4 esophageal cancer — a condition encouraged by his nearly lifelong habit of heavy smoking — Christians organized “Everybody Pray for Christopher Hitchens Day.” His brief response in the Washington Post ran under the immortal headline, “Pray for me? Christopher Hitchens?”
Ironists in the British press noted that Dr. Francis Collins, former head of the human genome project who was overseeing Hitchens’s treatment, was a deeply committed evangelical Christian. Dr. Collins seems to have had some success slowing the disease’s progress. The fact that Hitchens lasted more than 18 months from the diagnosis of a rapidly spreading cancer attests to that. But alas, some miracles remain stubbornly beyond the reach of modern medicine.
About the Author
Jeremy Lott is editor of RealClearPolicy.com, RealClearBooks.com and RealClearReligion.org and associate editor of RealClearScience.com.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (252) | Leave a comment
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cicero| 12.16.11 @ 12:45PM
The literate world will mourn his loss. He showed even the left that minds can change with discovery and knowledge. I think of his columns over the past decades, and how they went from far left to more centrist whenever I hear the pundits castigate candidates who take different position from those held ten or twenty years ago.
I will miss his writings. Since he said he didn't want any prayers, I said a prayer for someone else, in his mane. Hope it helps.
Vern Crisler | 12.17.11 @ 12:26AM
I was encouraged by Hitchens's defense of our strong foreign policy vis-a-vis Iraq and Muslim fanaticism, but I never could like the guy. There's the vicious attacks upon Christianity, obviously. But what caused me to dismiss him as unworthy of serious discussion was that he called Ronald Reagan a "lizard." Ever since then I've thought of Hitchens as a toad, and while I always entertained some vague hope he might convert, I was under no illusions. In my view, anyone who attacks Christianity deserves hell, but if anyone attacks the Gipper, hell isn't really hot enough to do the subject justice.
Colin | 12.17.11 @ 12:23PM
Rest In Peace? Well, I had something else in mind, but I'll stay with something more suitable:
"Don't let the door hit 'ya , Bubba."
Jeremy Buxton| 12.18.11 @ 11:00PM
Wise words indeed. Hitchens rallied us all when he described the War on Terror as "a war to the finish between everything I love and everything I hate". He should be honoured by conservatives for this supreme moral clarity, whatever other disagreements we might have had with him.
In my conservative Anglican church I gave thanks for his life in our Sunday intercession prayers. However wrong he was about God, he was a fearless scourge of God's vilest enemies, the blaspheming Islamofascists.
A flawed but good human being. Rest in peace Christopher.
ENOUGH ROPE| 12.16.11 @ 1:02PM
May Christ's Divine Mercy offer Mr. Hitchens a last chance to choose Heaven or Hell. He would spurn my wish for his salvation, but based on my beliefs as a Roman Catholic, I am sure that Hitch now knows the truth. Please say the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for him. All of us need mercy, and we can do a work of mercy by praying for him.
May the Eternal Light Shine Upon You Mr. Hitchens.
Barn Cat| 12.16.11 @ 1:22PM
What a waste of time. He'll get what he deserves. Nobody can interfere with that. The idea that you can is just one of the absurdities of Catholicism.
Teaghan| 12.16.11 @ 1:31PM
Shame on you Barncat, for castigating someones outpouring of faith and love. Shame on you.
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 1:57PM
The shame belongs on you for shaming the Truth of God.
Peter | 12.17.11 @ 10:11AM
The Bible says...love covers a multitude of sins. The hostility in these replies to "Enough Rope" are the opposite of Christ's expectations of true Christians...even if you think he/she is wrong.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 11:19AM
False.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 2:24PM
That is, false to your charge of "hostility".
Love DOES cover a multitude of sins~ and letting someone believe a lie is NOT love.
"They say continually to those who despise the Word of the LORD, 'It shall be well with you'; and to every one who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, 'No evil shall come upon you.'" Jer. 23:17.
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 11:15AM
Yeah! Sniff, snivel, whimper, sob.
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 1:33PM
Sorry, but according to the Bible (God's Own Words) there is no last chance. He had a lifetime of chances, and sadly, died rejecting His Creator.. as far as I know, and I would be happy to find out out one day in Heaven if I see him there, by the Grace of God and if God allows me to enter His Heaven, that he did repent before he breathed his last.. but there is no evidence of that, is there?
The Bible says that "man is appointed to die once, and then comes judgement", (Heb. 9:27), so we cannot hope for any chances after death.
Papist Dan| 12.16.11 @ 3:26PM
Bigot Idiot Margie,
"No last chance"??
So there is no hope for a bigot like you. Too late for you to repent.
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 6:23PM
Dope.
That is correct, the Scriptures states there is no last chance after death.
But Papists believe lies.. you need to repent and believe the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Once you're dead, there's no hope for repentance.
Fool.
PJ| 12.16.11 @ 6:37PM
I would like to think God gave Hitchens 1 final chance before judgement & he took it. We'll never know until our turn comes.
And I agree w/you & so does the Catholic Church: once 1 receives his/her final judgement, that's it.
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 6:46PM
Greetings, PJ,
All the chances that we have are while we're living, as the Scripture proves. I do hope he quit his rebelling before he breathed his last.. no one knows.
My only point is to clarify that the Scripture is the Authority, God warns us to repent and gives us the time in this life to do it.
It's much easier to to agree with God, than to fight against Him, but the man chose to fight against Him.
Yet, I truly hope that God granted him repentance.
SeymourGlass| 12.16.11 @ 7:17PM
Margie: can you point me to the scripture which states that scripture (alone) is authority?
Thanks.
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 7:52PM
See-More glass half full:
Jesus and the Apostles warned us not to listen to anything not taught by them. Since Jesus is the Word become flesh according to the Bible in Jn. 1, and since the Apostles were actually appointed by God through Christ, aren't their warnings enough?
"So, then, brothers, stand firm and
strongly hold the teachings you were
taught, whether by word or by our letter." 2 Thess. 2:15.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness,
so that the man of God may be complete,
having been fully equipped for every
good work." 2 Tim. 3:16 & 17.
"For if some one comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you submit to it readily enough." 2 Cor.11:4.
Scripture is God breathed. Why would you want another Authority?
Papist Dan| 12.16.11 @ 8:52PM
Idiot Bigot Margie,
Who appointed you to clarify the Scripture and what God says?
Stick to what you know, bigotry .
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 9:50PM
Who appointed you Judge of Christians, punk?
Go crawl back under your rock, fool.
SeymourGlass| 12.16.11 @ 10:04PM
Margie: nice, loving, Christian attitude you display here. I wasn't around when St Paul preached, but I'm guessing he didn't simply read his epistles. In other words, he (and many others) spoke WITH AUTHORITY with words OTHER THAN SCRIPTURE, you IGNORANT FOOL.
One last question: do you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood? Just asking...
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 11:16PM
Hahaha, I knew you were a stinking Troll and not really interested in a biblical answer.
You can choose to believe whatever you wish, I care not that you want to end up in Hell for your rejection of the Scriptures and your Religious Idolatry of Man and not God!
Suit yourself!
SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 10:43AM
Margie: I'll take your answer as a "no".
That sound you hear is my sandals - I'm dusting them off before leaving you.
Papist Dan| 12.16.11 @ 10:20PM
Idiot Bigot Margie,
You are really stupid, now stealing lines. It is you under that rock, bigot.
Nobody is judging you as a Christian, punkette, You are the self appointed Mullah of your little cult..
And as long as you post your anti catholic bigotry I will reply to each one, Got that , idiot?
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 11:16PM
Whack job extraordinaire!
Mirya| 12.16.11 @ 11:22PM
I see trolls. When? All the time!
Peter | 12.17.11 @ 10:19AM
Hi Margie...I admire your witness for Christ in this thread. Unfortunately you let Papist Dan goad you into a very human response. Christ does warn us not to call another fool (Matthew 5:22). It is so very hard in our flesh, but when we do it dilutes the holiness of our image for Christ. However, keep up the good fight.
SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 11:16AM
Peter: wasn't that verse referring to our actions toward other believers, not the public in general? Frankly, I'd not consider Margie a "sister".
And since the verse doesn't specifically contain warnings about using the words "punk" or "pervert" I suppose you consider yourself on safe ground when calling Margie a "witness to Christ".
Peter | 12.17.11 @ 9:03PM
Hi Seymour...without getting into an interpretation battle about scripture, I will simply state that the Lord calls us not to slander each other with harsh and careless descriptions (whether or not they we are brothers/sisters in Christ). In fact as human beings, we seem to delight in the opportunity for an "opening" to be harsh and fleshy. Perhaps to some calling another fool might appear to be technically correct by their biblical interpretation, but the Lord always looks at the motivation behind our actions. Trust me, I fail more often than I care to admit on this subject, so I'm not trying to sound as if I have no weaknesses in this area.
Margie| 12.18.11 @ 3:23PM
Speak for your self, Peter.
Your accusation of me is false.
Look to yourself.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 11:32AM
Actually, that verse you're referring to is for brethren, those that are in Christ. This person is not in Christ.
Furthermore, I'll let the Scripture speak concerning these Apostates:
"He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who utters slander is a fool." Prov. 10:18.
This one's even more fitting for them:
"Why should a fool have a price in his hand to buy wisdom, when he has no mind?" Prov. 17:16.
Or this:
"A fool's lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a flogging." Prov. 18:6.
Or:
"Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words." Prov. 23:9.
Or:
"A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both." Prov. 27:3.
Or:
"Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his folly will not depart from him." Prov. 27:22.
And:
"If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet." Prov. 29:9.
