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SCHMOLL'S ENGLISH 305...WELCOME TO THE COURSE BLOG.
As an online course, the writing that we do in English 305 is substantially different from a face to face course. As such, it is imperative that you understand the course style from the start. Nearly all of your work in this course will be posted on the course blog. EACH WEEK YOU WILL HAVE THREE BLOG ASSIGNMENTS: 1. A BLOG ENTRY, 2. A READING, AND 3. A WRITING ABOUT THE READING.
Your reading and writing on the blog must be completed by the Friday (by midnight) of the week in which the reading falls. You have all week each week to complete the reading and writing for that week, but there are no late assignments accepted, so be sure to be disciplined about the work from the start.
Let me re-state that point; if you do the assigned work before or during the week it is due, you will receive full credit. If you do the work after the Friday of the week it is assigned, you will get zero credit for that week.
Grading Scale
GRADING SCALE:
Weekly Blog Entries: 10%
Writing About the Reading: 10%
Restaurant Review: 20% (DUE SEPT 24)
Tipping Point Essay Final Draft: 30% (ROUGH DRAFT DUE OCT 28) (FINAL DRAFT DUE NOV 4)
In Class Essay: 10%
Peer Revision: 10%
Participation: 10%
Friday, August 12, 2011
WEEK TEN WRITING ABOUT WHAT YOU READ.
What is Hitchens’ best argument in this essay? Which part (sentence, idea, whatever) of the essay is most compelling?
"I sympathize afresh with the mighty Voltaire, who, when badgered on his deathbed and urged to renounce the devil, murmured that this was no time to be making enemies." -Hitchens
The quote above literally got a fist pump from me. This article may bring about a religious debate in this class but I, for one, may agree or respectively disagree with some. Hitchens being diagnosed with cancer of the throat may be looked at as he mentions, a just sentence, or something that may be prayed for. Either way, for speaking what you believe or do not believe, there is no right or wrong way to do it only that you respectfully acknowledge the opposing argument. Hitchens has every right to not believe in God, who these people to judge him and lay blame upon him for speaking his mind. This is part of the situation with discussing religion that bugs the crap out of me. I believe that a connection with a "God" should be personal and not on display. If Hitchens has lived his entire life as an Atheist, people of all religions should let him be. This is his choice and whether they believe it it wrong or not is not up to them to decide. The above quote earned a lot of respect for not only Hitchens but for Voltaire as well. If you are lying on your death bed and the end could come at any moment and you have some sort of audience awaiting your decision on salvation, you cannot expect to please everyone if you decide to announce your decision. If you choose one path, someone is going to be upset and as meaningless as it is, if there is something beyond death, it will not matter and you will not know until you get there. If there is something beyond death, why plan for something you have no control over? And Voltaire's comment fits well with Hitchens situation. Do not anger the audience with a meaningless choice, if you feel you must make one, make it personal and keep it to yourself.
This is definitely deep. Like you, I hate to discuss religion, mainly because everyone has their views and I haven't had the best encounters when discussing my religion with others. I wish many would accept others views on such topic, instead of bashing them and making them feel less, because their beliefs do not concord with theirs. Great post!
"Who else feels Christopher Hitchens getting terminal throat cancer [sic] was God’s revenge for him using his voice to blaspheme him? Atheists like to ignore FACTS. They like to act like everything is a “coincidence”."
I think this part of the article makes a great point. Coming from the religious point of view I can really see how this plays out. In fact I believe many of us, even those who consider themselves highly religious, tend to blame facts as just coincidence when the odds might seem like something else. I mean is life really just a coincidence or is there more to it? I think that is something to ask anyone, not taking into account religion, and the answers would be intriguing. He speaks from an Atheist point of view, and although I don't agree with the lifestyle, I surely don't discourage it either. You are what you are, and if not believing in a God is your choice, then be it; carry on with it, but really stick with what you are. If there is one thing I really dislike is seeing others expressing their beliefs to be a certain way, but having their actions speak something completely different. Hitchen speaks his mind and if he's bashed for doing that, regardless of his beliefs, then what the heck have we come down too!
