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FORA.tv SERIES: Religion in the 21st Century, Science vs. Religion, The World According to Christopher Hitchens

Al Sharpton and Christopher Hitchens

The New York Public Library
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XaurreauX Avatar
XaurreauX
Posts: 1
Posted: 05.23.07, 08:54 AM
I was in the audience at this debate and while Hitchens was interesting there weren't enough "sparks" between them to make it the brawl one would expect. Sharpton mounted a fairly garden variety defense of "God" and was too generally in agreement with Hitchens' criticisms of religion. Hitchens' refusal to refer to Sharpton as "Reverend" notwithstanding, most "clashes" there were between them were more in the line of friendly jabs.

Of course, there WAS Sharpton's Mormon comment.
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ALLTHINGS.TV Avatar
ALLTHINGS.TV
Posts: 5
Posted: 05.27.07, 09:17 PM
Rather unfortunate that the "Rev" Al Sharpton was chosen as the candidate to defend God. Surely he should be way too busy defending himself on numerous issues.
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tmwillemse Avatar
tmwillemse
Posts: 1
Posted: 06.02.07, 11:56 AM
If you were god, what language would you speak?
It is hoped, or feared, that someday computers will become so sophisticated that they will attain sentience. Some theoretical physicists are inclined to theorize that there exists an entity *in* the universe that may very well be aware of its own existence. This implies something separate from, above, or outside the “creation.” Theoretical physics is communicated as mathematical formulae. Imagine a mathematical formula so sophisticated that, like the future computer, it is aware of itself. Mankind has not begun to approach the level of sophistication to understand mathematics at this level. But that does not mean that this will not happen eventually. I would rather have the opinion regarding this possibility from Stephen Hawking than the Pope, Mr. Hitchens, or most certainly the “Rev.” Al.
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kanajlo Avatar
kanajlo
Posts: 5
Posted: 02.19.08, 07:01 AM
Interesting point. I would not rely on a theologian for an opinion
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EWeems1984 Avatar
EWeems1984
Posts: 1
Posted: 02.25.08, 07:23 PM
I was extremely disappointed with Sharpton's performance in this debate. Mr. Hitchens, whom I have seen debate three or four times, is very clear about his stance.

However, Al Sharpton, although he claims to be an ordained protestant minister, never addresses any of the exclusive truth claims that Christianity makes on the God he wants so fervently to focus on. The woman who poses the last question is spot on. In the end I come away from this debate feeling that Sharpton is some type of plural-relativist rather than someone who claims to represent, what the scriptures he unanimously endorses as the revealed truth of God state is the, "God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Cor. 1:3)

Furthermore, even as he attempts to move the debate toward a much more abstract discussion about God, he still fails miserably to even superficially persuade any rational person that this generic Godexists. He simply resorts to criticizing the fact that Hitchens names his book 'God is not great' and then focuses on specific religions who claim to be the truth about that God.

It's pathetic. There are so many more eloquent and well reasoned intellectuals who could have challenged Hitchens. How about finding someone with even just a little more background in philosophy.

Disappointing.
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frolix Avatar
frolix
Posts: 2
Posted: 03.02.08, 07:39 AM
Sharpton is so stupid. He has no idea of the mechanics of debate whatsoever. A classic example of someone who is a believer because they are too dumb to think for themselves.

"But you ain't got no legs Lieutenant Dan!?"
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frolix Avatar
frolix
Posts: 2
Posted: 03.02.08, 09:15 AM
I'm re-watching and I can't believe I was frustrated before at Sharpton's stupidity - he is EXACTLY the kind of buffoon we need to see more of on TV, repeating his meaningless drivel and exposing the fallacy of Christianity, and religion in general.

Still would be nice to see someone who could debate Hitchens without looking stupid though. No one has come close, sadly.
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Rakajj Avatar
Rakajj
Posts: 4
Posted: 03.21.08, 04:39 PM
Hitchens took the debate
Hitchens was on the ball right from the start, however this debate, unlike most of his others that I've seen he was much more civil than usual, which is good I suppose. He countered every point that Sharpton attempted to make but I was disappointed that Sharpton didn't make any points himself, as if he was on the defensive all the time and everytime he got passed the ball so to speak he just passed it back. Very weak performance on the part of the Reverend. I don't know why understanding morality without a God is that hard to fathom. Pretty much take anything that causes someone pain, or illegitimately removes something from someone who deserves it and you have a basic moral code. Doesn't take cloud people to come up with that.
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entheogen Avatar
entheogen
Posts: 2
Posted: 03.22.08, 11:37 AM
I don't believe in God but this Hitchens guy is an air bag, the worst kind of British cunt you could ever expect to meet.
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jezzadamz Avatar
jezzadamz
Posts: 0
Posted: 03.27.08, 10:37 AM
he's a yank!
Quote:
Originally Posted by entheogen
I don't believe in God but this Hitchens guy is an air bag, the worst kind of British cunt you could ever expect to meet.
Just a small point but i think you'll find he's now an American,thus he,like the execrable George Dubblya,is an American cunt.
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