Faith

Hitchens Skipping His Own Prayer Day

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Stricken with cancer and fragile from chemotherapy, author and outspoken atheist Christopher Hitchens sits in an armchair before an audience and waits for the only question that can come first at such a time.

“How’s your health?” asks Larry Taunton, a friend who heads an Alabama-based group dedicated to defending Christianity.

“Well, I’m dying, since you asked, but so are you. I’m only doing it more rapidly,” replies Hitchens, his grin faint and his voice weak and raspy. Only wisps of his dark hair remain; clothes hang on his frame.

The writer best known to believers for his 2007 book “God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything” has esophageal cancer, the same disease that killed his father. He is fighting it, but the 62-year-old Hitchens is realistic: At the very best, he says, his life will be shortened.

For some of his critics, it might be satisfying to see a man who has made a career of skewering organized religion switch sides near the end of his life and pray silently for help fighting a ravaging disease.

He has an opportunity: Monday has been informally proclaimed “Everybody Pray for Hitchens Day.”

Christopher Hitchens won’t be bowing his head, even on a day set aside just for him.

“I shall not be participating,” he said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Hitchens was diagnosed with cancer in June, forcing him to cancel a tour to promote his new book, “Hitch-22: A Memoir.” He took time off from work as chemo treatments began but recently published the first of what is intended to be a series of essays in Vanity Fair magazine about his diagnosis.

On Sept. 7, he visited Birmingham for his first public appearance since the diagnosis, a debate against David Berlinski, author of “The Devil’s Delusion: Atheism and Its Scientific Pretensions.” They argued over the implications of a purely secular society before a crowd of about 1,200 in an event sponsored by Fixed Point Foundation, the Christian apologetics group headed by Taunton.

Taunton is devoutly Christian yet has developed a fast friendship with Hitchens, who appeared at a similar debate sponsored by the organization last year. Taunton is among those praying for Hitchens, and Hitchens takes no offense.

The way the English-born Hitchens sees it, the people praying for him break down into three basic groups: those who seem genuinely glad he’s suffering and dying from cancer; those who want him to become a believer in their religious faith; and those who are asking God to heal him.

Hitchens has no use for that first group. “‘To hell with you’ is the response to the ones who pray for me to go to hell,” Hitchens told AP.

He’s ruling out the idea of a deathbed change of heart: “‘Thanks but no thanks’ is the reply to those who want me to convert and recognize a divinity or deity.”

It’s that third group — people who are asking God for Hitchens’ healing — that causes Hitchens to choose his words even more carefully than normal. Are those prayers OK? Are they helpful?

“I say it’s fine by me, I think of it as a nice gesture. And it may well make them feel better, which is a good thing in itself,” says Hitchens.

But prayers for his healing don’t make him feel better.

“Well, not any more than very large numbers of very kind, thoughtful letters from nonbelievers, some of whom know me, some of whom don’t, asking me to know that they are on my side,” Hitchens said. “That cheers me up, yes.”

Hitchens doesn’t know exactly how “Everybody Pray for Hitchens Day” began, other than that it’s one of those things that appears on the Internet and goes viral. He declined an invitation to appear at a rabbi’s prayer service in Washington that day, and he doesn’t see any point in the exercise.

“I’m perfectly sure that there is nothing to be gained from it in point of my health, but perhaps I shouldn’t even say that. If it would do something for my morale possibly it would do something for my health. We all know that morale is an element in recovery,” he said. “But incantations, I don’t think, have any effect on the material world.”

The National Cancer Institute says esophageal cancer affects about 16,500 Americans each year, almost 80 percent of them men. Smoking and drinking alcohol regularly increase the risk of the disease; Hitchens does both.

The cancer that began in Hitchens’ esophagus already has spread into the lymph nodes in his neck, and he fears it has reached a lung. He’s visibly tired after a book signing and luncheon appearance and says he needs to rest, even though resting seems like such a waste of time when so little time may be left.

Already into his fourth round of chemotherapy, which he is receiving every three weeks, Hitchens says it’s difficult to gauge his eventual legacy. He hopes to be remembered with affection by some; with passion by others; and hopefully as a good father by his three children.

As for his work, Hitchens says he would be happy to be recalled simply as one of those “who are attempting to uphold reason and science against superstition.”

“I’d be proud to have my contribution at that,” Hitchens said. “This is a very long, long, long story. It‘s humanity’s oldest argument. If I played a small part in keeping it going that would be enough for me.”