And:
"For the fool speaks folly, and his mind plots iniquity: to practice ungodliness, to utter error concerning the LORD, to leave the craving of the hungry unsatisfied, and to deprive the thirsty of drink." Is. 32:6.
But thanks for the kind words, brother.
SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 11:47AM
Good morning, Margie:
John 6:53 - "Jesus said to them, 'I am telling you the truth: if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in yourselves.'"
So, do you do this?
Rich D| 12.18.11 @ 1:17PM
Sure. Jesus is the vine, too, and I'm a branch. He is also the door, so I used him to replace one of mine. He is the way, so I walk all over him. I also told my electric utility to remove their wires from my house, as he is all of the light that I need. If you are also wondering why I spend all my time lying in the grass, the shepherd made me.
Steve| 12.18.11 @ 8:42PM
RichD
What are talking about?
Rich D| 12.18.11 @ 9:21PM
The post immediately in front of mine, SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 11:47AM
Papist Dan| 12.17.11 @ 12:07PM
Peter,
There is no goading. Check out her posts . She always starts these fights by posting her usual daily anti catholic drivel, then I respond. She is a lunatic.
Peter | 12.17.11 @ 9:08PM
Hi Papist Dan...I am a relative new reader to this publication, so I admit I have no familiarity with Margie's or anyone else's typical posts. I will say the ant-Catholic/anti-Christian sniping does nothing but push people away from the love of the Lord that both groups profess to follow. As the Bible says, love covers a multitude of sins.
Margie| 12.18.11 @ 3:24PM
And where is your admonition to the filth and hatred and slander of Papist Dan, Troll Peter?
You fit this description well:
""They say continually to those who despise the Word of the LORD, 'It shall be well with you'; and to every one who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, 'No evil shall come upon you.'" Jer. 23:17.
PapistDan| 12.18.11 @ 8:41PM
Peter,
Told you she is a loon.
SGT Tony| 12.17.11 @ 5:10AM
Just remember, even if the bible was given to us by god himself, man has rewritten it quite a few times in the last two thousand years ( or four thousand-ish for the old testament). And while many of those who rewrote, copied or translated were true, honest, good men (and women!), many were not. Don't believe everything you read, but listen to your heart.
Everyone has a path to follow. Just because one's path does not follow yours, does not mean they are doomed.
Margie, please try to understand what Jesus himself said. Love thy neighbor, and guide them to the truth. Don't force your beliefs on another, for that only breeds resentment. Hate is a sin.
Otherwise, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyful Noel, and Season's Greetings to all of the children of the Creator, by whatever name or names you may know hum/her by!
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 12:03PM
SGT Tony,
God is great enough to have given us His Words perfectly. I've studied the Bible for almost 40 years and one thing I know for certain is that yes, though there are many translations, they all (except the most watered down of them) say the same thing.
And the most marvelous of all is that for every verse in the Old Testament there is a reference to it in the New, and vise-versa. It is obviously put together by God, using men to do so and yes we are flawed and so were they, but God made sure we have His Words as He is in control of Man.
And His Words say differently about trusting in our hearts for He tells us that the heart is deceitful:
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt; who can understand it?" Jer. 17:9.
And what did Christopher Hitchens trust in but his own deceitful heart that led him to reject God?
No, if we trust in our own thoughts, which are not God's thoughts Is. 55:8, and as the Bible says are "only evil continually", Gen. 6:5, then we stay in rebellion toward Him.
God says that He only is able to change our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh, and put His Spirit within us, causing us to walk in His Ways.. Is 36:26 & 27.
"Love thy neighbor, and guide them to the truth."
You cannot love your neighbor unless you tell them the truth.
Love has to do with action, not niceties, nor warm fuzzy feelings. The flesh hates hearing the truth about itself~ but did Jesus walk away from His Father's Will because He knew He would suffer?
No, and He commands us to preach the Gospel as He did and indeed says Christians will be hated for it. and indeed a requirement of being found worthy of His Kingdom is that if we must suffer with Him, Romans 8:17.
And I am sorry to inform you but speaking the truth is not hate.
"They say continually to those who despise the Word of the LORD, 'It shall be well with you'; and to every one who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, 'No evil shall come upon you.'" Jer. 23:17.
Papist Dan| 12.17.11 @ 12:09PM
The MullahMargie has spoken. No further discussions on the Bible will be tolerated by the MULLAH.
old white guy| 12.17.11 @ 8:54AM
ah yes, the unresolved argument. Christ said He was the only way to the Father. if you believe then there is nothing else to be said.
buckeyeman| 12.17.11 @ 9:39AM
I'm confused. Was that the Christ of the Catholics or the Christ of the Lutherans? Or the Pentecostal tongue-speaking snake handlers? Or the Christ of the Southern Baptist Jimmy Swaggart followers? Or the staid Methodists. While we're at it, other than blind irrational faith, what reason is there to believe the Margies of the world that THE BIBLE is the one and only (depending on which of many, many versions you faithfully choose to believe is the one and only) version and that ALL the other religions of the world are false. Why?
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 12:07PM
Answer: The Christ of the Gospels, His Words are contained in the Bible.
And to your second half: Pick your version. They all say this:
"I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father, but by Me," Jn. 14:6.
If a Religion, ANY Religion says otherwise, it's a lie.
SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 12:14PM
Good morning, Margie:
John 6:53 - "Jesus said to them, 'I am telling you the truth: if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in yourselves.'"
So, do you do this?
Rich D| 12.18.11 @ 1:12PM
Dan, it looks to me like you are starting the argument right here. You lied below when you said that Margie did.
PapistDan| 12.18.11 @ 1:45PM
Rich, you checked in on 12/18, read her initial posts on 12/16, or go back to any other day. You are wrong.
Rich D| 12.18.11 @ 9:34PM
I did read all of the posts. Her posts on 12/16 were on topic and her chosen Scripture passages were on point (as usual). At 12.16.11 @ 3:26PM, you called her an idiot for no cause. She wasn't being polemical or even addressing you. You have a bug up your butt and can't resisting throwing stones.
Margie| 12.19.11 @ 2:17PM
Thank you, brother.
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 11:22AM
Whether Margie is a bigot is irrelevant, given that Margie didn't make up the quotation from Hebrews. Moreover, bigotry is commonly understood to connote racism. I see no racism here.
However, Margie's logic is suspect, for as she opines, "there is no last chance", contradicting her later statement, "...by the Grace of God and if God allows me to enter His Heaven, that he did repent **before he breathed his last**..."
Here endeth the sermon. Go in peace and sin no more. Especially DO NOT SIN by voting for Ovomit again.
Margie| 12.19.11 @ 2:17PM
I said there was no last chance AFTER dying.
So, yes, before he breathed his last, as there are no more chances after that.
Capiche?? :^).
Don't worry, I am not against the Scripture, I believe every Words of God!
Margie| 12.19.11 @ 2:18PM
P.S.
As Lucy would say.. AAARRRGGGGHHHH!
Why would you think I voted for Oabama?
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 2:58PM
I don't know or think whether you really did vote for the fraud, Ovomit. But I have to make my disgust for the clown "president" known at any opportunity.
ENOUGH ROPE| 12.16.11 @ 2:40PM
If Mr. Hitchens were a beloved father, husband, son, brother, relative or friend to any of us here, would we hope that Christ would grant him mercy and salvation? Would we be consoled by others' contrary hopes? When our time comes, what measure will we hope for?
Here is a poignant quote about the quality of mercy from Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice:
http://shakespeare.mit.edu/mer.....t.4.1.html
PORTIA
The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That, in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea;
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.
Paul McGrath| 12.16.11 @ 6:06PM
Very nice, Mr. Rope. Thank you for sharing this. It brought a bit of the tear to the eye.
ENOUGH ROPE| 12.16.11 @ 7:19PM
Thank you Mr. McGrath. My eyes have puddled while thinking about Mr. Hitchens as I read the article, its responses, and as I wrote my comments. A spiritual brother has died whose beliefs cause some of us to worry for his salvation.
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 6:29PM
Christ doesn't save anyone after death. It's just the fact.
You can believe in niceties and fantasies all you want, but the Bible is the authority~ it contains His Own Words:
"And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes Judgment,
so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him." Heb. 9:27 & 28.
Poetry doesn't change the facts, and if he died in rebellion towards God, he's going to Hell.
All the hoping and wishing and praying can't change that.
I hope he repented while he had the chance, but he said with his own words that he wasn't going to.
God doesn't change His Word for anybody, none of us.
The promise of Eternal Life for those who believe, and the fiery prospect of Hell for those who refuse to obey.
Papist Dan| 12.16.11 @ 8:54PM
Idiot Bigot Margie,
So now your are preaching, idiot, and explaining God? You are one stupid joke.
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 9:52PM
Get lost, stalker Troll.
Papist Dan| 12.16.11 @ 10:21PM
After you, Idiot Bigot Margie.
Mirya| 12.16.11 @ 11:24PM
Trrrrrollll lol lol lol. You know them by their fruit.
Rich D| 12.18.11 @ 1:25PM
Man, you are one fine specimen yourself! To answer your earlier question, we are all suppose to study the Scriptures and make a defense of our faith. If you think that the commands to do so are restricted to one sect of clergy alone, then you are a hypocrite for posting anything here. And if you really are a "Papist", then you are doing a fine job of reducing their membership.
PapistDan| 12.18.11 @ 1:48PM
You can study all you want, but don't tell me you have the absolute truth. Who said anything about clergy? Are you looking for an argument by saying what is not said? What is your understanding of a "Papist" and why would that reduce "their membership?"
Margie| 12.18.11 @ 3:26PM
All you ever do is lie and slander. Hypocrite!
