The Most Legendary Critic of Religion 

We lost a great man when Christopher Hitchens passed. His talk about religious toys has always been one of my favorites. A nice collection of Hitchens videos.

He was such a wordsmith. I miss him greatly.

Unfortunately, I discovered him far too late. He had already passed away, and I was none the wiser. I wish I could have met him to show my appreciation of his work. His love for literature is very unique.

To tell a person that someone died for them 2000 years ago, is bullying.

I think Hitchens is the most logical debater between the horsemen

Thank you for this wonderful video! 👍🏻 Hitchens and Carl Sagan are heroes to me. The nuns in grade school terrorized us by saying we will go to hell for even “thinking” anything negative or bad. Religion is man-made and is all about control and power.

Religion Poisons Everything-----Christopher Hitchens.........................He was absolutely correct. R.I.P. Hitch

I never needed a book to legislate morality to me.

A great man, a great thinker, a real giant. I miss Hitch. Wish he were here today.

Yes. Let’s have common sense

Christopher Hitchens has always been my idol. I really miss him.

A mind like Hitchens comes along MAYBE ONCE a century I'm Goddamn glad I was on this rock to hear his....sheer GENIUS

RIP Teacher!

Christopher Hitchens was great speaker.

Sadly it doesn't matter what we say to religious people because unless they choose to open their mind then what we say just goes in one ear and out the other

There's a unique gravitas to Hitchens which you don't get with the other three horsemen and that's not to diminish their brilliance. Hitchens is poetic, visionary, sharp witted, speaks with complete certainty and clarity of thought and can cite copious poets and philosophers by heart. I have seen not one debater ever hold a candle to him. Even get the sense that his fellow horsemen and beyond (Stephen Fry for example) were wisely restrained in his presence. Amazing mind.

God I miss this man!

Noteworthy, certainly. Notorious? Hardly. Articulate, honest, intelligent, unabashed, unapologetic and unafraid. A great man and I, as one of millions, miss him terribly.

His commentary on theology and organized religion is so famous that people forget his commentary on other topics that he was just as good at. Henry Kissinger, Mother Teresa, the Clintons, foreign policy, etc. He truly was ahead of his time, would love to hear his commentary on current events today

“Religion Poisons Everything” - Christopher Hitchens

Oh man, I miss Christopher Hitchens . . .

I decline to be spoken to in that tone of voice! BRILLIANT PUT. Thank you Christopher Hitchens. RIP.

Always super good to hear Christian Hitchens - as clear as ever in his refutations of religion generally and Christianity in particular.

Religious people need to get over themselves and STOP bullying people.

I loved this collection of snippets. It brought back a rush of memories from when my life was changed a little over 10 years ago after finding Hitch's debates and speeches on RU-vid. Thanks for putting this together.

It's very sad that he died so young.

This man was a pillar of human knowledge and morality. You are finaly free from this garbage brother....rest in peace

The man, the myth, the legend.

R.I.P. To THE LATE CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS. MISSED GREATLY !!! HIS BOOK "GOD's NOT GREAT " WAS A PAGE TURNER & HEAD TURNER !!!! I NEARLY FELL OFF MY CHAIR READING THIS AMAZING BOOK!! THANKS FOR THE UP LOAD VIDEO. FROM, U.K. (2024).

I am a damn proud Atheist.

RIP Christopher Hitchens. Your mind was a rare gem.❤

RIP Christopher, we miss you and your clarity.

Nobody before or since has completely destroyed every facet of mainstream religion like this man did…never backed down and continued to let his side be vocalised until his death. One of a kind, a great man who will be missed ❤

I am a born alcoholic and I must repent everyday of my life drinking alcohol, even since I was a baby in my mom's womb. Doesn't this just sound absurd? Well, this is just how absurd religious people sound.

Don't force others to play with your "toys". Also, don't punish folks for playing with "toys" you don't like. Then maybe we can all get along....

Our beautiful comrade ❤

His book was one of the books I most looked forward to in a life of reading. It was wonderful and rings completely true.