4th Time Posting: I keep posting my response and it keeps disappearing. I hope this one sticks around long enough to get credit for it!
Hitchens best argument in his essay is in the last paragraph where he writes, “Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.” This idea is where he is actually making a statement of his own personal belief system. It is the most forthright piece in the entire essay. The premise of his article is to blast believers of any ilk in subjugation of his own belief system of atheism. He doesn’t denigrate one religion over another, but lumps all believers of any faith into one inferior lump of “mere primates” (as he refers to some certain people earlier in his article.) Hitchens is referring to the unkind and malicious web postings by those who declare that his cancer is his reward for being an atheist. Further, there are wishes and declarations for him to suffer while living then burn in hellfire forever after he dies. What this reader perceives is a contention between believers (either for or against) where both sides lean to extremes outside the boundaries of a simple faith based belief system. Both Hitchens and the believers he ostracizes are examples of the arrogant ideology that spurs one to cut and devour anyone who doesn’t believe the way they do. I’ve seen this on political forums as well; one side hates the other to the extreme of malice and denigration. Hitchens cites, “there are numerous passages in holy scripture and religious tradition that for centuries made this kind of gloating into a mainstream belief.” Perhaps this is another form of awarding the qualities of those miscreant ones he regards in his article to a sacred text that he doesn’t cite but makes vague references and comparisons to. How can that be any different when he asks “which mere primate is so sure that he can know the mind of god?” (He uses the term god uncapitalized throughout his text as further proof to himself of what he doesn’t believe.) This reader wonders why Hitchens is asking that question. What mind and what god is he talking about if such do not exist? He further writes that he doesn’t “mean to be churlish about any kind intentions” regarding people who plan to pray on September 20th and adding, “please do not trouble deaf heaven with your bootless cries. Unless, of course, it makes you feel better.” Perhaps his angry sneering in general to those of faith is really his anger for his cancer, but it is most probably simply to further his conviction that for him, God does not exist. His rights to decide and believe how he wishes are not in any way threatened. It is very sad that he has contracted cancer and so must struggle with what comes with that. The most compelling part of the essay is the complete similarities between his extreme leanings and derision to those he cites as the “faithful.” It seems the issue here is not whether he believes in God, or whether those of faith prove by their malice that God does not exist; but the issue is really the denigrations of one another by both sides. There is actually a scripture that in its context could be cited as applicable, “But if you bite and devour one another, you will be consumed one of another.” This is a good analogy of what happens when we as humans war against the beliefs of one another.
It appears that so far, we are all noticing the same qualities in this article and are each responding in kind. We acknowledge that all are free to choose and personal beliefs belong to and are the right of the individual. Even in our class we are able to see the diversity in our thought processes and belief systems. These are what make us great, the freedom to be what we choose to be. That freedom is choked and offended when one individual or group will seek to denigrate the beliefs of another. Hitchens presents to us both sides of offense, he hates believers for believing, and some believers hate him for his atheistic beliefs. Each of us are able to see clearly these principles and are addressing the personal issue each of us take in light of our own belief. We must be careful to not take sides, but to recognize the issue at stake, our freedom to believe our own beliefs, and our freedom to respect others in their own beliefs. When we see an offense, we need to recognize that it is not condusive to a group or a religion, but rather the offense is the disrespect of another opinion that differs from our own. When we disrespect others beliefs we are threatening our own freedom to believe the way we choose. There just simply is not profit to our own belief systems to denigrate, disregard, and disrespect some one else's beliefs-no matter how strongly we feel about it. (Remember the issue here is systems of beliefs and not good or evil.)
