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MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell: ‘Atheist Ricky Gervais Is Actually More Christ-like Than…Pat Robertson’

Nov. 28, 2012 8:19pm Billy Hallowell

It’s hard to imagine that an atheist would be described as more “Christ-like” than a believer in the almighty. However, on an episode of this week’s “The Last Word,” host Lawrence O’Donnell made a bold, faith-based proclamation and then attempted to corroborate it.

In describing CBN’s Pat Robertson and his recent words about atheists and their apparent penchant for stealing Christmas, the host juxtaposed these sentiments against secularist actor Ricky Gervais’ more favorable comments about the holiday. O’Donnell concluded: “The happy atheist Ricky Gervais is actually more Christ-like than the Reverend Pat Robertson.”

Lawrence ODonnell: Ricky Gervais More Christ like Than Pat Robertson

CBN’s Pat Robertson (Photo Credit: YouTube)

During a recent “700 Club” broadcast, Robertson had harsh words for atheist activists.

“Atheists don’t like our happiness. They don’t want you to be happy,” he proclaimed. “They want you to be miserable. They’re miserable so they want you to be miserable. So they want to steal your holiday away from you.”

O’Donnell noted that Gervais, an outspoken atheist, has used more favorable and inclusive language in the past while addressing the Christian holiday. In an article the actor wrote for the Wall Street Journal in 2010, MSNBC notes that he wrote the following regarding how he, as a non-believer, commemorates the holiday:

Celebrating life and remembering those that did, but can no longer… They are not looking down on me but they live in my mind and heart more than they ever did probably. Some, I was lucky enough to bump into on this planet of six billion people. Others shared much of my genetic material. One selflessly did her best for me all my life. That’s what mums do though. They do it for no other reason than love.

Concluding this article with the words, “Peace to all mankind. Christian, Jew, Muslim and Atheist,” O’Donnell contended that the actor is more Christ-like than Robertson, who recently issued his harsh rebuke of atheists.

Watch the MSNBC host sound off, below:

While it is true that Gervais’ tone was more positive, it’s important to remember that he also has poked fun at faith in the past. Aside from cracking jokes, the actor posed as Jesus for a 2011 magazine cover.

–

Related:

Pat Robertson Unleashes Christmas Rant: Atheists Are ‘Miserable’ Grinches Who ‘Don’t Like Our Happiness’ & ‘Want to Steal Your Holiday’

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (73)

Pigpen
Posted on November 29, 2012 at 12:51am
Is this fractured H3LLH0LE that was once America actually supposed to BE anything or STAND for anything? The press, the nightly news, the television, the politicians, and the other so-called leaders are all filth. They seek to bait and cause arguments. Why? The HATRED for Christianity is rooted in the ELITES’ desire to indulge their DEBAUCHERY out in the OPEN. The Christians stand in the way of that. Harvard and its most ignoble son Allen Ginsberg have tried to “mainstream” NAMBLA ( Even Law & Order got in on the act with one VERY REPULSIVE episode.) The Republicans and Yale are no better. The Buckley clan have pushed legalized drugs for years. WAKE UP CHRISTIANS! The rich are NOT like you! The rich see us all as CATTLE! Your provincial narrow-mindedness and your pathetic clinging to the Holy Teachings of Jesus Christ is ALL that stands in the way of those who USE YOU and their ultimate desire: To INDULGE their most carnal appetites OUT IN THE OPEN! Your embrasure of HOLLYWOOD and its PUKE has emboldened them for this last push into the PIT OF H3LL and I am NOT overstating it!

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- error415
  Posted on November 29, 2012 at 1:49pm
  Maybe if you could prove your invisible man was true people with half a brain would believe in him. All that’s left at your local church is snake handlers and pedo priests. The majority of people believing in magic and superstition is thankfully coming to a end and America will be a much better place once that happens. Then we can start on the idiots in the middle east.
  