Thank you so much. Brilliant. ❤

Reality gives me all the meaning i need in life.

deeply deeply missed, one of the most beautiful minds that ever existed

One of the greatest humans I've ever come across in my lifetime. Legend.

Can't wait for the theists making themselves look stupid in these comments.

My favorite Christopher Hitchens quote is: "Human decency is not derived from religion. It precedes it." I believe that a secular moral compass had evolved in early humans that allowed us to better live in cooperative groups. Human decency is hard-wired by evolution in us so we could interact cooperatively with a large number of others. This cooperative living is what helped us thrive to become what we are -- but that came long before organized religions reiterated those same secular morals back to us.

There are two types of people in this world, non-believers and make believers. Thanks to Christopher Hitchens there are now more of the previous and less of the latter and I count myself among them.

Miss him dearly.

The absolute king if oratory speakers hitch humbles whomever he spoke with, one should be honored to be put in thier place by such a man

Thanks to modern technology we will have Christopher's wisdom well into the future. Now that is a blessing worth something.

A segment from 'Saved by the Light of the Buddha Within'... My new understandings of what many call 'God -The Holy Spirit' - resulting from some of the extraordinary ongoing after-effects relating to my NDE... Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what some scientists are now referring to as the unified field of consciousnesses. In other words, it’s the essence of all existence and non-existence - the ultimate creative force behind planets, stars, nebulae, people, animals, trees, fish, birds, and all phenomena, manifest or latent. All matter and intelligence are simply waves or ripples manifesting to and from this core source. Consciousness (enlightenment) is itself the actual creator of everything that exists now, ever existed in the past, or will exist in the future - right down to the minutest particles of dust - each being an individual ripple or wave. The big difference between chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and most other conventional prayers is that instead of depending on a ‘middleman’ to connect us to our state of inner enlightenment, we’re able to do it ourselves. That’s because chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo allows us to tap directly into our enlightened state by way of this self-produced sound vibration. ‘Who or What Is God?’ If we compare the concept of God being a separate entity that is forever watching down on us, to the teachings of Nichiren, it makes more sense to me that the true omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence of what most people perceive to be God, is the fantastic state of enlightenment that exists within each of us. Some say that God is an entity that’s beyond physical matter - I think that the vast amount of information continuously being conveyed via electromagnetic waves in today’s world gives us proof of how an invisible state of God could indeed exist. For example, it’s now widely known that specific data relayed by way of electromagnetic waves has the potential to help bring about extraordinary and powerful effects - including an instant global awareness of something or a mass emotional reaction. It’s also common knowledge that these invisible waves can easily be used to detonate a bomb or to enable NASA to control the movements of a robot as far away as the Moon or Mars - none of which is possible without a receiver to decode the information that’s being transmitted. Without the receiver, the data would remain impotent. In a very similar way, we need to have our own ‘receiver’ switched on so that we can activate a clear and precise understanding of our own life, all other life and what everything else in existence is. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day helps us to achieve this because it allows us to reach the core of our enlightenment and keep it switched on. That’s because Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what scientists now refer to as the unified field of consciousnesses. To break it down - Myoho represents the Law of manifestation and latency (Nature) and consists of two alternating states. For example, the state of Myo is where everything in life that’s not obvious to us exists - including our stored memories when we’re not thinking about them - our hidden potential and inner emotions whenever they’re dormant - our desires, our fears, our wisdom, happiness, karma - and more importantly, our enlightenment. The other state, ho, is where everything in Life exists whenever it becomes evident to us, such as when a thought pops up from within our memory - whenever we experience or express our emotions - or whenever a good or bad cause manifests as an effect from our karma. When anything becomes apparent, it merely means that it’s come out of the state of Myo (dormancy/latency) and into a state of ho (manifestation). It’s the difference between consciousness and unconsciousness, being awake or asleep, or knowing and not knowing. The second law - Renge - Ren meaning cause and ge meaning effect, governs and controls the functions of Myoho - these two laws of Myoho and Renge, not only function together simultaneously but also underlies all spiritual and physical existence. The final and third part of the tri-combination - Kyo, is the Law that allows Myoho to