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 11:28AM
It's amusing to see how overly sensitive and defensive you are. Why are you so?
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 11:28AM
PapistDan, it's amusing to see how overly sensitive and defensive you are. Why are you so?
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 11:25AM
Get thee behind, or get thee to a nunnery.
RCV| 12.16.11 @ 9:52PM
Oh, I think God will enjoy having Chris Hitchens around just for the joy of watching him each day wonder how he could have been so very wrong on the central question of existence. Maybe that will be Hitchens' hell.
But as for those of us still on earth, I for one will miss him: a fine writer, always entertaining even when I disagreed with him, which was almost always, at least on religion and politics. Dinesh D'Souza has related how very much he enjoyed debating Hitchens publicly on God's existence, because he said Hitchens had a joie de vivre sledom found in committed atheists. RIP Mr. Hitchens.
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 11:20PM
Another one in fantasyland.
RCV~ the guy who says against God that Homosexuality isn't sin.
The one who believes a different gospel and his own created Jesus!
The faithless aren't permitted to enter His Kingdom, RCV.
Repent, and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death." Rev. 21:8.
RCV| 12.17.11 @ 12:19PM
Margie, it is you not me who rejects the essential truth of the Gospel, that Jesus Christ is God himself, of one being with the Father. You pick and choose which parts of the Bible (a book you've read but utterly fail to understand) to believe. The Apostle John tells you in the beginning of his Gospel that Jesus and the Father were one from the beginning, and you ignore him. John Bunyan, who you say you've read, explained that to be a Christian, one has to accept the Trinity: the only other choices are polytheism or the rejection of Christ's divine essence. The Gospels tell us that Mary, Jesus's mother, is to be called Blessed among all women, but you cast disdain and contempt upon her.
You claim kinship with Christian martyrs over the ages, but virtually none of those martyrs would consider you a Christian, because you reject the basic truth of the Gospel. The details are icing; you have spurned the cake itself.
You are a harsh and bitter, hardened woman, with a distorted view of a loving God. I thank God -- Father, Son, and holy Spirit -- that He will be doing the judging, and not you. Otherwise, Heaven would be Hell to endure, of that I am sure.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 2:19PM
"Margie, it is you not me who rejects the essential truth of the Gospel..",
So now you see fit to proclaim is is acceptable to accept part of the gospel but not ALL?
You, the Reprobate who slaps Jesus in the Face by proclaiming that Homosexuality is NOT sin!
That the Words written in the Bible are not His inerrant Words!
Get back to me you hypocritical fraud after you repent and believe the Gospel of the Grace of God!
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 11:31AM
HOLY WAR! What else is new?
Calm down, everyone. Can't you see that this is all BUSH'S FAULT! BUSH'S FAULT!
P|SS, WHINE MOAN!
elixelx| 12.17.11 @ 9:43AM
Nope, his reward in Heaven will be an eternal seat between Jerry Falwell and the Ayatollah Khomeini...and duct tape over his mouth!
There are those whose brilliance leads others to righteousness, and those whose brilliance mis-leads others to foolish ignorance. There is a special hell reserved for these latter...and Hitchens was unashamedly one of these, whose way with words served merely to obfuscate the foolish ignorance of his thoughts. He NEVER lead, only MISLEAD and for that, there is no forgiveness...
If he is not in the aforementioned seat he is sitting on the burning coals screaming "God is not Great" and in the final emission of his foolish ignorance he still refuses to believe that "There is a Judge, and there is a Judgement"
Thinkr| 12.17.11 @ 2:01PM
The Bible is pretty clear about the fate of those who dismiss the reality of Hell (Christ spoke more of it than He did about Heaven).... and I would like to respectfully submit that nowhere did He speak of having any opportunity to choose Heaven or Hell after death. The decision must be made on this side of the grave. Regarding Hitchens writing that it was a "shame that there is no hell for Falwell to go to" ....well, about 3 seconds after he took his last breath, perhaps Christopher looked around himself, didn't see Falwell and said, "Uh-oh."
Kingofthenet| 12.16.11 @ 1:19PM
Christopher didn't hate ALL God's just the one commonly known as 'Yahweh' or the God of the Bible. He didn't like the meddling, the thought crimes, the rampant Genocide, contradictions etc, NOT that he believed ANY of it was true. IF that God does exist, I am sure Christopher is cursing it under his breath, if it something different entirely, maybe he can make peace with it.He might be 'Surprised' by God being real, but NOT humiliated in the least for not believing, he looked at all the evidence and took it to where it made the most logical sense.
Barn Cat| 12.16.11 @ 1:21PM
He hated God. He hated God's moral laws. That's why he refused to believe. But he believes now. There are no atheists in hell.
Alan| 12.16.11 @ 4:13PM
And there are no Christians decomposing in their graves - like all living creatures when they cease to live there is just decomposing remains.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 12:10PM
You, like Christopher Hitchens, is going to wake up after your body fails, to a BIG surprise.
Alan| 12.17.11 @ 2:45PM
Or not, and you will not wake up after your body fails at all.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 3:13PM
"For as the body apart from the spirit is dead.." Jas. 2:26.
The Spirit of God says that the body apart from the spirit is dead.
When God takes our spirit from our body at the appointed time that He appoints for us to die, we die physically!
Consider then: if there is such a thing (and God cannot lie), then where does our spirit go? It just proves that there is still some sort of life that still is in existence after we physically expire.
The Bible (God's Own Words) say that:
"..and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it." Ecc. 12:17.
The Bible also tells us that there is eternity, and that we either spend it in Heaven with Him, or in Hell on Judgement Day:
"Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His Voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of Judgment." Jn. 5:28 & 29.
And Jesus is the only Way to escape Judgment:
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My Word and believes Him Who sent Me, has eternal Life; he does not come into Judgment, but has passed from death to Life." Jn. 5:24.
See how He says, "Hears My Word?"
Where are His Words to be found?
In the Bible, and by reading them, faith comes.
So, if you think you have no faith, or are not sure, do what He says and hear His Words and find out.
Do it now, before it is too late as it may have been for Christopher Hitchens, as he proclaimed to the world his rejection of God!
"But they have not all obeyed the gospel; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?"
So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ." Rom. 10:16 & 17.
Get yourself a Bible, and read it!
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 11:38AM
Lyric from "Grave Robber", by Petra, 1983.
There's a step that we all take alone,
an appointment we have with the great unknown;
Like a vapor this life is just waiting to pass,
like the flower that fades, like the withering grass;
But life seems so long, and death so complete,
and the grave an impossible portion to cheat;
But there's one who has been there and still lives to tell,
there is one who has been through both heaven and hell;
And the grave will come up empty handed that day;
Jesus will come, and steal us away;
Where is the sting, tell me, where is the bite,
when the grave robber comes, like a thief in the night;
Where is the victory, where is the prize,
when the grave robber comes, and death finally dies;
Barn Cat| 12.16.11 @ 1:20PM
He was an evil man who slandered God. He will spend eternity getting what his sins deserve. Still,
(Ezek 18:23 NIV) Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
rhoetus| 12.16.11 @ 1:34PM
Godspeed Hitch. You were an arrogant wanker who thought that joining the left made you an intellectual when in fact it made you a cult follower.
Lisa| 12.16.11 @ 1:43PM
Amazing how many people who ought to know better are singing the praises of this juvenile delinquent. The idea that Hitchens backed the invasion of Iraq and Clinton's impeachment were cynical ploys to curry favor with the right (and tap into a new stream of revenue) is totally lost on Mr. Lott, William Kristol - who praised Hitchens for his "fertile mind" and "bold personality" and for being "so much larger than life" - and the editor of American Thinker, who allowed James G. Wiles to wax poetic about this scumbag. Indeed, Kristol so bought into Hitchens's cyncial and wholly self-serving schtick, he allowed Hitchens contribute to The Weekly Standard! For shame, Mr. Kristol. For shame.
Lost on Mr. Lott, Mr. Kristol, and Mr. Wiles is the irony that for a man who had no faith, Hitchens sure was obsessed by those who did. This will come as a shock to you good sirs, but it takes no courage to be a bully. Also, that you cannot spell "Christopher" without spelling "Christ".
Jeremy Lott | 12.16.11 @ 3:26PM
1. Hitchens didn't back the invasion of Iraq to "curry favor" with conservatives. He did so because he fervently desired war.
2. Did you even bother to read this article? If this is fulsome praise, I'd hate to see what scorn looks like.
Lisa| 12.16.11 @ 3:56PM
I am sorry, Mr. Lott, but, IMHO, you and your fellows on bothe sides of the political fence allowed yourselves to be buffaloed by this reprehensible fame whore, and - by your definition - warmonger; that you wrote the above is proof of that. No doubt, Hitchens, wherever he is, is laughing at how he put one over on the whole lot of you.
Jeremy Lott | 12.16.11 @ 7:06PM
As Ronald Reagan once phrased it, you know so many things that aren't so.
rhoetus| 12.16.11 @ 11:35PM
Hitchens awakes not in Heaven or Hell but in the Gulag. He is stripped to his underwear and is locked in a tiny cell without heat in sub-zero weather. He presently contemplates his fate and his lost opportunity to speak out for those who can not speak for themselves.
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 11:48AM
>Also, that you cannot spell "Christopher" without spelling "Christ".
Had you put that maudlin "insight" at the beginning of your otherwise well written post, I'd have stopped reading.
Mike W| 12.16.11 @ 1:44PM
For the life of me I can't understand this website's adulation of this bigoted disgusting creep.