  Report this comment
- Suel
  Posted on November 29, 2012 at 6:47pm
  2 Timothy 3:1-5
  
  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power
  thereof: from such turn away.
  
  Why do you think so many people devote their Entire lives to him?
  Why do you think they shun the things of this world?
  
  What if everything you see, feel, touch and smell is not real?
  Wouldn’t that be a Hoot…Well I say to you, you see only what is around you. You live only in this world.
  
  Check out the Electron Microscope. What you will find is nothing in this Plane of Existence is solid. More to the point its moving, and in a state of Decay. I.E. The Irrefutable Laws of Thermodynamics.
  Everything, Rock’s, Banana’s, Concrete, Tree’s, Steel, Your entire body down to the subatomic level and beyond. So seeing Science is on my side everything you think Exist, Does not. Therefor you live in a Matrix.
  
  Why would this be? Logical conclusion, IT WAS MANUFACTURED.
  
  For what purpose you might ask? For you.
  
  Why for me, you might ask? To Teach You.
  
  Right now you have a Failing Grade.
  
  But that can be Changed. How you may ask?
  
  Only through the Grace of Jesus Christ.
  
  He Will Forgive
  
  Report this comment
- JESUS-IS-GOD
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 8:55am
  Those that don’t belong to Jesus Christ are being used by Satan and there is no stopping it. We may not like what is happening to our rights as Christians or what is happening to Israel but we are watching prophecy happen before our eyes.
  
  Luke 21:28
  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
  
  Report this comment
- RoseAmerica
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 10:20pm
  Why WAIT to start on the Middle East? Or is it because Christians by their nature (if they are the real deal) won’t treat you the way you have treated them and they are therefore easy prey? While the middle east will kill you if you “start on them.” Who are you kidding? You aren’t going to stand up against Islam. But you will jump on the lemming bandwagon in muzzling Christians…but be ready to make a public confession of Allah as God. You foolish person.
  
  Report this comment
- RoseAmerica
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 10:36pm
  The great handicap of requiring empiracle proof for what is real (scientific model) is that science is always based on hypothesis (which are ideas) that are founded on limited evidence..UNTIL…new evidence suggests otherwise…and it always does. Everytime we acquire a stronger microscope or discover a new element, all that which was previously embraced as “reality” is no longer correct. A slippery and ever changing slope. Nothing is wrong with science but it hasn’t any permanent answers, just bits of evidence that there are laws and physics in play in creation; For ages different sources of intuitive knowing were normal, such as earlier tribes and even our own native American Indians, but for the last three hundred years we’ve been in the age of Reason, which is limited to what the brain alone can intuit, and that is such a hemmed in little box which ultimately is doomed to hopelessness. However, we are beginning to realize there is more to us than just intellect, that there is a consciousness which exceeds the life of our brain cells. Do you really not see that people are beginning to realize they are spiritual beings?
  
  Report this comment
Chet Hempstead
Posted on November 29, 2012 at 12:14am
That’s really not saying much. Bernie Madoff is more Christ-like than Pat Robertson. Jerry Sandusky is more Christ-like than Pat Robertson. The Miami face-eating cannibal is more Christ-like than Pat Robertson.

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- Eastinfection
  Posted on November 29, 2012 at 9:17am
  I agree. It’s time for Pat Robertson to park the bus.
  
  Report this comment
- Troll Patrol
  Posted on November 29, 2012 at 2:39pm
  @ Chet Hempstead
  
  Troll Patrol is advising readers to ignore you!
  
  Troll: one who posts a deliberately provocative, false or misleading comment with the intention of causing maximum disruption and argument.
  
  Tempus fugit.
  
  Report this comment
Cosmos102
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:56pm
Christians have lost in the public square. Obama Democrats would not exist in Government if that were not true. The media is winning folks. Time to admit it. Satan found an in road. What to do now…

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- RoseAmerica
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 10:41pm
  Don’t be discouraged friend. God will not be mocked. Be ready, keep faithful, do what the Lord asks of you, and watch how quickly the tables will be turned.
  
