Christopher Hitchens & Stephen Fry confront the evil in/of the Catholic Church

Run time: 09:19 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuWpmJ9osNo   Posted on YouTube: June 23, 2010 By YouTube Member: IHateAllReligions Views on YouTube: 195   Posted on DU: June 24, 2010 By DU Member: ProfessorPlum Views on DU: 1168

 
This is a fascinating debate - Hitchens is sharp as usual, but the real human, humane, and heartbreaking argument comes from Stephen Fry, especially with regard to the Church's cruel stance against homosexuality. His appeal is personal, and beautiful.

This part 1 begins primarily with an African Archbishop - the fireworks really get going in part 2.

I apologize for the name of the YouTube poster, I find that needlessly antagonistic.

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iuUiVPgn_c&feature=related
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-wQsALNjv8&feature=related
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTahq2Xd10Y&feature=related
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-PsrSedn8M&feature=related

"yeah, I said it! Who's gon' check me, boo?"

Chris Hitchens is a rock star.

and Hitchens and Fry are grand. However, the lone female in the group was depressingly silly.

guys like Hitchens and Fry can say exactly what they want to say, and they do, whereas you can almost bet the archbishop and the lady won't say everything they truly think about topics like homosexuality, women's equality, gay adoption; if they did they'd expose their bigotry and homophobia immediately.

When someone responds to references of the Catholic Church's crusade against condoms in Africa as if it was COMPLETELY made up, when it's actually a fact with quotes from the leader of the church himself, then that person is probably not worth debating. The knee-jerk reaction should be to acknowledge the event and, presumably, admonish it. That chick brushed it off as if it was the equivalent to some crazy, conspiracy theory or an event that obviously did not happen. That's nuts

The motion 'The Catholic Church is a force for good in the world.'


Initial Vote: 678 For, 1102 Against, Undecided 346

Final Vote: 268 For, 1876 Against, Undecided 34

the church side was unmercifully destroyed.

I too hate all religions. Religion exists to keep humanity down by requiring its adherents to sacrifice something to attain grace in the afterlife. Its a way to power for a lot of societies. It is time for an end to religions.

especially the controlling aspects of them.

Just no need to be needlessly antagonistic.

Religion NEEDS antagonism!!! Deserves it!

... people to sit still in a public arena for a couple of hours to listen to and participate in a thougthful public debate on ANY issue.

UK rules.