Comments (169)

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  • AMERICA4EVER
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 10:50am

    Swear there ain‘t no heaven and pray there ain’t no hell.

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  • MarieHillTut
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 10:04am

    In all honesty..Chris has his own belief or non- beliefs and I respect that..I would never try to change him..pray for him silently, sure..but it is his choice and just letting him know we are thinking good thoughts for him, will give him peace.
    Usually something happens in a persons life that makes him turn away from God..a big dissapointment or as they get educated, they feel they are far above it, intellectually. Again, their choice..Wishing Chris the best..

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    • GnomeChomsky
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:25pm

      As an atheist this notion that we too have some sort of beliefs is very annoying. We have thoughts, ideas, and concepts, very distinct from “beliefs”. We THINK and unlike you very few among us claim to KNOW, we say “ i dont THINK god exists” or “there is no evidence”. We applaud and encourage questioning of ideas, which is by definition the scientific process, and look forward to being proven wrong and attaining greater understanding while you engage in moralistic snobbery, condemn, threaten, and even kill those who do not share whatever particular “beliefs” you adhere to. Reason, not belief, is our method to achieve enlightenment.

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    • Brooke Lorren
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:34am

      Do you believe that the sun will come up tomorrow?

      That’s a belief.

      Report Post »  
    • Freidenker
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:54pm

      But according to your logic we have to have someone teaching the concept of god to the person initially in order for them to turn away. Are we born with the concept of God? Take for example a baby born in the wilderness and raised by wolves as in the story. Would that baby believe in a god? Would they make one up in order to understand what they see around them? In the US most people are Christian, in Muslim countries Muslim because they trust and are taught by their parents. Since I don’t think wolfs have a god (but I could be wrong) where would the child learn about god?

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    • MarieHillTut
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 7:35am

      gnomechomsky..I do hope your comment wasn’t directed at me..I don’t care what anyone believes/disbelieves in..It is their “Choice”..when you choose makes sure you can live with your choice..In the end..we will see whose “choice” was right..

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    • ARMOR BEARER 147
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:21am

      For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (Romans 1:20) —-|-

      Report Post » ARMOR BEARER 147  
  • joet
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 9:58am

    I have a fourth kind of prayer for Mr. Hitchens. I pray God will give him the strength to live with the tribulations he is now going through. I pray his suffering will be less. I pray he will rest easy. Amen

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  • kblink45
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 9:58am

    Why are religious people so uncharitable to someone who simply disagrees with them? What does Hitchens’s lack of faith possibly have to do with strangers? Sure, he attacks relition, but his attacks haven’t changed your minds. I am afraid that the response of the faithful (some, not all) to his demise only proves his central point, that some religions are not only false, but dangerous.

    Report Post » kblink45  
    • Contrarianthinker
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 3:22pm

      KB, I haven’t seen any hateful remarks here? Where did this come from?

      Report Post »  
    • Independent Tess
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 4:08pm

      I thought everyone sounded pretty compassionate, too.

      Report Post » Independent Tess  
    • kblink45
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 5:42pm

      “i feel sorry for him-but i think he is dogmatic in that he will never say that Jesus is the Christ our Savior-he has made up his mind and is sticking with his beliefs-we know that all will not be saved ex. lazarus and the rich man.”

      “Hitchens will know the truth soon enough.”

      Sorry if I painted with a broad brush. I was referring to comments like the ones above. I agree that many of the posts were sincere and compassionate, as I believe most people are sincere and compassionate. What I object to is the haughty moral-superiority complex that some believers have. Let me just say, as an atheist, that I don’t believe Mr. Hitchens is capable of believing in God. His mind is simply not wired for God. Neither is mine. I know this position will make many of you uncomfortable, but consider, for a moment, that I am correct, that there is a God-gene. What kind of God would create a universe in which certain of its offspring are doomed to hell ab initio?

      Report Post » kblink45  
    • Contrarianthinker
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 6:38pm

      KB, WADR you set up a premise which IMO is incorrect. We don‘t have a God gene just like we don’t have a homosexual gene. IF this was true, then God would be UNJUST and it would take away the major reason why God set up this mortal life as a testing ground. One cannot be held accountable IF one doesn’t have free agency. Give yourself more credit then “the evil made me do it.” (grin)

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    • Freidenker
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:30pm

      If you look at many responses they do tend to say what will happen to Hitchens after his death. Perhaps Hitchens should be one of Glenn Beck’s heroes. Doesn’t Glenn say something about Question with Boldness? The rest of the quote I believe has something about even the existence of god. Isn’t Hitchens doing that – or are the people on this website not taking Glenn’s words seriously? Have you read Hitchens? Have you thought about the arguments?