  Report this comment
adeleeeee
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:50pm
Media people are so eagerly to remove Christianity away but de facto the Christianity is merely a mongoose in the farm that sometimes eat a few eggs from the hens and annoying farmers occasionally. However, remove mongoose would cause python slithery into the farm that eat more than just few eggs… but goats as well and even kill the farmer himself.
Give me a break! Christians are not the one who harm the harmony of society, well they are just annoying. You kill Christianity, you invite something more evil like pythons into our society and eventually they will swallow you, Mr. O’Donnell down.
I prepare and how about you Mr. O’Donnell?

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COFemale
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:48pm
So are the news liars all fighting to be the biggest jack wad against religion? Is there a contest at NBCNews who can make Christians yell the loudest; you do know MSN has withdrawn and they are technically not MSNBC any longer.

Lawrence O’Donnell might just be the winner.

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DeeCee
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:48pm
What that O’donnell moron doesn’t seem to “get” is that Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ! Not family, not friends, not gifts, not egg-nog, not trees, not lights, not big meals, not anything else. For better or worse depending on one’s view, all of those other things have become a part of the tradition itself, but when ya get right down to it, all of the above are little more than distractions from the truth. Defending or making comparisons concerning the tears and warm fuzzy feelings of an atheist is nothing less than perverse. The moron should be ashamed of himself.

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garbagecanlogic
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:46pm
Has anyone ever give odonnell a competency test to see if he has even an iota of brain??

Praise Be To Obama. Psalm 109:8

The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
The U.N. Out Of The U.S.

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Locked
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:38pm
The day I start believing either O’Donnell or Robertson about Christian matters is the day I stop being a Christian. Both are just men with an agenda, more concerned with their relevance in the mortal world than in what the Bible says comes after.

That said, I think Gervais’s quote is actually pretty touching. I might not agree with atheists on spiritual matters, but if more of them wrote well thought-out messages like his and fewer spent time putting up faux Nativity displays aimed only at annoying overly sensitive Christians, I think that Christianity and atheism would have no issues coexisting happily.

Granted, controversy sells better than heart-warming intellectual discourse.

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- DYNA
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:49pm
  I do not trust that someone is a Christian just because one might claim to be. But Jesus said you will know them by their “fruit”. Jesus said that those that confess Him before others He will confess before the Father. Those that deny Him before others He will deny before the Father. In the power of the tongue is life and death. Flawed or not, Pat Robertson has lead many to Jesus Christ.
  
  An atheist is not locked into atheism unless they choose it, and I think many are pseudo atheists.
  I recall the expression there is no such thing as a foxhole atheist when physical death is eminent,
  assuming one even has time for a decision.
  
  Hell was not made for man, it was made for Satan. But for those that do not want deliverance from sin and its consequences, of which His Holy Spirit bears witness of in convicting, convincing, and if permitted to, comforting, they have chosen hell for themselves. God desires that no one perish.
  
  Arguing with man accomplishes nothing. If His Holy Spirit has access to your spirit , do not keep putting Him off. When your are witnessed to regarding Jesus the Christ, take Him as Lord and Saviour. Then when born again, live as a sons and daughters of God by taking His Word which has the power to save your soul. The mind of Christ. Christ, the anointed One, Who has the anointing. This anointing is the burden removing, yoke destroying, power of God.
  
  Report this comment
- DYNA
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:00pm
  One other thing, I do recall Jesus saying that if the world hates Him, the world will hate His disciples for the disciple is not greater than the Master. So atheists would be part of the world that hate real Christians, unless the one who claims to be a Christian is one in name only, or unless the atheist is really a pseudo atheist who turns with the preaching of Christ.
  
  Report this comment
- Marine25
  Posted on November 29, 2012 at 9:16am
  Dyna
  I am an atheist. Not a pseudo-atheist.
  Seen more men doubt their faith under fire than find it.
  
