Paxman interviews Christopher Hitchens - Newsnight archives (2010) 

Edrei Argueta Lmao

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

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

Edrei Argueta , you made my day!

Similar to Voltaire

Underrated by who?

@@felina7849 whom

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

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

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

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

Yep I love that. And focus on their messages.

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

Of course 🔚

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

he was not so clever 😂😂😂

Agreed

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

Same

Especially now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

mistercheez aAżqqqżqqżxqqqqqqqq

@@lwacc are you actually that dense?

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

I suppose, if blasphemy makes one a legend

Look up cross examined

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

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

Rubbish!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

K Nicole true legend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two brilliant men certainly.

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

Absolutely.

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

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

@@mchristhomas do you have a link?

@@dertdood yes

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

You can Paxman was in awe, and rightly so

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

Its called a british accent

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

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

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

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

No he wasn't

@@user-wf1qf5qv3c both are true

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

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

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

Buddhist belief in a nut shell

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

Christopher*

Mizrob Abdukholikov Its Christopher

masonmmaspecilist Sorry my bad.

BLOODY IDIOT.

You have exposed yourself as such.

almost as good as rowan williams !

Dom Cox hahaha very good joke

He was a master.

Hossam ElGebeily Oh! Spine tingling.

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

He is one of my great heroes

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

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

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

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

All the best Hudson

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

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

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

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

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

Totally agree, it is an excellent interview.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jeez that is pathetic.

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

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

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

Me too x

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

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

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

@@smritivipin not really socialists then, are they?

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

All religion is a scam my brother/sister

I knew that from the get-go.

Tell the Muslims that.

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

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

@@ralphdavidson9542 What does that mean?

@@ralphdavidson9542 Around the time of his death :/

It's called wilfull ignorance in this case .

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

Watch your language you need to expand your volcabulary.

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

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

@@BobC250 Hutchins very possible that he is in hell

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

Fool .

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

He is great indeed and well done about your courage ☺️

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

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

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

@@FINDINGFITNESS101 right now? He is dead.

@@FINDINGFITNESS101 such a loving being 🙄

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

I think he was primarily referring to his brain lol

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

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

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

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

@@seane6616 yeah

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

Love people like these. Gore Vidal was another.

Only fools get hypnotized by men

@@dialmformowgli Most men get mypnotized by women

“At this point” At that point**

HE always deserves respect!

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

Beautifully said friend

His brother is that way too!

.

I'll second that...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

James M the nh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amen! He keeps me sane.

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

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

I do exactly the same. Well said.

​@@Faith-Ministries stood before what God?

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

Jared Probably because he’s above the level of most peoples understanding. (Including mine)

@@neilrafferty2097 very sad

I've seen it 👍

Almost a million people? Not quite pewdiepie standards I'll grant you but probably more people than have read his books, which is more upsetting.

The intelligentsia will alwys be small minority, however its very existence in the UK and the US, is all that makes my residence in Wisconsin possible..

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

@@Scaraptor619 im wondering too

@@Scaraptor619 how much difference it can make

Yes, kind words unsaid can lead to great regret.

He was so moved!

You are on the correct path, in my opinion.

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

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

@@NunyaBusinessMKAbsolutely! Well spoken.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The poor man's Bertrand Russell.

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

He spent many hours reading, researching, writing, studying and remembering; he had insatiable curiosity about many things and communicating effectively was of high importance to him. High respect for this type of person.

What a strange and beautiful way to express yourself!

Beautifully articulated

Hes got hot feet now 🥰

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

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

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

@@ansxr916 Hilarious!