MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell: 'Atheist Ricky Gervais Is Actually More Christ-like Than...Pat Robertson

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."

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.

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Related:

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