He was an evil little man and the world is better off with him gone.
oldfart| 12.16.11 @ 1:54PM
The literate world? He was an arrogant back side that wanted to impose his view of the world on everyone else. There was no view but his. While he may have moderated in his later years I found him guilty of the very crimes that he described to others. Of course, the chattering classes flocked to his feet waiting for the latest drool to roll of his lips as he espoused his anger at people who failed to see the brilliance of his ‘logic’. 'My way or the highway' was his motto. I say good riddance.
Clement_W| 12.16.11 @ 4:41PM
Ever since I ran across some of the articles by Hitchens, I felt that poor Christopher was mad at God but in the way he expressed his anger, there was the underlying belief in the very God he was mad at.
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 6:34PM
Definitely. Oh, he believed in God, he chose to rebel against Him.
The Bible tells us that, "Even the demons believe, and shudder!" James 2:19.
Each one of us is born with a conscience. Some are destined to believe, and some are destined for the outer Darkness, where men weep and gnash their teeth. Mt. 25:30.
Papist Dan| 12.16.11 @ 8:55PM
Idiot Bigot Margie,
What is your excuse for bigotry? Is it stupidity or just rebelling against your parents who are Catholic, or a combination of both?
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 9:52PM
What's your excuse for being so perverted?
Papist Dan| 12.16.11 @ 10:16PM
Idiot Bigot Margie,
Now you are really getting desperate. Perverted? Not my emails...on public display, Go back under that rock.
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 11:21PM
Yes, perverted. You are a pervert. You follow me around here and spew filth and lies.
That constitutes a pervert.
Repent, fraud.
Papist Dan| 12.16.11 @ 11:28PM
Idiot Bigot Margie,
Pay attention. As I explained to you I will reply whenever you post your anti catholic bigoted comments. Do you understand that? Since all you do is post anti catholic bigotry then it keeps me busy.
As for perversion, who posted all the private emails for the world to read?
You need help.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 12:11PM
Your post is, as always filled with lies and deceit.
But then, that seems to be your destiny.
I pity you.
SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 12:14PM
Good morning, Margie:
John 6:53 - "Jesus said to them, 'I am telling you the truth: if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in yourselves.'"
So, do you do this?
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 2:16PM
Do you, Papist?
Do you do it as He say to: "In remembrance of Him?" 1 Cor. 11:25 & 26:
"In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the New Covenant in My Blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes."
Yes, I do it as His Word proclaims it: "The cup is the New Covenant in My Blood."
Do you do it He says?
Or does your false and deceitful Religion actually teach the sickening perversion that you are committing cannibalism while parting in the Lord's Supper?
Ahh, yes it does!
SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 4:32PM
You know, Margie, you remind me of what Bishop Sheen used to say when he said that he knew nobody who hated Catholicism, but lots of people who hated a misunderstanding of Catholicism.
So, I guess you've outlasted me. I give up. I give in. Remain ignorant if you choose.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 9:11PM
Right, Troll.
God's Word nailed you, didn't it?
So what do you do?
Instead of admit it, you continue to lie.
And you KNOW where God send liars!
PapistDan| 12.17.11 @ 1:19PM
What are the lies, BigotMargie? Can't take the criticism?
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 11:50AM
This catholic-raised reader has noticed no anti-catholic sentiment in margie's posts.
I think you are projecting.
Get a good therapist.
Rich D| 12.18.11 @ 1:30PM
There was nothing anti-Roman Catholic there. You see it where it doesn't exist. You're like the woman who washes here hands 50 times a day - fixated.
PapistDan| 12.18.11 @ 2:09PM
"Or does your false and deceitful Religion actually teach the sickening perversion that you are committing cannibalism while parting in the Lord's Supper?"
D you agree with this and therefore it is not anti-Roman Catholic?
This is just a sample as you must know.
Margie| 12.18.11 @ 3:42PM
Thanks, Rich D,
The Scriptures are not tolerated by the Religious Idolators here. And sadly, the lukewarm so-called Christians love appearing self-righteous (what they accuse me of being for daring to stand boldly on the Bible), they love jumping on the bandwagon to appear righteous before men, which puts them on the same level as the actual Idolators who reject His Word).
But, of course it is anti-Roman Catholic~ because it goes against the Roman Catholic teaching, which is unbiblical.
But when the Pope worshipper screams "Anti-Catholic Bigot!" what they're really saying is I'm evil for saying what Im saying~ that I MUST be filled with hatred of the vilest sort because I DARE to oppose them. I DARE to speak in Scripture~ just look at one of the worst of them~ RCV~ and others~ they scream~ "You aren't answering the question! You speak in Scripture! You're avoiding the answer!
These people are so bereft of the Spirit! Either they have never known Christ at all and are in ingnorance, or they are Reprobates whose consciences are seared, as Christians ALWAYS speak in Scriptures. If you aren't speaking in Scriptures, you aren't a Christian!
Unless of course your Authority isn't the God of the Bible~ and it isn't His Words that you love, His Truth that you serve. And if it isn't, then that person needs to repent from following the teachings of men, and believe the Gospel of God.
And there is no other Authority for man on earth, than the actual Words of God in the Bible.
But Papists are Idolators of men and so they choose to reject the Scriptures instead of repenting from their idolatry.
Thus, they do what all "good" Papists always do~ seek to try and destroy the messenger!
And of course it's a sample. It's what I do~ refute the false teachings of false Religion by revealing the Scriptures to anyone who has eyes to see, so that they can turn from it if God wills, to follow the TRUE GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST as written in HIS WORDS!
PapistDan| 12.18.11 @ 6:32PM
IdiotBigotMargie,
Tell Rich that you don't believe that Jesus is God. Bet you will argue and call him a liar/punk?
You need therapy/help.
Margie| 12.18.11 @ 9:55PM
Why should I do what you say when you are lying, and once again misrepresenting what I believe, "W" Troll?
What a coward and liar.
It is in fact, YOU who rejects the Scriptures:
"He is the Image of the invisible God, the first-born of all Creation; for in Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities--all things were created through Him and for Him.
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
He is the head of the body, the church; he is the Beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in everything He might be pre-eminent.
For in Him all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in Heaven, making peace by the blood of His Cross." Col. 1:15-20.
THAT is what I believe, or rather in WHOM I believe.
NOW: Is this what YOU believe?
A simple YES or NO will suffice!
And if you do not, then you prove that you are nothing but a flaming liar and hypocrite~ which I already knew.
But for the sake of all reading here. let it be known.
YES or NO, Troll?
PapistDan| 12.18.11 @ 10:59PM
IdiotBigotMargie,
Try speaking in the english language with a question. Are you able to say what you mean without copying some excerpt?
PapistDan| 12.18.11 @ 11:05PM
IdiotBigotMargie,
As an example of the english language, try Do you believe Jesus is God?
Name is PapistDan, used to be just Dan until you started calling me Papist, remember,idiot? Not W, or kenny, or Clint, or whomever.
And I don't really care what you believe, I only care when you post your anti catholic bigotry and pretend to lecture us on Christianity when you are not a true Christian as has bee n pointed out repeatedly by others.
Is that too difficult for you to understand and remember? So again, I don't care what you believe.
Rich D| 12.19.11 @ 1:13AM
Where are you going with all of this, Dan? I see that she answered you. That bug up your butt must be drinking all of the Exlax you've been feeding it as soon as it arrives - it's still there. Try something it doesn't like.
Nick| 12.19.11 @ 1:59AM
Rich D.,
This website wouldn't let me post comments last weekend, so, I couldn't answer your objections, in that months-old thread. But, I did finally respond, if you are interested.
God Bless!
PapistDan| 12.19.11 @ 4:01PM
Rich,
How about answering my 12/18 ,2:09?
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 3:02PM
>...you are not a true Christian as has bee n pointed out repeatedly by others.
Please do enlighten us on what a "true" Christian is.
PapistDan| 12.19.11 @ 4:13PM
Buck
. Try reading her comments and replies regarding whether one can be a Christian and not believe that Jesus is God. You don't have to believe that Jesus is God. But if you call yourself a Christian then that is a basic tenet of Christianity.
So you are a catholic, went to a retreat (where?), and it helped. Do you believe that Jesus is God? Could you call yourself a Catholic if you believed that Jesus is not God? Again you don't have to believe it, but if you call yourself a Catholic then you believe that, correct?
Just scroll through the conversations about theology between Nick and RCV and Margie, especially about whether Jesus is God, if you are serious about your question. This ground has been covered ad nauseam. Have you not read any of it?
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 11:52AM
The quotation was question to YOU. Where is your measured reply?
PapistDan| 12.19.11 @ 4:04PM
I would not waste time with someone using a name like "Buck Ofama." Are you in grade school? If you can read and still find no problem with her comments then there is nothing to talk to you about.
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 1:55PM
I always watched and hoped and prayed for Christopher's conversion to Christ. Sometimes the "avid" atheists have the most profound conversions, and become firebrands for Christ.
Consider the zeal of the Apostle Paul, who was a persecutor of Christians before the Lord opened his eyes (both physically and spiritually!).
Sadly, he seems to have rejected His Creator unto death and will pay the price for it for all eternity.
"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him." Jn. 3:36.
The lesson? It's a scary truth that none of us can get away with not bowing our knees to the One Who paid the penalty for our sins, and died in our place for our sins.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." Jn. 3:16.
The Bible warns us:
"Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when you will say, "I have no pleasure in them".." Is. 43:15.
That Jesus Christ humbled Himself taking the form of a servant, and humbling Himself unto death, even death on a cross, (Phil. 2:8), paying the price for us and becoming Sin Who knew no Sin, (2 Cor. 5:21), why SHOULD anyone get away with thumbing their nose at Him?
"He who believes in Him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the Name of the only Son of God." Jn. 3:18.