This was a very interesting essay and also very controversial. I actually liked the article because, although he is an aetheist, it doesn’t necessarily mean that is why he got cancer. Anybody can get cancer as he states in the article, “Fourth, why cancer at all? Almost all men get cancer of the prostate if they live long enough: it’s an undignified thing but quite evenly distributed among saints and sinners, believers and unbelievers. If you maintain that god awards the appropriate cancers, you must also account for the numbers of infants who contract leukemia. Devout persons have died young and in pain.” This is a very good argument, people are tormenting him about getting cancer because of the life he has chosen. But , innocent children get cancer, how do they explain that. Hitchen’s opens the mind to think of different view point and all people do good and do bad, but people always have to find something to blame it on.
“Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.”
The whole essay was filled with great, logical arguments, especially the parts where he explains that just because he has cancer doesn’t mean it’s God’s will; many people get cancer, whether they are religious (Christian, Jew, Hindu, Muslim) or not. But I think the above quote is probably one of the most powerful. It would be very weak of him to simply say that he believes in God now in the face of death because he is fearful that maybe God might just exist. Also, it’s unfathomable that a silent God punish those who do believe and reward others for their weakness. That message is very brave and reminds me of another famous individual in a similar situation. Nergal, of the band Behemoth, wrote many lyrics of an anti-Christian nature. Last year he was diagnosed with leukemia, and when many asked if he would repent and accept God, he said no. Just because he had a life threatening disease, it didn’t make God any more real or any more false.
“I don’t mean to be churlish about any kind intentions, but when September 20 comes, please do not trouble deaf heaven with your bootless cries. Unless, of course, it makes you feel better.”
I also really liked this quote, because I too am non-religious (though not an atheist) but have had a difficult time trying to make this point to others. If you believe in a certain religion, and it comforts you, that’s absolutely fine. But, for people like me and the author, praying/believing in God doesn’t help us out at all or comfort us.
“Really? It’s just a “coincidence” [that] out of any part of his body, Christopher Hitchens got cancer in the one part of his body he used for blasphemy? Yea, keep believing that Atheists. ”
This is another quote that has a sentiment that I too have had difficulty when trying to explain my beliefs to people. When people hold these types of beliefs that seem to ignore all fact, all logic, all science, there really isn’t any type of argument that can be made to persuade them otherwise. I’ve dragged this on a bit too long, I’ll end it here.
"Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe."
I found this statement by Christopher Hitchens to be the most compelling. I find his brute honesty to be admirable. He sticks to his beliefs even in the most difficult situations. He could easily resort to prayer or side with a religion to ensure being saved at his death but he refuses. His statement of "a God that would punish irreconcilable doubt and reward cowardice and dishonesty" really made me think about my own beliefs and whether or not I had any questions or doubts. Hitchens arguments were very logical and for him to be able to express himself through all the controversy is commendable.
Laura, I definitely ag ree with you. He doesn’t necessarily mean that he got cancer, because of his religion believes. He expresses that anyone can get cancer. The quote that you chose really shows his point of view. Great post!!
Mathew, Thanks for sharing your own point of view when it comes to religion. I, too, believe that people are stubborn when it comes to religion. Some do not consider other people’s points of views, but only their own. I think that we should all learn to accept that we are all different, and therefore, have different believes in many different things not only religion. By the way, Great Post! It’s inspiring. -Dacia Zamora
“Why cancer at all? Almost all men get cancer of the prostate if they live long enough: it’s an undignified thing but quite evenly distributed among saints and sinners, believers and unbelievers. If you maintain that god awards the appropriate cancers, you must also account for the numbers of infants who contract leukemia.” This particular quote from the passage is quite inspirational for me, because Hitchen opens up two perspectives for each of his points of views that are expressed in his piece of writing. For example, in the above quote he is saying that cancer many grown in any one’s body even though he is atheist. Even though atheists believe that everything in life is a coincidence, he is also stating that not everyone believes that it is a coincidence and it still happens to them. -Dacia Zamora
I think Hitchens' best argument is, "Bertrand Russell and Voltaire, by contrast, remained spry until the end, as many psychopathic criminals and tyrants have also done." He is saying that he did not receive his illness because of his blasphemous speech. This would quote goes against what the man damning him is saying. If it was the case that god was cursing Hitchens', then all of these figures would have also gotten sick and not lived healthy lives.