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    • Freidenker
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:39pm

      Contrarianthinker two hundred years ago we didn’t know anything about genes period (nor about germs). I don’t believe science will prove the beginning of the universe or how life came to be, but they are making progress on certain things. With MRI techniques they are able to show certain parts of the brain light up when we pray, meditate, etc. Other areas of the brain can be stimulated to give out of body experiences. We may or may not have a god gene per se, but again I can‘t say as I’m not a genetic scientist. Perhaps we have a part of our brain that has evolved to give us comfort by thinking about god. Although I expect to get responses saying that evolution is only a theory too, and that I am wrong because God created what we have today.

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  • The Bees
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 9:22am

    Well Chris I for one will pray that whatever it takes to open your eyes happens soon!

    Report Post » The Bees  
  • svedka
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:59am

    Add your comments

    Report Post » svedka  
  • grandpa2
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:40am

    Have mercy on Mr Hitchens oh God, according to your loving kindness: according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out his trangressions, Wash him Thoroughly from his iniquity, and cleanse him from his Sin.

    pray not one fall to the evil one.

    Report Post »  
  • Duckhunter
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:36am

    Add your comments

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  • mizflame98
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:35am

    I pray that he is healed. If the Lord chooses not to heal him, I pray the Lord eases his suffering so he can at least enjoy what little time he has left.
    In Jesus’ name. Amen.

    Report Post » mizflame98  
  • Duckhunter
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:34am

    5 seconds after Mr. Hitchens dies, he will wish he prayed a sinner’s prayer for forgiveness of his sins.

    Report Post »  
    • WSGAC
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 10:51am

      Can you show me an incident in the gospels where Jesus lead someone in the “sinners prayer”?

      Report Post »  
    • Contrarianthinker
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 3:24pm

      Duck, I‘m glad I’m a Mormon who KNOWS that the time will come when he has the pure Gospel preached to him in spirit prison and will have his last chance to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He too is one of God’s children, no matter how rebellious.

      Report Post »  
    • Independent Tess
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 3:54pm

      Matt. 14:30, perhaps?
      I always thought this sorta summed it all up.

      Report Post » Independent Tess  
  • In-God-I-trust
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:33am

    Christopher Hitchens has to want it. Remember, the door knob is on the inside not the outside. God gives free will and it is up to each individual to open the door to him. Pride, one of the greatest evils because it encompasses the root to so many sins, is what Christopher is holding on to. We are to pray for our brothers and sisters (in Christ). It isn’t up to God whether Christopher accepts the gift or not, it is only up to Christopher. He does have till his last breath to do so.

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  • fishpatrick
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:32am

    Is it God‘s will that Christopher Hitchen’s life end this way?

    For many, Hitchen‘s diatribes against organized religion have helped many who were passively ’sitting on the fence’ – having given little previous thought to religion – come to realize what their core beliefs truly are, and have helped strengthen the resolve and commitment of Believers as well, making Hitchens more a catalyst than a firebrand.

    Having witnessed all the good that Hitchens has brought into the world, why would God then punish Christopher in such a painful way, bringing agony and anguish to so many people who will suffer his loss? And our loss…

    Report Post »  
    • Independent Tess
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:44am

      His life is ending that way because he smoked and drank too much. That’s Mr. H’s choice, not God’s.

      Report Post » Independent Tess  
    • In-God-I-trust
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:55am

      There is nothing good outside of Christ.

      (Matthew 13:4). Even though contact is made with the seed (word of God), certain people will refuse to understand.

      (Matthew 6:24)”No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon”

      (Matthew 12:30). There is no middle ground that is safe and secure.

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    • QweeQwa
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 10:31am

      (Matthew 6:24)”No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon”

      Glen, are you listening?

      Report Post »  
    • QweeQwa
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 10:42am

      @Tess

      There is nothing in the article that stated smoking and drinking are what caused his cancer. It does increase the risk but many have been afflicted with this who never drank and smoke. You know what they say about people who assume things. I see his father died of the same thing. Genetics?