Not even the most intellectual, smartest man or woman in the room gets to escape God the Father's Judgment for the rejection of His Beloved Son, the Lamb of God Who took away the Sin of the World. (Jn. 1:29).
Not even Christopher Hitchens.
Bob K.| 12.16.11 @ 2:14PM
"But the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten."
Ecclesiastes 9:5
Clement_W| 12.16.11 @ 4:35PM
We don't know what God thinks and how God will judge Mr. Hitchens or anyone.
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 4:39PM
The Bible is the Mind of God, and He gave it to us so that we could seek Him and know Him.
He says if we reject His Son, we are condemned. If you have an issue with that, you need to take it up with Him.
Simon Templar| 12.16.11 @ 6:25PM
Assuming there is a God and accepting the principles of most religions that accept the existence of this God and his attempts to communicate his expectations of human beings, you damn well do know what he thinks and how he will likely judge. That is the basis of most religion, otherwise it would be an insane exercise of existence and worship of not knowing how to please Him or relate to him.
What you have said is completely illogical given the precepts of people who are religious and believe in God.
Think before you open your mouth.
PJ| 12.16.11 @ 6:48PM
We may not know totally what God thinks but we have an idea how he judges. Read Mt 6:12, 14-15
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 9:09PM
Of course we know what God thinks, it's in the Bible!
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 11:57AM
>I always watched and hoped and prayed for Christopher's conversion to Christ. S
Did you pray for the goat fvcker, bin laden?
Margie| 12.19.11 @ 2:03PM
NO. I prayed he'd get caught, and preferably killed rather than "taken into custody."
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 3:05PM
Unwise reply; for that, they will call you non-Christian.
Bob K.| 12.16.11 @ 2:11PM
"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to all of them."
Ecclesiastes 9:11
Michael| 12.16.11 @ 2:12PM
"Oh, oh!"--Hitchens first words upon seeing the Pearly Gates.
Skippy| 12.16.11 @ 2:46PM
Giant mind; moral courage; human failings.
Hitchens had all those and more, and the world is smaller for his passing.
I will always admire him for his self-confidence and taste in music.
When asked once what the greatest recorded song was, he answered without hesitation.
Ike and Tina Turner's "River Deep, Mountain High". Brilliant!
Whether he likes it or not, God bless Christopher Hitchens.
Ave atque vale.
Peter McGrath| 12.16.11 @ 3:33PM
Thanks for that, Skippy. He was a very interesting lecturer. It was truly courageous for him - after 9/11 - to support our interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. His professed close-mindedness toward God was just that: a matter between him and God. I never ascribed much to his writings or comments in that regard.
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 11:58AM
>When asked once what the greatest recorded song was, he answered without hesitation.
Ike and Tina Turner's "River Deep, Mountain High". Brilliant!
You're impressed by that?
Then you're probably impressed by Ovomit.
Liberal Soup n Crackers| 12.16.11 @ 3:16PM
He certainly is facing the truth now and for that we should all tremble along with him.
Joe R| 12.16.11 @ 4:06PM
Hitchens was the Mike Leach of liberalism. Colorful, yes, but still a liberal. Just looking at his face on television made me want to puke my guts out. The world may not be better with his passing but it won't miss him one damn bit.
Clement_W| 12.16.11 @ 4:28PM
Good article. I do take some offense at your categorical characterization that Christopher Hitchens' esophageal cancer is definitely due to his smoking alone. Logically, looking at Christopher's body habitus, the more likely cause would have been long-standing heartburn. I am not a smoker but I have read several articles that heart-burn is implicated in many diseases such as Asthma, cancers of the esophagus and the larynx. I am not sure if there are others not being a doctor.
Derek Leaberry| 12.16.11 @ 4:46PM
What puzzles is the lachrymose manner in which so many conservatives are mourning the death of Christopher Hitchens. Hitchens hated everything conservatives stood for. He hated Christianity, the Roman Catholic Church and Western Civilization. He enjoyed dragging conservative icons like Mother Theresa, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher through the mud. He supported world socialism and abortion rights and opposed a strong stand against communism in the Cold War. One could say he was talented but very evil. It would seem to me that many conservatives praise this polecat(by the way, his term for Robert Novak and it wasn't a term of endearment) is an attempt to bootlick the dominant leftist cultural elite in an attempt to curry favor.
Herb| 12.17.11 @ 7:30AM
I'm glad that finally someone mentions Hitchens' trashing of Mother Teresa. The saint of Calcutta touched thousands of souls in a loving Christlike manner and benefited so many lives that the Hindu government of India honored her memory with an official state funeral.
For the life of me I don't understand the regard so many conservatives have for one who hated, despised and ridiculed everything conservatives believe in. Can we expect the same adulation the day Jane Fonda assumes room temperature?
Seek| 12.19.11 @ 12:55PM
The image and reality of Mother Theresa, as she herself acknowledged in her posthumously published memoirs, were vastly different. Hitchens merely was ahead of the curve.
Richard Baker| 12.16.11 @ 5:12PM
Now he begins eternity. Enjoyed his writings but his contempt for God is now a fact for his soul. Sorry 'bout that.
steve b| 12.16.11 @ 5:26PM
Let us all take a deep breathe and simply say that one of God's children is gone--even if he didn't admit it.. Remember his nice little book about
Clinton--
Nobody left To Lie To.
Rich D| 12.18.11 @ 1:34PM
Nope - one of God's creatures, but not in the family.
Paul McGrath| 12.16.11 @ 5:59PM
Hitchens could be exasperating and he could be brilliant and he was often both. His expose on the Valerie Plame/Joe Wilson affair was as good as anything ever was written about that subject. The bottom line on him was that he tried to be honest. The fact that he tried to be honest makes him, in fact, an honest man.
Whether he was right or wrong in his judgements is irrelevant. None of us, none of you, none of the angry people pontificating here, is capable of judging another human being in the eyes of God.
I will pray that God shows mercy to Hitchens, I will pray that God shows mercy to you, and I will really, really, really pray that God shows mercy to me.
Simon Templar| 12.16.11 @ 6:11PM
I would like to ask you a question. What do you base your idea on that he was honest, and a honest man?
Since you seem to believe there is a God, what exactly would God base this mercy on that you wish he would receive? If he could hear this prayer of yours up there, down there, or wherever he is, what do you think he might do with it?
You are entitled to think what you like and I am not trying to offend you but understand your thinking. I am curious?
Paul McGrath| 12.16.11 @ 7:14PM
From an intellectual standpoint, I don't know that God exists. But I choose to believe in God as a matter of faith. I wrestle with my faith all of the time.
I am no longer a practicing Catholic but I was brought up as a Catholic and was taught that God is a merciful God. I was also taught that man was made in the image of God, and I believe that if there is any mercy or forgiveness in my heart, the mercy and forgiveness in God's heart dwarfs my pathetic, puerile sentiments. Finally, I was taught that there is much to life that we, as humans, will never and can never understand.
If I say a quick prayer for Hitchens, it is because I was once like him, filled with a certain amount of blackness and hatred towards anything that was good, and, of course, towards myself.
I have no doubt that God will hear the little, pathetic prayer that I said for Hitchens today. I hope that Hitchens is up there with him as we speak, getting his comeuppance perhaps, and I hope that when my time comes, I'll be able to have a beer with the bastard.
buckeyeman| 12.17.11 @ 9:48AM
Poor Paul. Both Insane Margie and Papist Dan (I love how his moniker is it's own epithet) would damn you from their respective monopolies on truth. So what are you now, a Jehovah's Witness?
Papist Dan| 12.17.11 @ 12:14PM
buck,
Have your read anything by me where I damned anyone? Don't care what your believe. I just reply to BigotMargie's daily anti catholic drivel.
Since you asked, the name Papist is used because IdiotMargie uses the word papist as a slur. Think about it. Peace.
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 12:01PM
Since you don't care what the guy believes, then why do you care so deeply about what Margie writes?
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 12:16PM
"Insane Margie".
Spoken like a true Reprobate.
The Truth is Jesus Christ Himself and that is what I preach.
He says HE is the Way to God, and there IS no other way.
How is it that you see fit to judge me insane when you reject Him?
Simon Templar| 12.16.11 @ 6:02PM
Truth is seldom in demand these days, being nice seems better particularly when it suits your agenda, if not blast the hell out of them with lies.
Here is a little truth.
The man was a testimony to the late 20th century, post sixties world we live in. He was the quintessential example of fame, fortune and attention bought with brashness and profanity.
He was the brash and the profane.
He offered little of substance or originality like most of his generation but rather just simple self absorption to which he would later admit.
His political analysis was nothing we have not heard before and have shown to be immature, innacurate, and historically ungrounded. I do not even believe he was a good atheist.
The real tradgedy is that so many have sunk to his debased attitude, lack of class, and intolerance that he was able to get so much attention and wealth. He threw intellectual tantrums and insults like a spoiled brat who had parent and authority issues and was praised for it by a sick sycophant segment of the liberal elite and some very misguided and rather simple minded conservatives.
It was not his atheism that really was an issue, it was his hatred, intolerance, immaturity, and profanity that was quite frankly useless, boring, and damaging to true intellectualism, political discourse, and human progress. He lived and worked in this nation but never really understood it.
Joe R| 12.17.11 @ 11:17AM
Probably the most accurate post I've yet seen about the late Christopher Hitchens. Kudos to you, Simon.
Doorgunner| 12.16.11 @ 6:09PM
If there is an afterlife of any merit whatsoever, Hitchens and Mencken are having a beer and a chortle or two at the brimstone-bearing "booboisie" in high dudgeon here.
Simon Templar| 12.16.11 @ 6:16PM
If there is an afterlife based on merit, I am confident that he is not having a beer or laughing right now. I am not sure what you are saying.