The most compelling part of the essay is when he mentions that he is being prayed for by so many different religious groups. Then he mentions that if he was to choose a religion while he was dying, the groups of other religions would withdraw their prayers and say that he is making a mistake.
I find it interesting that these groups are only trying to make him see the light and find faith. Their prayers are only trying to convince him that there is a god, and once he denies the god of a certain group, they no longer want to pray for him.
"Either they assured me that they wouldn’t offend me by offering prayers or they tenderly insisted that they would pray anyway."
This is going to sound crazy, but this one sentence stuck out to me more than any other. The reason for this is because it makes me angry. First off , let me start by saying that I am defiantly a Christian. I go to church every Sunday, I pray and I try to be a good person. However, I don't believe in " religion". That is just a nice way of saying " a Godly routine". Yes, going to church and doing right is important but I think the relationship, with whatever god you sever, is the most important. With that being said. I don't understand why people get so offended when you say you will pray for them. I have never saw the harm in saying a prayer for someone. I think people get offended by this because they don't like the feeling of having a higher power over them. When people ask me why I believe in god, I tell them, because in those times, when I can't do anything about the situation, I would go crazy thinking there wasn't something higher that could take control. So, my question is, why not say a prayer?
What is Hitchens’ best argument in this essay? Which part (sentence, idea, whatever) of the essay is most compelling?
Anna and Tysanne,
I agree with you both. Why can’t people just accept other people’s religious beliefs for what they are? It seems that many people always feel that their religion has to be the best when that idea is ridiculous. How is a person being a spiritual person when they are trying to put down another person for what they believe in? I can go on and on about this but I will stop here.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this essay. It was very interesting and very controversial. He linked him being an atheist and cancer. He argued that it doesn’t necessarily mean that he got cancer because he was atheism. I agree with the author because evil not evil; everyone is susceptible of getting cancer such as men, women, sinner, and believers. I like this quote as well as others in his essay because he makes a great point. “For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his own soul?” [Matthew 16:26.] To me I believe this man was just being true to himself and wasn’t pressured in what others wanted him to believe whether I believe in his atheistic belief or not. Overall, like I said before, the author made several great points in his essay which I enjoyed reading.
Lindsey McGuire, Wow. I completely agree with you. I dislike it when people take to offense a simple prayer. What wrong can it do to them? Why would they get offended right? I tell them the same thing. Again, I completely agree.
Daniel, I definitely agree with you that the quote you chose presents Hitchen’s best argument. Many of the believers mentioned that his cancer was the result of him being an atheist, and therefore a punishment from God. If that was the case, then how is it that others with the same beliefs as his never acquired a similar sickness, and lead healthy lives? I am not an atheist’s, but I am simply acknowledging that he provides a good argument here for all the people who are requesting that he side with their religion before he dies. In another section in the article he mentions that both believers and nonbelievers in equal proportions can become ill.
Good and interestinf article and good debatable article also.Cancer is not that God punishes human being , it is just cell changes and anybody can have it. There is no any relation of cancer with God that God is punishing that why a man has cancer , what about children, have they done bad something that God punishes then, no cancer is just disease.Like Christopher beleives that he got cancer because God punish him. Good article by Hitechensi.Oct was cancer awareness month, eveybody should be aware about cancer, nothing related to religion.......veena kumari
"Fourth, why cancer at all? Almost all men get cancer of the prostate if they live long enough: it’s an undignified thing but quite evenly distributed among saints and sinners, believers and unbelievers. If you maintain that god awards the appropriate cancers, you must also account for the numbers of infants who contract leukemia."
Hitchen's essay was very well written and had a lot of good points. The quote above is the statement and idea that is the most compelling of Hitchen's essay. I would like to hear a religious person's response to this statement. I have always had the same question about if god is all loving and all powerful why does he let infants get leukemia and why all these bad things to helpless little kids and babies. The statement brings up a lot of good points and questions for the religious person. I liked reading this article. I consider myself spiritual, but not religious and I agree with what Hitchen's essay said.