integrate with Renge - or vice versa. It’s the great, invisible thread of energy that fuses and connects all Life and matter - as well as the past, present and future. It’s also sometimes termed the Universal Law of Communication - perhaps it could even be compared with the string theory that many scientists now suspect exists. Just as the cells in our body, our thoughts, feelings and everything else is continually fluctuating within us - all that exists in the world around us and beyond is also in a constant state of flux - constantly controlled by these three fundamental laws. In fact, more things are going back and forth between the two states of Myo and ho in a single moment than it would ever be possible to calculate or describe. And it doesn’t matter how big or small, famous or trivial anything or anyone may appear to be, everything that’s ever existed in the past, exists now or will exist in the future, exists only because of the workings of the Laws ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ - the basis of the four fundamental forces, and if they didn’t function, neither we nor anything else could go on existing. That’s because all forms of existence, including the seasons, day, night, birth, death and so on, are moving forward in an ongoing flow of continuation - rhythmically reverting back and forth between the two fundamental states of Myo and ho in absolute accordance with Renge - and by way of Kyo. Even stars are dying and being reborn under the workings of what the combination ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ represents. Nam, or Namu - which mean the same thing, are vibrational passwords or keys that allow us to reach deep into our life and fuse with or become one with ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’. On a more personal level, nothing ever happens by chance or coincidence, it’s the causes that we’ve made in our past, or are presently making, that determine how these laws function uniquely in each of our lives - as well as the environment from moment to moment. By facing east, in harmony with the direction that the Earth is spinning, and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo for a minimum of, let’s say, ten minutes daily to start with, any of us can experience actual proof of its positive effects in our lives - even if it only makes us feel good on the inside, there will be a definite positive effect. That’s because we’re able to pierce through the thickest layers of our karma and activate our inherent Buddha Nature (our enlightened state). By so doing, we’re then able to bring forth the wisdom and good fortune that we need to challenge, overcome and change our adverse circumstances - turn them into positive ones - or manifest and gain even greater fulfilment in our daily lives from our accumulated good karma. This also allows us to bring forth the wisdom that can free us from the ignorance and stupidity that’s preventing us from accepting and being proud of the person that we indeed are - regardless of our race, colour, gender or sexuality. We’re also able to see and understand our circumstances and the environment far more clearly, as well as attract and connect with any needed external beneficial forces and situations. As I’ve already mentioned, everything is subject to the law of Cause and Effect - the ‘actual-proof-strength’ resulting from chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo always depends on our determination, sincerity and dedication. For example, the levels of difference could be compared to making a sound on a piano, creating a melody, producing a great song, and so on. Something else that’s very important to always respect and acknowledge is that the Law (or if you prefer God) is in everyone and everything. NB: There are frightening and disturbing sounds, and there are tranquil and relaxing sounds. It’s the emotional result of any noise or sound that can trigger off a mood or even instantly change one. When chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day, we are producing a sound vibration that’s the password to our true inner-self - this soon becomes apparent when you start reassessing your views on various things - such as your fears and desires etc. The best way to get the desired result when chanting is not to view things conventionally - rather than reaching out to an external source, we need to reach into our own lives and bring our needs and desires to fruition from within - including the good fortune and strength to achieve any help that we may need. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo also reaches out externally and draws us towards, or draws towards us, what we need to make us happy from our environment. For example, it helps us to be in the right place at the right time - to make better choices and decisions and so forth. We need to think of it as a seed within us that we’re watering and bringing sunshine to for it to grow, blossom and bring forth fruit or flowers. It’s also important to understand that everything we need in life, including the answer to every question and the potential to achieve every dream, already exists within us.

He's still missed to this day.

I really miss Hitchens

I believed for a long time, that religious people would be so much more persuasive if they practiced what they preached. Then I had a new thought; maybe they are. Lie, deceive, coerce and terrorize. Anything is actually permissible to get others not of their persuasion to do what they desire. In order that they may get what they desire; power and wealth.