His best bet and outcome will be that there is not one.
Doorgunner| 12.16.11 @ 6:27PM
He clearly lived his life without the notion of an afterlife. I've seen enough death to know that's the wisest course.
What I'm saying is that if you think your reproachful piety is a ticket to a post-mortem paradise, it is likely you're an a**.
But I could be wrong, like Hitchens I've no quarrel with my own fallibility.
Simon Templar| 12.16.11 @ 6:37PM
Still not sure what your point is.
Reproachable piety? Are you directing this at me? You do not know anything about what I believe, so don't even try to guess.
Personally I do not care what you believe in or don't believe in. I simply commented on your seemingly illogical statement that was confusing at the least. If you do not know for sure then I suggest you make up your mind one way or the other.
Uncle Ivan| 12.18.11 @ 4:18AM
He said reproachfully... Doorgunner, your posts, of course, made perfect sense and apparently were confusing only to this a$$. Aim High, Brother!
Margie| 12.18.11 @ 3:48PM
He isn't a brother, but perhaps only to you, for he wasn't speaking truthfully, and mocking God as well.
There was no "reproachful piety" in what Simon said, and he humbly asked him a question, in order to find out where he was coming from, to which he didn't even bother to answer.
Reproachful piety indeed, by you two!
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 12:07PM
>He isn't a brother, but perhaps only to you, for he wasn't speaking truthfully, and mocking God as well.
Margie, you love to quote the bible, and oftentimes, I agree with your sentiment.
But now, how about you quote the part where either Doorgunner, Simon or Ivan were mocking god?
Simon Templar| 12.19.11 @ 12:22PM
BO,
I was not mocking God but rather employing logic and reasoning to the evalutation of some of the contradictory, sophmoric, and ignorant comments made here.
Margie| 12.19.11 @ 2:04PM
I was talking about Doorgunner, NOT Simon.
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 3:21PM
So, on this thread started by Doorgunner, where does he mock God as you accused him of?
Simon Templar| 12.19.11 @ 12:19PM
UI,
You are the perfect example of what I was writing about and the product of his life's work - the subsitutution of brashness and profanity for honest and intelligent debate and discourse. Thanks for making my point.
Joseph| 12.18.11 @ 8:50PM
"If there is an afterlife based on merit, I am confident that he is not having a beer or laughing right now."
Who are you to judge the merit of his life? Did he kill, rob, rape, steal? What have you accomplished that makes you more meritorious that Hitchens? You are one pompous man.
Margie| 12.18.11 @ 9:26PM
What is pompous is for one to assume that one who mocks God and lives in rebellion toward Him and loudly proclaims he will die that way, rather than repent of his sin, that he or any of us will have any inheritance in the Kingdom of God.
That's what the Authority, GOD says, and warns us all of in the Bible.
What is pompous is to PRESUME that ANYONE can reject God and get away with it:
"Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure man, or one who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Therefore do not associate with them.." Eph. 5:5-7.
And Salvation isn't based on merit, that's what the Catholic Religion teaches, and it's false.
The BIBLE tells us that Salvation is based on GRACE, and repentance to a BELIEF in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"For by Grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God--" Eph. 2:8.
"The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the Gospel." Mk. 1:15.
It is easy to believe what God says. It is much harder to fight Him, and sadly, Christopher Hitchens did that, and very openly.
What we are going by are his own words. There is no evidence to the contrary that he did repent of his unbelief~ but I hope he did.
"He who believes in Him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the Name of the only Son of God." Jn. 3:18.
So, what is pompous? To assume a rebel against God cannot inherit the Kingdom~ or to presume that he can?
Seek| 12.19.11 @ 12:58PM
I find you to be a deeply repellent and semiliterate zealot.
Margie| 12.19.11 @ 2:06PM
And God finds liars suitable for Hellfire.
I suggest you repent of your lying and unbelief, since you have lied that you're not an atheist here.. and have repeatedly scoffed against Him.
Okeedokee?
Simon Templar| 12.19.11 @ 12:14PM
Joey,
In one breath you accuse me of judging his merit and you do the same with 'did he kill, rob, steal, etc.' Apparently you have your own personal "religious' or 'irreligious' standards by which you are judging. A bit contradictory? So accomplishment is also a criteria by which you judge? Got news for ya, God, as defined by most religions, and most people of faith and their beliefs about God tell us that he could care less if you won an Emmy or Pulitzer. Just what did he accomplish by materialistic standards leaving God out of the question for now? Nothing we have not seen before or heard as I said. He, infact, drove a wedge further between those of faith and those who do not believe and promoted brashness and profanity as a substitute for honest discourse, intellectual debate, and common understanding.
He continued to be a committed far left, socialist spinning his diatribes and lies about this nation, capitalism, and it's traditional and historical foundations. This is what I judge him on..the facts.
As he so harshly judged christians, traditional morality, capitalism, etc., I too have an opinion on those judgements as well as his behavior, his promoted ideas , and his impact on our culture and society. As you can tell I was not as impressed with him as you were.
First, he did not believe in an afterlife nor one with merit as a basis. I assume that merit means a morality based afterlife that has a God who judges on the basis of morality and faithfulness. As he rejected not only God, and afterlife, moral standards, and all religions including Christainity and Christ, I think it logical to assert that he would not be laughing right now if these things actually exist. I would not call that pompous but logical even for an atheist. Think before you write next time.
Joseph| 12.19.11 @ 9:03PM
Simon
Think harder, more clear, and try again without your condescending attitude, starting with Joey. I could call you SimpleSimon but what is the point, except to sink to you level.
You don't agree with his atheism. Fine. So what?
How does that make his life without merit? Why, by implication, do you believe your life is more meritorious?
You adopt this superior snarky tone in your answer and I don't see what you have done to act superior. Drop the high school mean girl attitude. It may improve whatever you are trying to say.
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 6:18PM
"If there is an afeterlife.." says the man.
"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'". Ps. 14:1.
"And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you.." Lk. 12:19 & 20.
"
Rev 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death." Rev. 21:8.
It is no laughing matter. You've been warned.
And where Christopher Hitchens is right now, if he did NOT repent of his unbelief, he's not laughing either.
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 12:09PM
>"If there is an afeterlife.." says the man.
>"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'". Ps. 14:1.
These two are not equal.
The first is indeterminate; the second determinate.
Your holy logic is wholly full of holes.
You will catch more flies with honey.
A soft answer turns away strife.
Margie| 12.19.11 @ 2:08PM
Bucky:
If I may call you Bucky. LOL:
That logic is perfect, because one who does not believe there is an afterlife does not believe God, as it is HIS afterlife.
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 3:25PM
I know you mean well, but by extension, if one believes in the sacrifice of Christ or believes it, yet he remains unsure about an afterlife ("if there's and afterlife"), then he is damned?
I don't buy it. I also don't buy the nonsensical statement often made by well-meaning but judgmental Christians: "If'n ya don't know yer saved, then ya AINT saved." No, I don't buy that.
Like Paul or someone wrote: "Work out your OWN salvation with fear and trembling."
Naturalborn Texicanette| 12.16.11 @ 6:22PM
Mr. Hitchens will certainly knows the truth now....and me think,s he will not be too happy about it!!!
Delta Zelda| 12.16.11 @ 6:38PM
Hitchens was a miserable person who wanted everyone else to be as miserable was he was. Goodnight, Bonzo.
Margie| 12.16.11 @ 6:39PM
Some Scripture for anyone who wishes to NOT follow in the footsteps of Christopher Hitchens.
Fear the LORD:
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it. His praise endures for ever!" Ps. 111:10.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." Prov. 1:7.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." Prov. 9:10.
pirita| 12.16.11 @ 8:41PM
Goodbye, Hitch, I will miss your writing. I prayed for you, off and on, for many years, and hope that at the final moment of your life, God opened the eyes of your heart to see His truth -- and that you accepted it.
Tony in Central PA| 12.16.11 @ 9:26PM
I recall reading that Christopher Hitchen's brother converted to Christianity as an adult. Apparently, atheism isn't genetic.
bob alou| 12.16.11 @ 11:34PM
Yes, Peter, and he wrote a fine book about it: "Rage-Against-God. How Atheism Led Me to Faith." As I read some of the more hateful diatribes here I feel sorry for the Christian brother who lost a brother. No Christian should be rejoicing over the loss of a soul, heaven certainly doesn't.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 12:19PM
"Hateful diatribes."
Spare us your self-righteous pronouncements as I myself am not rejoicing nor did I see any "Christian" so doing.
bob alou| 12.19.11 @ 10:55AM
Now why do you think I was talking about you when I referred to "hateful diatribes"? My point, which anyone taking the time to read rather than over-react, was that Hitchens brother, Peter, is a believer and sorrows at the loss of one beyond redemption. My comments were directed towards his sorrow.
On another note; while I frequently agree with you underlying theological arguments, your tone does a Christian woman no credit.
Margie| 12.19.11 @ 2:11PM
Yeah, yeah, I'm a bad witness.
Where is yours?
I haven't seen you.
And I was answering your phony charge, dude.
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 3:26PM
PRIDE GOETH BEFORE A FALL, Miss Judgmental.
PJ| 12.17.11 @ 9:07AM
I may not agree w/everything Hitchens has written or said, but I already miss his very unique stylish prose & his stiff upper-lip English expression. If anyone has seen his recent interviews or even read his last book, 1 can see he has led a troubled life.
Hitchens is 1 of many persons who I hope had experienced a last nanosecond-before-judgement conversion.