What is Hitchens’ best argument in this essay? Which part (sentence, idea, whatever) of the essay is most compelling?
"If you maintain that god awards the appropriate cancers, you must also account for the numbers of infants who contract leukemia. Devout persons have died young and in pain. Bertrand Russell and Voltaire, by contrast, remained spry until the end, as many psychopathic criminals and tyrants have also done. These visitations, then, seem awfully random. While my so far uncancerous throat, let me rush to assure my Christian correspondent above, is not at all the only organ with which I have blasphemed …And even if my voice goes before I do, I shall continue to write polemics against religious delusions, at least until it’s hello darkness my old friend."
"Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe."
This was a great article and while I don't whole heartedly not believe (or believe) in god, Hitchens' makes some great arguments that his cancer is not the result of his beliefs, or lack thereof. One of the most compelling statements he makes is when he reminds us that anyone can get cancer: every faith, every race, every age. Cancer is not alive and does not choose it's victims, to believe so otherwise is just silly. If Hitchens' were to have throat cancer because he was blasphemous, as he said in his article, it would have made more sense for him to have brain cancer so he could no longer deliver his blasphemous thoughts, either verbally or written.
Another great point Hitchens' makes is when he challenges what kind of god forgives the cowardice and the dishonest, yet punishes irreconcilable doubt. If Hitchens' were to all of a sudden 'find god' because he is afraid of what comes after death, this to him would be a dishonest act to cover-up what he truly believes. Why would any deity reward such action? It seems that those would wish for others to die a fiery death should be the ones punished.
I don't mean to be churlish about any kind intentions, but when September 20 comes, please do not trouble deaf heaven with your bootless cries. Unless, of course, it makes you feel better.
That is just it, "if it makes you feel better." I feel like when someone needs to put down another persons religious views they just want attention. Who are you to tell someone they are wrong, no one knows what is right. This is exactly why I do not talk religion, of course unless I am getting graded on it. If religion helps people deal with life then so be it. Obviously he enjoys hearing people pray for him he knows all about it, if he does plea to God it will be a silent plea. Olivia
“Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.” I thought that this was a compelling piece of the article because although Hitchens has many different religious groups praying for him during a very difficult time of his life, he has the opportunity to embrace a religion, but he chooses not to do so. Like Pascal mentioned to him “put your faith in the almighty… and you stand to gain everything.” He could have easily given up all that he originally believed in and embraced a religion or God last minute in order to go to “heaven” as the believers would say or get better, but he didn’t. He never changed what he believed in. Because this world is very diverse, there are numerous religions, and although one may not necessarily agree with another, it is important to accept and respect the choices and beliefs of every individual.
“The absorbing fact about being mortally sick is that you spend a good deal of time preparing yourself to die with some modicum of stoicism (and provision for loved ones), while being simultaneously and highly interested in the business of survival. This is a distinctly bizarre way of “living”—lawyers in the morning and doctors in the afternoon—and means that one has to exist even more than usual in a double frame of mind.”
I thought that Hitchens stated the issue of death pretty spot on here. Individual wish they can die with deity and allow their family to say their goodbyes, but individuals have a instance to always keep fighting. I also liked that he compared Lawyers and doctors. One is trying to save a life while the other is trying to get the best outcome for them. He states “lawyer in the morning and doctors in the afternoon” an interesting way to describe a person that has a terminal sickness. One tries to end the end the sickness and the other tries to do everything possible to help the person survive. Great argument.
“Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.”
I think this is one of the best arguments for Hitchens. Should he give up on all of what he believes in “not believe in” and change into a person he’s not for a chance to live. It’s a compelling argument because in our society people believe in one thing and stand by the idea, but when something happens, like cancer, they all of a sudden change into a person there not for a chance. I understand that almost everyone will do anything to beat cancer and to live a longer life, but should you go against everything you fought for before you got sick. Hitchens states that it’s a coward move to change your beliefs because you are terrified of what may be waiting for you on the other side. Why would someone grant you something you have been going against your entire life and why would you change your mind at the last second. This is one of the strongest arguments Hitchens makes.