  Report this comment
paperpushermj
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:32pm
Mr O’Donnell I fell I must remind you of a quote from A. Lincoln.
.
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.

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- God_Is_Not
  Posted on November 30, 2012 at 7:07pm
  I believe you meant to say “feel.” The irony of your meaningless post is laughable.
  
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sparkyrules
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:29pm
These progressive/atheist fools like Larry O’Donnell and Ricky Gervais are always the first ones in line to grab that year end Christmas $bonus$/check.
I’ve watched it through the years with blue collar workers,many of whom are my friends.Their media mouth pieces are no different.

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mewnani
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:25pm
I think he’s wrong. Pat Roberson was right; there are MANY atheists in the world that would rather the world have no religion, and we see this every Christmas. Some of them are good, but there’s some that are bad, just like in every religion. Leave Pat alone sir.

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Thornyrose13
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:22pm
Both men are guilty of over-generalizing. Neither man can speak for all atheists or all believers. That is the problem. You demonize those who disagree with you so you can then treat them with less than normal human respect. It is possible to enjoy the holidays, if the majority ignore or dismiss the efforts of the loony tunes on each side to make it about ideology instead of just a time to enjoy family, friends, and whatever beliefs you hold about this time of year.

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- Locked
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:32pm
  Well said!
  
  Report this comment
- DYNA
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:21pm
  Actually James 4:4 addresses this.
  
  “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
  
  Report this comment
DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:15pm
Larry O’Donnell is still seething with the rage of his high school years, and this type of attitude is his own sick, demented way of getting even with the athletes and other popular boys who’s very existence made him look so inept, awkward and ugly then. Larry is also his Nurse-Ratched-Mother’s boy, and he wants her to be proud of him. He’ll show her she was right…they didn’t need a man in the home to mold and guide his youth.

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- theotherberean
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 8:05pm
  You mean he’s a typical liberal?
  
  Report this comment
ICANHANDLETHETRUTH
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:12pm
LOL…… why do these people fight so hard for something they don’t beleive in ? Hmmmmmm …… TOOLS

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Pantloadian
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:00pm
By far. By miles.

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- Max jones
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:09pm
  pantload…Why do you weigh in on subjects you’re not qualified to comment on? Sheesh.
  
  Report this comment
- DEFCON4
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:13pm
  Bye-Bye!
  
  Report this comment
- Pantloadian
  Posted on November 29, 2012 at 9:22am
  MAX . . . You’re not qualified to ask me that question. Your posts prove only one thing – there is no honor in being an angry old man.
  
  Report this comment
sparkyrules
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:59pm
Larry O’Donnell replaced Keith Olberdork ,didn’t he?On PMSNBC? One slobbering rabid leftist taking over for another it seems.Larry will probably end up at Current TV.Its where the bottom feeders all end up eventually.And rarely heard from again.I wouldn’t be surprised if Chris Tingles lands there in the future.

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TeresaJ
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:52pm
MSNBC is sure making a lot of Biblical comments lately. It’s like Satan tempting Jesus on the Mount, except I think Satan actually knew what he was talking about.

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- The_Jerk
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:00pm
  Lawrence O’Donnell is Rachel Maddow’s female lover.
  
  Report this comment
- seeker9
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:44pm
  It is part of the Dems new platform, war on religion. Or war on Christianity more precisely, as they would never denigrate Muslims, which could spark a terrorist attack. Matthews is the defacto spokesman (errr… spokesperson?) and strategist. So it appears, since they believe conservatives are exclusively Christian, it’s a mere political smear against their enemy. As Al Sharpton would say, “resist we much!”.
  
  Report this comment
- Balzy
  Posted on November 29, 2012 at 3:02am
  @the_jerk
  
  I knew we could agree on some things ;)
  
  Report this comment
GrandpaOf4
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:52pm
Whenever I try to determine what behavior is “more Christ like” I always consult with Lawrence Donnell. He is the final authority on what Christ was like ya know. Just ask him. .
Peace and good will to you Mr. Gervais. I hope you find what you are looking for. And I pray you will find it in time.
Lawrence, you, on the other hand, can suck my big toe.