W| 12.17.11 @ 9:18AM
Hitchens wrote an excellent book "Nobody Left to Lie To" about Bill Clinton. He sliced and diced Bubba/hillary. Great writing.
W| 12.17.11 @ 1:33PM
Forgot Hitchens' other terrific book,"Why George Orwell Matters."
I always enjoyed his writing. You don't have to agree with everything he says to appreciate the wit and intelligence of Hitchens.
Margie| 12.18.11 @ 3:50PM
"W" Troll ought to take heed himself as to the fact that indeed there will be Nobody Left to Lie when Christ returns!
W| 12.18.11 @ 8:51PM
MullahMargie,
Go play with your snakes.
Get Lost Dope.
Margie| 12.18.11 @ 9:30PM
"W" Troll aka Papist Dan:
I would suggest to you that you repent of your lying before you bite the dust like Christopher Hitchens.
And speaking of snakes, why is it that you see fit to use a few different monikers to constantly do your hit & runs?
Coward.
For you posted the same exact words to me under your disgusting "Papist" moniker as you did under your cowardly "W" one today!
Get lost dope and other such things.. you are such an intellect aren't you?
Was that you posting as Joseph again? And whatever happened to "Patriot"?
Same sick spirit, same exact words, same lying Reprobate.
W| 12.18.11 @ 11:28PM
Mullah Margie,
You are adding paranoia to your delusions. Patriot, Joseph, Papist Dan? How about Jim, Jeff, Jody, and John? There must be a long list of people you have argued with. Keep throwing out those names.
SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 11:13AM
Peter: wasn't Christ's warning regarding our actions toward other believers, not the public in general? Frankly, Margie isn't one I'd call "sister."
Since the passage doesn't include a warning regarding the use of the words "punk" or "pervert" I suppose you consider yourself on safe grounds when calling Margie a "witness for Christ".
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 12:24PM
You are indeed a punk and your partner in crime is indeed a pervert. Both of you need to repent and believe the gospel of God.
"You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." Jn. 8:44.
W| 12.18.11 @ 11:31PM
Mullah Margie,
Am I Seymour or Christopher Gait too?
Margie| 12.19.11 @ 2:11PM
God knows WHAT you are.
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 3:28PM
>Frankly, Margie isn't one I'd call "sister."
What about cistern? "Brethren and Cistern."
Christopher Gait| 12.17.11 @ 11:47AM
The puerile and aggressive battle between the Catholics and Protestants in these comments are forms an eloquent testimony to Christopher Hitchens' correct position on religion. Religion is an elaborate logical construct based on an incorrect premise. Thus discussions of heaven, hell, purgatory, God, etc. are all in the realm of deciding if Santa Claus clearly prefers sugar cookies or oatmeal cookies. Imaginary beings enjoy all cookies. So you can offer God any kind of sacrifice you like and, since he doesn't exist, your sacrifice will be considered worthy within the framework of your irrational logic.
RIP Christopher Hitchens. I will miss him sorely. The world is less interesting without him.
Oh, and yes, like me, you can be a conservative, and an atheist, and not have to agree not to criticize religion. It's a free country, more or less.
Papist Dan| 12.17.11 @ 12:17PM
There is no battle between Catholics and Protestants. There is only the daily unprovoked anti catholic drivel posted by BigotMargie wheneve the word "religion" or "catholic" appears in an article. She then pops up from her under her rock, foaming at the mouth, with her tired tirades. Then I reply, and some others also.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 12:26PM
"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death." Rev. 21:8.
RCV| 12.17.11 @ 12:54PM
That must include Bible idolaters as well, those who worship a book instead of God himself.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 2:09PM
Jesus says:
"..the Words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and Life." Jn. 6:63.
And this:
"Sanctify them in the Truth; Thy Word is Truth." Jn. 17:17.
Do you now presume to pronounce judgment once again you Reprobate, upon those who believe into Jesus Christ, the Word become flesh Himself?
RCV| 12.17.11 @ 2:13PM
Only God will pronounce judgment, Margie, not me and certainly not you. For that I am grateful.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 2:34PM
Hahaha! RCV says and yet does nothing but judge!
RCV| 12.17.11 @ 3:52PM
I don't ever purport to judge a person's ultimate fate. That is for God alone, and why Christ continually rebuked the self-righteous like you - those always ready to cast the first stone.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 4:08PM
What a hypocrite and liar you are.
You know full well that is what you do, judge me as no Christian and assign false beliefs to me constantly!
As His Word says, you liars will be thrown into Hell, unless you repent.
You are the epitome of self righteousness because you are so arrogant as to preach a different gospel and judge Christians yourself!
God commands Christians to preach His gospel and you cannot BEAR it because the truth is not in you and so you must DESTROY~ or try to, but you cannot because as long as I have breath I will continue to do so and in the face the filthy liars such as yourself!
Now, tell us how it is that you refuse to REPENT and believe the Gospel of the Grace of God!
Tell us you Religious Idolator~ how it is that you see fit to slap Christ in the Face and hold Him up to contempt by proclaiming that Homosexuality is NOT SIN!
Tell us Reprobate how it is that you can justify yourself in saying that the Words written in the Bible are NOT the inerrant Words of God!
You truly ARE of your father the Devil, just as Christ said to the Religious hypocrites in Jn. 8:44~ for there is no truth in you!
W| 12.18.11 @ 11:31PM
Mullah Margie
Am I RCV too?
Christopher Gait| 12.17.11 @ 2:18PM
Thanks to those who responded to my comment. You really prove my point. Fire and sulphur. Yes sir, that's progress! Theology is the most perfect of the theoretical sciences since it dispenses with all facts and bases itself axiomatically on fairy tales and legends. To practice it today is like explaining fission as alchemy.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 2:27PM
"For the Word of the Cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 2 Cor. 1:18.
Simon Templar| 12.19.11 @ 12:39PM
Looks like you have learned your lessons well. Hitchens would be proud. No, thank you for proving mine. You get an 'A' for brashness and arrogance. You also get an 'A' for demonstrating intolerance while attacking what you deem as intolerant, foolish, and fantastic without any real substance, logic, or understanding.
Simon Templar| 12.19.11 @ 12:53PM
My comment was directed to CG.
Kingofthenet| 12.20.11 @ 1:41AM
Christopher, it is like trying to explain 'Fairness' to 1st graders, they get the BASIC idea, any nuance is lost to them thou...
Simon Templar| 12.19.11 @ 12:51PM
CG,
The exact same thing can be said for atheistic utopian socialism whereby puerile and aggressive battles, literally, between atheistic socialist nations and movements form an eloquent testimony to conservative thought that holds the position that both atheism and socialism is not only based on an incorrrect premise but an illogical construct and a very dangerous and illogical framework for man and society.
I think you need to revisit the first ammendment and the writings on religion and its place in a free Republic written by our founding fathers. As a conservative, you need to stop listening to far left writers who actually would have you shot if they gained power.
SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 12:11PM
Good morning, Margie:
John 6:53 - "Jesus said to them, 'I am telling you the truth: if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in yourselves.'"
So, do you do this?
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 12:28PM
"Jesus answered and said to him, Truly,
truly, I say to you, If one is not generated
from above, he is not able to see the Kingdom
of God." Jn. 3:3.
SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 12:50PM
So, is that a "yes" or a "no"?
Or is this teaching one which is too hard for you?
Re: John 6:60-66.
SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 12:57PM
Margie: I'll catch up with you later. I'm heading out for a while. One of my stops will be at Church - to visit Our Lord. Looking forward to hearing your response.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 2:00PM
The Lord does not dwell in houses made by hands, but in the hearts of believers. Acts 7:48.
Repent, liar.
SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 4:08PM
John 6:53 - "Jesus said to them, 'I am telling you the truth: if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in yourselves.'"
Explain the verse, Fool.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 4:10PM
See above, filthy lying Papist. I will not answer it again.
Yet, I left YOU with a true question which YOU must answer, unless you fail to meet the test.
SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 4:21PM
Margie: what was that question? I don't see one directed to me in any of your posts. I'll answer yours, if you'll answer mine.
SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 4:27PM
Margie: OK, I found your question, or what I think is your question. Do I eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood? Yes, every day that I can. Yes, as He commanded us to do.
So, I've answered your question. Answer mine and explain what Our Lord meant in John 6:53.
If you need time to wait for "Pastor Dave" from the "Church by the Corner" (recipient of an associates degree from Bible Thumper College) to help with your answer, I can wait also.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 9:08PM
You obviously didn't bother to read my answer to you, nor even my answer to you saying that I answered your question.
You aren't at all interested in what I have to say, nor in the Bible. You're a liar, a mocker and a degenerate, and I will answer you no more.
SeymourGlass| 12.17.11 @ 10:40PM
It's always best to leave at a point of agreement, and we've reached one. I agree with your statement that I'm really not interested in what you have to say. My disinterest is similar to the disinterest I have in the babbling of children.
You did not answer my question, but, to be truthful, I don't think your capable.
And, once again, that sound you here is the dust being shaken from my sandals as I bid you farewell.
Margie| 12.18.11 @ 4:09PM
You're a liar, Papist.
I answered your question, and you lied that I didn't, because it wasn't what you wanted to hear.
You're a deceitful fraud, you said it yourself~ you weren't really interested in what I had to say!
And yet, I took the time to answer you, according to the Bible~ and you call that childish behaviour?
Hypocrite!
I am posting the answer to your question from above to prove what a condescending, arrogant, Religious Idolator you are. Yes, Religious Idolator~ as that is what you are~ you care not for the answer according to Jesus' Own Words, and want to keep worshipping the teachings of man instead.
This means you are in need of repentance from your Religion of dead works to a living faith in the Son of God.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 2:16PM
Do you, Papist?