I have to say that this is a crazy way to end the quarter on this blog. Great article and an unbelievable read that I’m planning on sending to my friends and family.
The Danish physicist and Nobelist Niels Bohr once hung a horseshoe over his doorway. Appalled friends exclaimed that surely he didn’t put any trust in such pathetic superstition. “No, I don’t,” he replied with composure, “but apparently it works whether you believe in it or not.”
This essay was very interesting to read. This quote from his essay seemed most compelling to me because it shows how he sees religion. Earlier in the essay it says that all things are coincidence like him getting throat cancer. Many religious people believe that this was God's way of punishing Hitchen's. He also mentions that just because he doesn't believe in any religion that he was not going to ever get cancer if he was religious. People who are religious get cancer anyways so he feels it would matter either way. Hitchen's doesn't believe in any religion and just because he has terminal cancer he will accept God in order to save his soul. The above quote shows what Hitchen's view on religion is.
“If you maintain that god awards the appropriate cancers, you must also account for the numbers of infants who contract leukemia.”
Of all the good arguments Hitchens made throughout the article, this quote is the one that stood out to me most. He speaks about how cancer could happen to anyone if they believe in a God or not. Not just because he got cancer means that he was a bad person or that he got the cancer because he does not believe in religion; it is called natural selection. It means that anything can happen to anyone regardless of whom or what they are or affiliated to. The quote was very compelling to me because it proves a very strong point that he did not get the cancer for not believing in any religion. What I take from the quote is that if God was to give cancers or deadly sicknesses to people who go against his words or that are atheists, then why are infants either born with or contract a deadly virus at a very young age? At their young lives they have not been completely socialized into a choice, so who can explain why they are faced with death early in their lives? I think this is the best argument he makes because people may think anyone could have done “bad” deeds and those might be reasons (though I think invalid) as to why God introduced cancer in their lives, but an infant has not had a chance in life to commit such a life changing decision. At first I was not interested much on this article, but it became intriguing to me when I reached this quote. Overall, Hitchens made great arguments and said interesting things that I think stirs emotions and thoughts of anyone who reads his article.
Great post! I completely agree with your argument as to why some people get offended if you say you will pray for them. They are not the ones doing the praying and I do not see any harm being done to them from another individual praying for them. You made me think about the comment that sometimes needing the feeling that something has higher control over you is what keeps you “sane”. I have never thought about it in that sense, but I can see now that it could be one of the reasons why I pray as well when I see no way of helping myself.
“Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.”
This was a very powerful article and really make me think about a lot of thinks. Religious topics are very hard to write about without upsetting people so im going to try my best not to upset anyones beliefs because i believe that everyones values and beliefs are very important. The quote above i think was Hitchens' best argument. He is basically saying that he isnt going to change his believes just because he got cancer. It would be dishonest of him so why should he? Also in near this quote there was one about how any child can even get cancer and how cancer isnt a living thing that choses who it wants to make ill. A lot of people always ask "why me? why does this have to happen?" but what people dont realize is that cancer isnt a living thing and doesnt chose who it makes ill. This is kind of a tough topic though because i have always been one to believe that everything happens for a reason, but after reading this i dont really know how to think. If i thought everything happens for a reason about everything then i would be saying God was making people have cancer for a reason, but im not sure if i really believe that. I think certain things happen to certain people to make their lives better, but after this i think i need to reevaluate my ideas.
"Who else feels Christopher Hitchens getting terminal throat cancer [sic] was God’s revenge for him using his voice to blaspheme him? Atheists like to ignore FACTS. They like to act like everything is a “coincidence”. Really? It’s just a “coincidence” [that] out of any part of his body, Christopher Hitchens got cancer in the one part of his body he used for blasphemy?" This quote really caught my eye. I definitely dont in any way believe that God has revenge out on anyone. When i read this I was kind of shocked. And besides, like Hitchens pointed out, if God was trying to punish him wouldnt he have given him brain cancer instead?