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    • Independent Tess
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 12:47pm

      Qweeqwa:
      “The National Cancer Institute says esophageal cancer affects about 16,500 Americans each year, almost 80 percent of them men. Smoking and drinking alcohol regularly increase the risk of the disease; Hitchens does both.”
      I got it out of the above article. I assume nothing.

      Report Post » Independent Tess  
    • freshwind78
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:14pm

      Why assign his painful sad end to God. . . we are free moral agents who choose. . God wants a family not robots. Jesus came into the world to destroy the works of the devil and deliver all who are oppressed of the devil.. Acts 10:38 The wickedness behind the curtain started in the Garden. . . . the story of redemption. . Jesus came into the earth. . he prayed Father let it be on earth as it is in heaven. No disease, poverty pain . . any juk stuff in heaven! Every coin has two sides. There is a real God (good). . and a real devil (evil).

      Report Post »  
    • Freidenker
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:10pm

      Fishpatrick, in some ways I think you are right. I think we have a parallel in the Judas Iscariot story. God and Christ know Christ is to die to fulfil his destiny, and needs a fall guy. Judas does what God needs him to do to make sure that Christ meets his end. Should Judas go to hell for advancing the cause of Christ as he becomes the lamb of god taking the sins of the world? Is that really free will then?

      Report Post »  
  • hempstead1944
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:24am

    Dead man walking……

    Report Post »  
  • Bronco II
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:13am

    I’ve been praying for him ever since I heard of the man and I pray for him now for his treatment to go well and to be gentle on his body.Only GOD can change hearts and minds but it never ever hurts to ask GOD for a healing for anyone.Mr.H is one of his children whether he believes or not GOD loves him and it will be GODS WILL which ever way it goes.

    Report Post » Bronco II  
    • Freidenker
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:18pm

      So if he succumbs is it because not enough people prayed to invoke his will? Again, invoking god’s will is a cop out. If he survives it is because god listened to the prayers. If he dies it‘s god’s will. Heads I win, tails you lose.

      Report Post »  
  • usualsuspect
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:59am

    I find it odd that Mr H would suggest that Christians should go to Hell for praying for his healing and salvation, only to point if there is no God than there also is no Hell, I will also Pray for you Mr H
    In Jesus Name God Bless

    Report Post » usualsuspect  
    • mcellu
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:47am

      he was suggesting that those “Christians” who think he deserves to suffer b/c he doesn’t believe should go to hell. Not all Christians. And it‘s odd anyway since he doesn’t believe in hell.

      Report Post »  
    • usualsuspect
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 9:36am

      That is exactly my point. why would he suggest sending anyone to A place that He believes is none existent it’s A clear contradiction,

      Report Post » usualsuspect  
    • GnomeChomsky
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:05pm

      I dont think he means “Go to hell” in a literal sense. He‘s likely using as an euphemism for ’get lost‘ or even more likely ’go eff yourself’. And as mcellu said refering to those that are actually reveling in his illness.

      Report Post »  
  • emqcrcu
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:56am

    I will add my prayers today for this man, that GOD will have mercy on him, come to him and reveal HIMSELF to Mr. Hitchens, so that he knows without a doubt that he has encountered the real and living CHRIST. Mr. Hitchen, prepare yourself to be touched by the DIVINE GOD! You will be forever changed~~~ read: healed. Amen!

    Report Post »  
    • Freidenker
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:20pm

      And what if the divine god that reveals himself is Mithra instead? Very similar to Christ, but a little earlier…

      Report Post »  
  • kyle1776
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:50am

    I hope and pray for him to spend what time he has left filled with peace. Godspeed, opponent.

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  • DGroundhog
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:50am

    Well if he isn’t participating – neither will I.

    Very sad. This man is torn internally between left and right. Even as he tries to cling to life he seems to want to twist the knife a little at those with faith.

    I don‘t say this as a ’religious zealot’ either. Up until 8/28 I considered myself an agnostic (although I was raised Christian). 8/28 made me realize how important faith is and I have started to renew my Christian faith. Seeing Sarah Palin, Dave Roever, Alveda King and many others speak (videos – did not attend the rally) on faith really affected me.

    I’m also pretty neutral on Hitchens as a whole. I like some of the things he says – others I want to throw a brick at the TV. He’s really being an ass though. I know I should pray for him, and I gladly would have had he not chosen to make some ridiculous comments.

