It's probably one of the best debates I've heard on the subject of whether or not religion is beneficial to mankind as a whole, or not. Christopher Hitchins is arguing, as he usually does so well, on the side of the non-believer, and Alister McGrath is arguing on the opposite.
Hitchens is his usual arrogant self, which, I have to admit, is part of the reason why I love the guy, but while I completely agree with just about everything the guy says, I think he could have a bit more tact while debating.
McGrath is an exceedingly patient and respectful person. I would concede that at no point does he attack Hitchens' stance, but it pains me to say that I would not concede the opposite... Hitchens has a far more aggressive means of carrying himself, and while I do enjoy his style of humor, I wish he as a little less of a jerk.
I have a tendency of doing the same, I think, as do many other non-believers in this believer-filled world. And I think the reason for our "aggression" is exactly that: we live in a believer-filled world, and often feel pressure from the masses, who assume we have the same beliefs they do. Hitchens is the epitome of that reactive aggression, in my view, so I give him much license.
I was actually very excited to hear McGrath speak, being a very decorated scholar, and an ex-atheist. I was very impressed with his first 20 minute speech, but I hate to say that the following rebuttals to Hitchens' speeches grew less and less potent... by the end, it seemed that he had nearly completely run out of steam, and had nothing else to offer, nor means of refuting Hitchens' assertions. I was really waiting for that moment where McGrath would say something that made me really think about something in a way I hadn't before, but it seemed that right off the bat, he was merely defending himself from a very no-holds-barred assault from Hitchens, and I found myself wanting him to brush aside what Hitchens said and really dive into his own version of "this is how I think it is," and not "this is why I think Christopher is wrong."
The moderator promises that these two gentlemen will return, and the discussion will continue. Here's hopin' he's right!
0 comments:
Post a Comment