"The absorbing fact about being mortally sick is that you spend a good deal of time preparing yourself to die with some modicum of stoicism (and provision for loved ones), while being simultaneously and highly interested in the business of survival. This is a distinctly bizarre way of “living”—lawyers in the morning and doctors in the afternoon—and means that one has to exist even more than usual in a double frame of mind"
This is great right here. It's life and death. I think it applies even if you aren't mortally sick, because everyone dies. It just takes longer for some of us. The mortally sick are just forced to deal with it a little bit sooner. I like the doctor and lawyer comparison as well. In the morning it's all about making it through the day and convincing yourself of this or that. Classic lawyer stuff there. It doesn't have to be right or wrong, but you someone has to believe it. Then once you switch to doctor mode, its all about making it through the day. Total survival mode. If someone told me I had cancer, I would probably be doing this very thing. I've always pretty much assumed when I cash out it's going to be from cancer. So I totally understand this dual aspect of wanting to live and knowing you're going to die.
"I don’t mean to be churlish about any kind intentions, but when September 20 comes, please do not trouble deaf heaven with your bootless cries. Unless, of course, it makes you feel better". -Hitchens It is always difficult to write on religious subjects, especially since people feel quite different perspectives on this topic. This quote caught my attention and I think it is Hitchens most compelling part of his essay. It lets the reader know he is not going to change his beliefs no matter what anyone says or does in his fight against this cancer. He basically feels all of our prayers for him are wasted time. He also lets the readers know if people need to pray for him to feel better, go ahead and do it. Jim Adams
“Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.”
Hitchens makes a powerful statement by addressing the topic that many individuals fall guilty to. Most individuals believe in a god based on the pure emotion of fear. They believe that if they do not believe in their religion’s god, Hell is upon them. Hitchens’ addresses that only believing in something because you fear what may be a possible outcome is outlandish. He depicts that a god who would reward this kind of fear is not a god at all. This is a powerful statement to me, because it is exactly the same thought I have towards religions. I am not saying I am one way, or the other, but it is something that I question. As humans, we fear what we do not know or understand. Individuals feel obligated to be forgiven for their misconduct in hopes that they will see what their god has promised them if they followed a godly path. The statement has power because it attacks individual’s honesty. No one wants to be called a liar, but with no solid proof or certain truth, doubt is free to roam about in all religions.
Lacey, I think you have picked a great argument from the essay. I think that anyone that is good or bad can become ill with bad things such as cancer. Harm touches everyone in the world at one point in their life. Many people perceive illness differently, but it is how you believe which makes the difference. I feel that as long as you believe in a “God” any god that is good enough. People need to understand that everyone believes differently and has different religions and that’s okay. Everyone is their own individual that makes decisions based off what they believe. Stephanie Nodal
Haley I struggled with the same thought process. I like to think that everything happens for a reason, but like Hitchens states, is the reason really God oriented? It definitely kept me questioning whether or not things do happen for a reason and if those reasons are suitable for that individuals life. It is easy for us to compile bad things into the category of "Karma" or "God", which so many of us do. I am definitely guilty for that, but I agree that this article had me constantly back and forth on what I actually believe.