    If I were in his condition I would be thankful to each and every person who prayed for me. I would not be categorizing prayer and rejecting it.

    Report Post »  
    • ARMOR BEARER 147
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:12am

      Jesus tells us “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt 5:44) Doesn’t mean respect HIS beliefs. It means act in YOURS.
      Please pray. YOUR faith may lead him to salvation. “Let your light shine before men that they might see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:16) —-|-

      Report Post » ARMOR BEARER 147  
  • NickDeringer
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:48am

    All good Christians should be praying for Hitch that he come to Christ and that he be healed. He is a very intelligent, but very lost soul.

    Report Post » NickDeringer  
    • Freidenker
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:13pm

      As all good jews should pray that he come back to the faith. You do know his background don’t you?

      Report Post »  
  • Ironmaan
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:48am

    God is the first uncaused cause. Hitchens says he hopes to be remembered as one attempting to uphold reason and science against superstition. Well, neither his reason nor his science has explained the existence of the universe. I applaud him for having the courage to voice his views, but his eloquence did not come close to dispelling any of my “superstitions”. I am saddened he is suffering.

    Report Post »  
    • Freidenker
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:59pm

      And we know that god is the first uncaused cause exactly how? It sounds great, but really leaves us no further ahead.

      Report Post »  
  • wingedwolf
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:39am

    No body “deserves” to die. We all will. Nobody is getting out of here alive. What a person’s belief system is, is their business. I believe in an afterlife, personally. If I’m wrong, no harm no foul. But I‘d hate to be this guy if I’m right. I’m sorry for his suffering and hope that modern medicine and the God in whom I believe, has mercy on him.

    Report Post » wingedwolf  
    • moriarty70
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:24am

      “I‘d hate to be this guy if I’m right.” That right there is one of those concepts of organized religion that has always pissed me off. Doesn’t it seem odd that someone can live a moral upright life and show the people he disagrees with the same respect they show him will burn for not worshiping at the feet of some all powerful being? To me this seems like a pretty petty, flawed and dare I say it, human creature. And really, if you’re playing that game, why not go for one of the Greek pantheon, they have more entertaining personalities.

      Report Post » moriarty70  
    • Independent Tess
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:39am

      Don’t be pissed off at that attitude, Moriarty70. I think of it this way: What if I knew the cure for cancer and even though I told people about it, some didn’t believe me (and do what was required)? I would stand and look at them as they died of cancer (not being able to help because of their choice) and say something similar to what Wingedwolf said. So sad.

      Report Post » Independent Tess  
    • moriarty70
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:48am

      My anger is not so much for the comment itself, but the underlying philosophy behind it. I find it hard to believe that someone will suffer eternally for not worshiping a being so insanely powerful and beyond us.

      Report Post » moriarty70  
    • Independent Tess
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:55am

      I can’t understand it, either. It is an question I don’t think we will ever solve. But, I do know that we have free will and sometimes suffer the natural consequences of our own bad decisions.
      If I knew all the answers I’D be God!

      Report Post » Independent Tess  
    • ginambug
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 10:40am

      I would say I don’t think any of want what we deserve….which is death. It is because of Christ Jesus that in Him we have no condemnation. It seems Hitchens has bought into the lie that Satan loves to plant in the mind of man. I would love to see him healed and even if he didn’t acknowledge who did the healing(God) that his experience would increase the faith of others. God is merciful and I am thankful for that. I love the story of the cross because one of the thieves chose life in paradise even at the last moments of his life. We may never know what Mr. Hitchens chooses (offer only expires after you do) and may be surprised to see him in heaven some day. I certainly hope he chooses Christ as his Saviour. That would be wonderful!

      Report Post »  
    • Contrarianthinker
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 3:32pm

      70: I promise you he will NOT be in the type of hell taught by much of orthodox Christianity. Once he realizes what he has rejected in this mortal life, his concious will seer him like a fire that never stops burning. He will realize how many people he led astray and what he could have accomplished in this mortal life. He will stand before Christ and bow and confess that Jesus is the Christ and then likely be assigned to the Tellestial Kingdom of Heaven where any fuerther progression stops.

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    • GnomeChomsky
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 6:49pm

      Ginambug, if by God you mean an acronym for Great Oncology Doctors then I’m sure Hitch would acknowledge and probably even thank them for healing him.