Do you do it as He say to: "In remembrance of Him?" 1 Cor. 11:25 & 26:
"In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the New Covenant in My Blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes."
Yes, I do it as His Word proclaims it: "The cup is the New Covenant in My Blood."
Do you do it He says?
Or does your false and deceitful Religion actually teach the sickening perversion that you are committing cannibalism while parting in the Lord's Supper?
Ahh, yes it does!
Margie| 12.18.11 @ 4:11PM
*parting should be the word partaking, above.
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 3:34PM
>Or does your false and deceitful Religion actually teach the sickening perversion that you are committing cannibalism while parting in the Lord's Supper?
That's bullshit, and YOU know it.
What YOU DON'T know is that I- a poor excuse for a Christian- met up with god at a CATHOLIC retreat over 30 years ago. It changed my life for the better.
What have you to say to that, O Font of Wisdom and Vitriol?
It's true what they say about Christians:
"The only kill their wounded."
RCV| 12.17.11 @ 12:52PM
Another refusal to answer a direct question - quoting non responsive scripture passages is not a substitute for honest discourse.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 2:01PM
"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself." Prov. 26:4.
RCV| 12.17.11 @ 2:11PM
Q.E.D.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 2:33PM
You must first answer to your belief in a false gospel~ the one that says Homosexuality is NOT Sin~ that the Apostle Paul is NOT to be listened to, and that the Words in the Bible are NOT the inerrant Words of God.
Then you can presume to judge a Bible believing Christian, you flaming hypocrite.
This proves once again that you do NOT believe in the God of the Bible~ but in your own created God.
RCV| 12.17.11 @ 3:49PM
You must first answer for your belief in a false Gospel, one that preaches that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is not One. You are a polytheist, not a Christian, Margie, or else you reject the essential truth that Jesus is God. He cannot both be God, and not of one being with the Father, unless you believe in two Gods. Which is it, Margie, tell us: Polytheist or denier of Christ's divinity? Since you reject the Trinity, it's one or the other. But whichever it is, it's not Christian.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 4:13PM
I never EVER said that, therefore I must "answer" you not a word other than that.
Reprobate.
Now~ you must answer to God for rejecting His Gospel, and for your constant lying concerning me and all others as well.
RCV| 12.17.11 @ 5:32PM
You just said it today in another post, that Jesus and the Father are not one. Why do you continuously try to obscure your non-Christian theology?
PapistDan| 12.17.11 @ 7:04PM
Margie
You constantly say that Jesus is less than God, that Jesus is not God.
Margie| 12.17.11 @ 9:05PM
Nope. I quoted Jesus' Own Words.
Something you despise because they don't mach up with the Catholic false doctrine.
You will have to take that up with Him, since they are His Words.
If you had a brain and a decent mind, you would have to agree with that. And with His Words.
But you cannot because you are in Rebellion towards Him.
Both of you.
Paul McGrath| 12.17.11 @ 9:45PM
Hi Margie,
I think you need to get some. It would make you much happier.
Paul
Paul McGrath| 12.17.11 @ 9:50PM
Hi Margie,
Oh. And so there is no misunderstanding, I am NOT applying for the job. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no NO.
Sincerely,
Paul
Steve| 12.18.11 @ 6:36PM
Paul,
Are you sure? Add a couple more no's. Don't take any chances.
W| 12.18.11 @ 11:33PM
Mullah Margie,
Am I Paul too?
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 3:53PM
>I think you need to get some. It would make you much happier.
LOL. That reminds me of a Zappa lyric regarding two other self-righteous pontificating buffoons, Pat Robertson and Jim Bakker:
There's an ugly little weasel 'bout three-foot nine
Face puffed up from cryin' 'n lyin'
'Cause her sweet little hubby's
Suckin' prong part time
(In the name of The Lord)
Get a clue, little shrew
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Jesus thinks you're a jerk
Would he really choose Tammy to do His Work? Unh-unh
Robertson says that he's The One
Oh he sure is, if Armageddon
Is your idea of family fun,
An' he's got some planned for you!
Now, tell me that ain't true
Now, what if Jimbo's slightly gay,
Will Pat let Jimbo get away?
Everything we've heard him say
Indicates that Jim must pay,
(And it just might hurt a bit) Just a bit!
But keep that money rollin' in,
'Cause Pat and naughty Jimbo
Can't get enough of it
Jim and Pat should take a pole
(Right up each saintly glory-hole),
With tar and feathers too -
Just like they'd love to do to you
('Cause they think you are bad -
Yes, they do!
And they are very mad)
Satan| 12.17.11 @ 11:37PM
Margie, my girl. Another fine day you put in. Luv ya. Keep up the good work,babe. Ignore what everybody says. You are right and the world is wrong, babe.
Margie| 12.18.11 @ 3:59PM
"But may all who seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee; may those who love thy Salvation say continually, "Great is the LORD!"
As for me, I am poor and needy; but the Lord takes thought for me. Thou art my help and my Deliverer; do not tarry, O my God!"
Ps. 40:16 & 17.
Floating| 12.18.11 @ 4:45PM
Margie needs to take a Miltown. Time to refill that prescription.
KyMouse| 12.18.11 @ 9:01PM
Jesus, speaking in the third chapter of the Gospel of John:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
Hebrews 2:3: “How show we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?"
A lot of people in blogs and comment sections are saying that this is not the right time to talk about religious beliefs and what, if anything, awaits us after death.
On the contrary, the occasion of someone’s death is a time when we are bluntly faced with the reality of our own frailties and mortality. Mr. Hitchens never minced words about what he believed about life and death, and neither should we.
This is, in fact, an excellent time to remember that each of us will die, whether from natural causes, accident, suicide or murder. On what are your beliefs about life, death and whatever-comes-next based? Are you willing to stake everything on those beliefs?
Jesus proved His “credentials” by rising from the dead, as He promised He would. All that His enemies needed to do in order to squash Christianity was produce His body. But they couldn’t, because it wasn’t there.
Something changed His disciples, who hadn’t understood that He was to be resurrected, from discouraged cowards into fearless proclaimers of the forgivness He offered. Saul of Tarsus, who hated the disciples and was involved in the murder of Stephen, became Jesus’ most courageous and articulate follower.
That third chapter of the Gospel of John contains the offer of forgiveness for sin, but also Jesus’ own warning about rejecting that offer.
Decide for yourself. This is exactly the right time to discuss such concerns, and to discuss them without mincing words. Just as Mr. Hitchens always did.
Margie| 12.18.11 @ 9:32PM
Well said!
Lawrence D. Cannon| 12.19.11 @ 12:24AM
Christopher Hitchens first words after dying-
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! I'M BURNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Letscheck| 12.19.11 @ 2:30AM
I have no fond memories of Hitchens.
He was a hateful, vengeful man who attacked people and God.
He probably realized on his deathbed that he was terribly wrong...but it was too late for him to retract his spewed thoughts that became books.
I hope he found forgiveness, but I cannot regret his passing.
Buck Ofama| 12.19.11 @ 3:44PM
I never even heard of this Hitchins.
But I wonder if he ever heard of the former agnostic, C. S. Lewis.
"Mere Christianity" is an excellent small book for those looking for answers to the problem of good and evil in the world.
threeleafclover| 12.19.11 @ 10:51PM
If I had to spend all eternity in the company of Christopher Hitchens or Margie wherever the Lord consigned each, I would hope not to find myself within a country mile of the insufferable Margie. How much worse could Hell be than reading crazy Margie's posts?
One thing you can say for her - she can sure" turn a herd". A few thoughtful posts about the passing of Hitchens and the resident crackpot begins spewing her vituperative Gospel according to St. Margie.
She cannot be reasoned with. She cannot be riposted. She cannot be shut up.
She is obviously a religious lunatic , additionally suffering from Tourette's syndrome.
Implausible as this seems: what if Margie posted one of her usual diatribes and absolutely no one responded to it? It won't happen. Instead we have incoming sniper fire from all sides aimed at bullet-proof,, reason-proof Margie. I doubt a stake in her heart would stop her.
POST American| 12.20.11 @ 12:09AM
---------------------FINAL WORD-----------------------
----We had hopes for Hitch, that he
might have, FINALLY, broken ranks
with the capstone agendas of Globalism
and enforced EUGENICS.
We hoped, even as an oppurtunist, he
might have seen the possibilities for
going out in a blaze of TRUE maverick
glory.
-ALAS-
AS far as we've learned, he NEVER
once used his pulpit to call attention to
the mechanical monsters of the occult
societies and TAX FREE foundations.
--NEVER!
For all his stale, second hand, by the book,
'Marks-ism' he NEVER took on
the nature of international USURY.
--While eviscerating the OBVIOUS
in bios ---he NEVER ---EVER came out
with a single much needed expose of
ANY of the behind the scenes REAL
'eel-eats'.
He, apparently, never even took in the
FACT that his very own 50's POLIO shot,
care of arch-EUGENIST Jonas Salk,
was packed with LIVE simian 40 sleeper
cancer viruses.
And, to be honest, Hitchens spent the very
heyday of the RED Chinese Halocaust
pumping for 'Marks-ism' while hanging
out with the Fabian murk, and worse,
of Oxford.
Did he ever repent openly for this? --or make
amends by bringing desperately needed
light to the Globalist-RED China
world TREASON and EUGENICS OP?
---EVER???
--And he is going down as 'daring' and
'OUT--spoken'???
EVEN in secular terms--------SO ---SO BLIND.
POST American| 12.20.11 @ 12:32AM
----------------------IN SHORT--------------------------
-FOR all his pose, Hitchens NEVER really
challenged any of the the power structure
---------------------------------------------EVER!