Nice edit.

Gone too soon. I could listen to hitchens all day. He’s so…. Precisely…. Right.

Great collection of his best points 👍

Man do we need him right now.

Notorious is a slur against Hitchens. Correct should be the word used.

Miss Hitch 💙 💜 💖

There is none better, honestly, and not just in regards to religion, but in many other aspects as well. He predicted so many things that are now coming true. I suppose when you have the knowledge that HITCH did, you can predict where the world is likely headed. Greatest of all time. period.

Will be forever great full for this man's clear and consistence arguments...saved me from years of guilt and fear.🍻

Thomas Paine shares the same sentiments in his book "The Age Of Reason."

I miss Hitchens today more than ever.

And that folks is the WONDERFUL TRUTH1111

Excellent production values. And of course, legendary content. We’re so much the poorer with him gone.

Bravo! Such a nice video to show others!

I miss Hitch. He tended to be a little full of himself, but he knew scripture far more than those he opposed, and his arguments were rock solid, and remain so.

Thank God for Hitch... Oh wait!

The toy analogy is perfect.

Some people used to be all messed up on drugs, now they're all messed up on religion

"I'm Gpmma Gove Him An Offer He Can't Refuse!" The Godfather.

👍

We miss this man of every second of every hour of every day of every week of every……

Does anyone else on occasion just get like a moment of pure clarity and realise the absolute absurdity of religion and that in the 21st century there are still a lot of people desperately grasping to what is essentially Bronze Age camp fire stories and using them to dictate their actual lives, and the lives of others? And that they believe them to be literal as opposed to metaphors? It’s wild to me that we as a species threw off certain shackles but held onto others. Anubis and Odin are ridiculous mythology, but Jesus and Muhammad aren’t? Why? It’s probably gona be another 500 years but when religion finally dies I think humans can actually begin to explore their full potential.

These religious people telling humanity they are sinners in needing salvation. Are they not the same people calling me on the phone in need of an upgrade to this and that and all they need is your password or SSN... Trying to convince me, YOU NEED THIS. What kind of anything let alone a so called God that you need salvation because we were created by this God because of 2 idiots in a garden who ate the only thing that made perfect sense, an apple 🍎. Did people just stopped thinking when reading this? And it gets better the more you read. A buring bush wondering in the desert for 40 years and the ark boat that makes ZERO sense. All the animals on the earth X 2? Then the Devils, Demons, Hell, suffering, eternal damnation. Tell me please that makes perfect sense. Oh and not least. Peter had the faith to walked on water but no one has since. Hmm. My Hitch, you hit the nail on the head. Those are NOT my toys and I wantNOTHING to do with those toys!

Love you, Hitchens.

Read all his books R.I.P LEGEND

Beautiful !! ❤❤❤ Unique edit!

Religious people are perfectly fine with labeling other gods as myths, just not with their own myth. This form of exceptionalism is the by-product of religious indoctrination.

Christopher Hitchens ...the Greatest Exponent who has Fantastic clarity in explaining the horrors, poisoning and the utter falsehood of religion...Love you for informing us...Greatness Forever ❤❤❤

Agreat man who is sorely missed.😢

I was close to being a professed atheist, and then I discovered Christopher Hitchens. He shoved me across that line at warp speed. I miss him.

He was a very honest and courageous human being, unfortunately I only knew about him recently but I am so glad that I did. Thank you we love you from Kurdistan ❤❤❤

damn- I forgot how well spoken and knowledgeable He is/was - This vid is heavy-

im the only atheist in my otherwise muslim family and i questioned all of them "why do you believe in god?" and every one of them gave me the same answer "just incase there is one and they don't want to stick out from the crowd" , i think that's true for most people.

I miss him.

My favorite critic, absolutely the best. Miss you Hitch.

Brilliant!