      Report Post »  
    • Patriotbeliever
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 10:48am

      God gave him the cancer as a punishment for his unbelieve. I hope he finds salvation while he still has the chance. Our God and saver Jesus Christ is a loving god.

      Report Post »  
    • Freidenker
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 7:55pm

      Reading some of these responses gets to the same old arguments. We have a god who is all knowing, all powerful and loving. Of course to explain how a loving god could allow “evil” such as cancer to exist in the first place we need to either invoke his evil double – Satan, or say that we are being tested for our own good. (the Job example) According to this line we can learn what it means to have to deal with cancer and how our battle helps make us stronger. I’ve even heard someone on Focus on the Family say that they believe they were given cancer in order to make them stronger and help others cope with cancer. Talk about rationalizing. I find it interesting that the concept of an all knowing god should know whether or not someone will pass the test, so why inflict the pain in the first place?

      If something doesn’t make sense to us, we fall back on the old cop-out that there are some things that we cannot comprehend as we can‘t know why god does what he does as he has the infinite wisdom and we don’t . Again, what kind of rationalization is this?

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    • ARMOR BEARER 147
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 8:00am

      Patriotbeliever,
      What ROTTEN theology is “God gave him the cancer as a punishment for his [unbelief].” What is to be said of believers who get cancer? Are they being punished for believing? Indeed not.
      We live in a natural world with Laws of Nature and Genetics created by God (Gen 1), ruined by man (Gen 3), and ruled by the devil whom Jesus called “The Prince of this world” (John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11). The curcumstances of Hitchens life have been ordained (allowed) by God truly but as revelation NOT as punishment. God always uses the curcumstances of our lives to lead us to Him. He alone has the power to overcome the Laws of Nature. (Matt 8:23-27) and to Heal (Matt 19:2) and to Save (Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”) .
      THIS IS WHY WE PRAY.

      Report Post » ARMOR BEARER 147  
  • rocktruth
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:33am

    Hitchens will know the truth soon enough.

    Report Post » rocktruth  
    • Contrarianthinker
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 3:21pm

      In Mormon theology, he will be taught the Gospel truth in its purity. He will have aq final opportunity to accept of reject Christ. Baptism for him will be performed in a Mormon Temple so IF he accepts in spirit prison, he will have the baptism done for him. He will then likely be assigned to the Terrestrial Kingdom upon his final jusgement at the feet of Jesus Christ. IF he continues to reject Christ, he will lkikely then be assigned to the Telestial Kingdom. He will mostly NOT be assigned to where Lucifer and his angels are in outer darkness.

      Report Post »  
    • rocktruth
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:19pm

      @ Contrarianthinker – We should stick with what the bible says. Watering down hell will only give us less compassion for the unsaved.

      The Bible teaches that there is only one of two possible destinations awaiting mankind after death: eternal punishment or eternal life. To those who have been justified by faith and received the righteousness of Christ applied to their account, there awaits a glorious eternity in heaven. To the rest who willfully reject God‘s gift of salvation or who attempt to appease God’s demand for perfection by some other way than trusting in the righteousness of Christ, there awaits the terrors of hell.

      Some would like to think that a loving Christ would never punish the unbeliever in such a manner. Such a conclusion fails to take into account that it was Christ Himself who made such a pronouncement! To assume otherwise is to accuse Jesus of a terrible deception amounting to nothing more than a cruel and dishonest scare tactic. The fact is, Jesus referred to hell on numerous occasions throughout the Gospels.
      For instance, Matthew 10:28 says,

      “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Jesus said in Matthew 18:9 that “if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.” (Also see Mark 9:43.)

      In addition, Jesus warned his followers in Luke 12:5 to “fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell.”

      In all of the aforementioned passages, the word used to describe hell is “Gehenna.” In using this word, Jesus colorfully illustrates the everlasting burnings of post-resurrection hell by comparing it to the perpetual fires in the valley of Hinnom just south of Jerusalem. The city garbage dump that burned continually, existed in this valley. Hence His phrase, “The fire that shall never be quenched.” Such a horrible conclusion also lies in store for those who prided themselves in their false religions.

