We woke up yesterday to the news that renowned writer and celebrity atheist, Christopher Hitchens, died overnight having succumbed to cancer. Hitchens was the intellectual leading light of the so-called new atheists, a rather belligerent and vocal bunch who certainly have no qualms about declaring religion in all its forms a menace to the planet.
Some of you will recall that Hitchens and former British PM Tony Blair debated in Toronto and by all accounts Hitchens won handily. At one point in that exchange Hitchens acknowledged the importance of the numinous and transcendent, the best of experiences when moved by music and art. Of course he contrasts this with the superstition of religions, assuming for some reason that transcendence cannot occur in religion.
I read a reflection by an evangelical theologian who debated Hitchens on several occasions. As you might imagine Hitchens showed no quarter in battle. However, the theologian says that Hitchens was a delightful dinner companion and never said a critical or unkind word to him outside the public exchange.
There are folk who are no doubt sure that Hitchens is now in hell. Wouldn't it be lovely if he is actually trying to comprehend being in heaven?
Thoughts?
I think of the hymn last line of a favourite hymn, "When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes. I'll be there as I always have been, with just one more surprise." I do believe Hitchens is in for the best surprise of his "life"!
ReplyDeleteRight now, Hitchens is screaming out "I was wrong guys!"
ReplyDeleteI have read Hitchen's books and went to hear him speak in Toronto. I was impressed with his thoughts and writings. He was a great speaker. Sorry to see him go.
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