Dang_ there I go. I have so much trouble living up this whole being Christ-like thing. Phew, Good bit of luck running into that whole expiation / propitiation gig. Good to have a plan B just in case I can’t meet expectations. Based on my progress so far I’m thinking plan B is looking pretty good.

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- Max jones
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:17pm
  GRANPA….I like plan B too. What it is for me is putting the old golden rule to work, with a twist. I decided to treat every one by what they stand for…and I want the same in return. I am faithful to faithful people-nasty to nasty people- and I ignore ignor-ant people, unless I want a bit of sport.
  
  Report this comment
- Balpit
  Posted on November 29, 2012 at 9:44pm
  What did your big toe ever do to you?
  
  Report this comment
alumin
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:44pm
MSNBC=
Moonbats
Spouting
Nothing
But
Crap!
More meaningless commentary from an abject Moron!

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RJJinGadsden
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:44pm
Larry, if you have to wonder why would Glenn ever put a plastic effigy of 0bama in a Mason jar of mock urine, just listen to your statement again. Then again, you might be trying to boost your ratings amongst 32 viewers in hopes they will praise you for irritating your perceived enemy.
Dang, just dawned on me that I got busy this afternoon and I forgot to check out Martin Bashir at BSNBC to see his explode over Glenn’s bobblehead. Did anybody else catch him? If so, please fill me in.

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antitheism
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:38pm
The false prophet has not died?

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- Max jones
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:59pm
  ANTI The IS….I am so glad there are still folks like you alive. It makes a great contrast to real intellect.
  
  Report this comment
Afterglow
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:30pm
Add your comments

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- FISH_BONE
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:36pm
  your comments
  
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- Max jones
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:51pm
  I don’t trust Roberson to know Christ at all…He represents all that is wrong with with mega churches run by mega egos. I don’t trust ricky gerbils to know much of anything. Anyone who trusts Larry Odonel for ANY reason is a fool. http://theseason.yolasite.com/
  
  Report this comment
- Max jones
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:03pm
  Pat Robeson is a mega ego running a mega church for mega bucks. A leader in the apostasy.
  
  Report this comment
Afterglow
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:29pm
Lawrence O’Donnell is more Satan-like than Satan.

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- Xyskalla
  Posted on November 29, 2012 at 11:29am
  No, not really. Lawrence O’Donnell is just a pawn in the game.
  
  But Lawrence O’Donnell has pretty much announced to the world that he doesn’t know the first thing about Jesus. You can’t read the Gospels without seeing that the driving force of Jesus’ motivation was to please the Father, to serve the Father, to give Himself up for the Father. I know my exposure to atheists is somewhat limited, but none of the atheists I know are even remotely like that. And I seriously doubt that Gervais’s driving motivation is to serve and please God.
  
  Report this comment
kickagrandma
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:29pm
larry o’d wouldn’t know a CHRISTIAN if one walked up and kicked him in the shin!

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- Marine25
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:41pm
  I think you just made Mr. O’Donnell’s point.
  Kickagrandma, you are either a real shin-kicking christian idiot or a comic genius.
  Either way, that’s the funniest post I have ever read.
  
  Report this comment
- Max jones
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:07pm
  don’t roll over grandma… that’s what people expect Christians to do. It’s getting close don’t give in.
  
  Report this comment
- SquidVetOhio
  Posted on November 29, 2012 at 9:13am
  @Marine25
  
  Peter cut a guys ear off. Just sayin…..
  
  Report this comment
memyselfandi
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:28pm
Well…even a broken clock can be right twice a day…

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- RJJinGadsden
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 8:46pm
  Yeah, but Larry is about as correct as a stopped digital clock. The ones with the lit numeron tubes.
  
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