      Many souls will reside in hell that placed their membership in a certain religious organization or belief system as more important than the truth of God’s Word, the Bible. How terrible it will be to see that Christ does not grant eternal happiness to those who trusted in false prophets and false messiahs, but rather, those who trusted in a personal Christ who declared in John 14:6 that He alone was “the way, the truth and the life.” Not just any Christ will do. Those who trust in an imagined “savior” whose attributes do not concur with those of the Jesus of the Bible will be sorely disappointed. Our Lord Himself declared in Matthew 7:22-23:

      “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

      source: http://mrm.org/heaven-and-hell

      Report Post » rocktruth  
  • BQI
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:33am

    While I fundamentally disagree with this man in every respect as it relates to Christianity, I will pray for him and that he somehow comes to see God’s saving grace and mercy.

    http://www.blackquillandink.com

    Report Post » BQI  
    • Independent Tess
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:28am

      How sad to live with the belief that this present material world is all there is.
      C S Lewis addresses belief and atheism in the most logical and practical terms (no biblical lingo) and is one of my favorite authors. Just re-read “God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics” and it addresses many questions. Also “Mere Christianity” and for fun (and a look at how the opposition thinks) “The Screwtape Letters”.
      Highly recommend them!!

      Report Post » Independent Tess  
  • RojBlake
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:33am

    I don’t agree with him, but I wouldn’t wish that kind of suffering on anyone. I hope his chemo is succsessful, & I hope he has a long life…I will honor his beliefs by not praying for him…but I wish him well.

    Report Post » RojBlake  
    • QweeQwa
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 10:29am

      You wish him well but yet you still can’t bring yourself up to praying for him. That is sooo Christian of you.

      Report Post »  
    • RojBlake
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 11:20am

      I’m honoring HIS beliefs, he isn’t asking for my prayers & seems to be saying he doesn’t WANT them either.

      Will praying for him be for his benefit, or mine? I don’t condmn him for being a “nonbeliever” I honor his wishes because he is a fellow human being. If he had said that he WELCOMES others to pray for him, I would do so…I did not get the impression that he welcomed them, only that he was powerless to prevent it.

      Report Post » RojBlake  
    • Zoe
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 3:28pm

      “Will praying for him be for his benefit, or mine?”

      Tehn, will worshiping God for His benefit, or mine?

      I feel yours. God got a handle on the omni gig.

      I believe he always takes greater notice to how we react-

      Report Post » Zoe  
    • Freedomwatcherguy
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 3:31pm

      Queewa
      “Holier than Thou” attitudes are not flattering. Jesus Himself never went out of his way to heal anyone. He had to be asked. In His humility, he did not presume to impose his help on those who did not seek it.

      Report Post »  
    • Patriotbeliever
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 10:50am

      Rojblake, I just wanted to say that I pray twice so don’t worry!

      Report Post »  
    • RojBlake
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 11:01am

      PatriotBeliever…many thanks for your consideration. I just don’t think Hitchens will be very appreciative.

      Report Post » RojBlake  
    • ARMOR BEARER 147
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 7:29am

      Jesus tells us “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt 5:44) Doesn’t mean respect HIS beliefs. It means act in YOURS.
      Please pray. YOUR faith may lead him to salvation. “Let your light shine before men that they might see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:16) —-|-

      Report Post » ARMOR BEARER 147  
  • Marylou7
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:29am

    May God open his eyes to the truth for which he has apparently been searching. May God also bring him healing so that he may enjoy that truth. Amen.

    Report Post » Marylou7  
    • rocktruth
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:38am

      I agree. That would be miraculous.

      Report Post » rocktruth  
    • wingedwolf
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:40am

      Amen

      Report Post » wingedwolf  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:46am

      Amen. Again I say, Amen.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • jstan442
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 10:03am

      i feel sorry for him-but i think he is dogmatic in that he will never say that Jesus is the Christ our Savior-he has made up his mind and is sticking with his beliefs-we know that all will not be saved ex. lazarus and the rich man

      Report Post » jstan442  
    • patti
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 10:51am

      I agree Marylou

      Report Post »  
    • Patriotbeliever
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:32am

      God is using Hitchens to show other athiests what will happen if they don’t believe in the power of the lord. I pray that he sees the light.

      Report Post »  
    • Rita
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 1:55pm

      It’s a good thing Obama believes in collective salvation. Don’t sweat it Hitchens, Obama will save you in the end.

      Report Post » Rita  
    • msnbciscomedy
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 9:56pm

      Jesus said he came for all men……He also said to forgive us, for we know not what we do. I think somewhere deep down, whether he makes it public or not, Hitchens will see.

      Report Post »  
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