I know I am not going to live forever and neither are you, but until my furlough here on earth is revoked, I shall elbow aside the established pieties and raise my glass 🥃 of JWB on behalf a courageous man and thought provoking most exalted thinker. Thank you Christopher Hitchens, your inspiration continues to guides me towards my personal liberation. 💐

I think he is amazing.

This Dinesh guy is a mix of inquisition, hitler and kelly ann conway in one person. Remarkable.

i came up with the same conclusion when I was a teen. Everyone should learn philosophy and logic and how to take care of a plant and an animal at the same time they learn their numbers and letters.

There was actually a christian commercial ad before this video started playing... jus sayin

🙏🏻 “Evil does not exist, just unwise actions done in ignorance and confusion,” ~ S.A.

It was a bit harsh to call it a "stupid" question, as questions with good intentions are often ask to reduce the level of ignorance. I'd call it a very misleading question in this case. Indeed, it's not because something gives meaning, that therefore it is "right" and Hitchens is so right when he says that it can not be taken away. Without personal change and insights a belief will remain with the owner. Religion can be poisenous when it is pushed upon people through family, friends or politics. I think it's perfectly fine if someone wishes to follow a certain religion (not cult), if they keep it to themselves.. but then again, that is hard to do in the first place, isn't it. I do believe that religion was shaped from a lack of control on the world and is doomed to have that aspect of "control" at it's core, expressing itself to it's followers. Which is a pity thing nowadays, now that we know so much more about the universe (yet so little). Hitchens is so right about addressing the audacity of the so called "religious authority" over morals/ethics and human lives. 100% agreeing with his sentiment. WHY should someone suffer for the rest of their life, just for being born in a different way, so that religious bigots could feel good about themselves? This is the same as attempting mental/emotional enslavement, and it is absolutely cruel, as Hitchens says. This can destroy people's lives and it has! Religious apologists imo have romanticized their interpretation of their religion and I bet in the majority of cases does not affect them at all, because they would not suffer under the conditions they put forward. The next thing Hitchens points out so well is that there really is not a "free choice" coming from love, but more based on fear (somewhat like a parent towards a kid who teaches the kid about consequences, which to me is another proof that religion is human made). You have a choice, but if you don't accept the offer, you will pay for it dearly. That is almost intimidation and it makes me wonder how someone can say "yes" to that without feeling fear and only do it out of love. Yet we are not offered any real proof that the offer is true!! So the risk that you give your entire life to serve a religion that offers no actual proof, is more real than the claims the religion makes. Would it not be also fair to - if there is a god - live your life the best way you can, trying to be a good person, and at the end of the journey meet this god and that this god would aknowledge why you did not want to accept the "offer" in the first place without judging you for it, for this god made us with limiting capabilities and this god did not provide the proof we require in order to accept that offer? (If the answer would be that this god would not be fair, then it is just showing how it resembles the limiations of humanity, who sometimes also make unfair judgements, and therefore I would consider this another proof that religion is human made, rather than divinely inspired) Romanticizing a religion is not taking that religion at face value. That's how I feel about it.

He had a wonderful vocabulary, and a mighty, characteristic way about himself. But the rolling momentum of recent findings regarding the soul, and evidence for the afterlife, can no longer be ignored. See a medium worth their salt, I encourage you. Seek.

I miss Hitch. I always think with the current world situations and the issues in the US, what he would think about this. ❤dearly missed

You were great sensei

I'm not sure 'notorious' is quite the right word. 🤔

Religion claims peace and love yet threatens you with eyernal suffering if you choose to disagree with them Just like a controlling parent or partner Offering you thr illusion of free choice with a threat if you make the 'wrong' choice That doesn't sound like oeace and love to me

Hitchens was a legend, but I am glad that there is a new generation of people who will carry the torch. People like Forrest Valkai or Alex O'Conner are still in the fight against religion and its harmful side-effects.

I can't help but wonder why C. Hitchens has not formulated a philosophy that is so wonderful and self evidently true, that the whole world (including its leaders) would not be following its precepts whole- heartedly . Why, it might even be called the ' Hitchen's religion' !! (or are we not allowed to use the word religion ??)