Jim, I too like this quote. But I also feel the same about religious topics being touchy due to everyone having different beliefs. Many people see the world differently and it is due to their culture, religion, traditions, etc. but we have to understand that we are all different. Although we may have common traditions and religions, we make decisions based on how we as the individual perceive a situation. I don’t like discussing religion because it is a tough topic and is very controversial. I think that Hitchens did what was best for him by deciding that he was not going to change his decision due to what someone else had to say. Good post! Stephanie Nodal
“Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.” –Hitchens This article was very interesting and made me think about why things happen the way they do. Life is very chaotic and many things can happen to an individual at any instance. I think that you make life to be as you want it. Many things can happen to individuals good or bad. Some people say that bad things happen to good people and yes this can be the case, but after reading this article I started to ask myself why. Why do bad things happen to good people? Some people feel that it is coincidence, or how god wanted it to be, but is it? This quote gave me much to think about, and it has allowed me to see that just because something bad has happened to you it doesn’t mean you have to change the way you believe. Everyone interprets illness in a different light and that’s okay because they are showing us that just because their life has been changed from this illness they are not giving up what they believe and who they are and have always been. Life is full of struggles and if every instance that created change made you change your beliefs, then you are not being true to yourself. I think that what Hitchens was trying to say from this quote is that life is always changing and that if something bad happens, you don’t have to change who you are in order to get past the bad. Believe as you always have and stay true to yourself and you will be at peace with the outcome. Stephanie Nodal
Stephanie, I agree with you. Bad things happen to good people but also to bad people. And good things also happen to both good and bad people. When things that are out of your control happen, it shouldn't change your whole outlook on life and what you believe. These types of things can be entirely coincidental.
"Fourth, why cancer at all? Almost all men get cancer of the prostate if they live long enough: it’s an undignified thing but quite evenly distributed among saints and sinners, believers and unbelievers. If you maintain that god awards the appropriate cancers, you must also account for the numbers of infants who contract leukemia. Devout persons have died young and in pain." “Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.” I think these two quotes support Hitchens main argument that his personal beliefs have nothing to do with his illness of cancer. I think the first quote supports this idea because he explains how anyone can get a disease such as cancer even good and religious people. Sadly, my grandma past away from cancer and she was a very religious person, but I think praying just helped her cope with the process and made her feel better. But for Hitchens that is not the case, he doesn’t feel like the religious and praying process is for him and if that makes him feel better then that is the best for him. And I mean he has a right to believe that. Overall, he is right that anyone can get a disease not just people who do not believe in God. The second quote supports Hitchen argument that he is dedicated to what he believes, and just because he is sick he is not going to all of a sudden change in his beliefs. I think its noble for him to stick to his beliefs and if he is happy he has the right to take this route. -Christina Manriquez
Stephanie, I picked the same quote as you; I agree that this quote supports Hitchens main argument. I too agree that his main idea is to stick with your beliefs, whether religious or not, and you will be okay and as you said at peace. This article also got me thinking about why certain things happen to people, but if you stick to your beliefs I think it will make the coping process easier. -Chrisitna Manriquez
Kryston, The quote you chose for your post is a really powerful and personal one. Your points are really good and actually explain what Hitchens is trying to explain. It is true that some people believe due to fear of what might happen, and I think that Hitchens is trying to point out that that is not the right way to go. I really enjoyed your post, you did a good job explaining Hitchens main argument, which is to stick to your beliefs and not change them due to fear or a bad situation. Overall, really good post! -Christina Manriquez
"I don't mean to be churlish about any kind of intentions, but when September 20 comes, please do not trouble deaf heaven with your bootless cries. Unless of course, it makes you feel better."
As I read this, the line, "unless of course, it makes you feel better" takes away from all the points that author Christopher Hitchens argues in this article. Even if he is saying it in a cynical way, he is still making the offer for those who want to pray for him, to do exact that, to pray for him.
He seems to be getting reactions from people in the same way he is dishing it out. He says "and even if my voice goes before I do, I shall continue to write polemics against religious delusions". He strikes me as someone who likes to keep an argument going. He can't expect to "dish it out" and not get a response - unless of course he is looking for one.
"I sympathize afresh with the mighty Voltaire, who, when badgered on his deathbed and urged to renounce the devil, murmured that this was no time to be making enemies." -Hitchens
ReplyDeleteThe quote above literally got a fist pump from me. This article may bring about a religious debate in this class but I, for one, may agree or respectively disagree with some. Hitchens being diagnosed with cancer of the throat may be looked at as he mentions, a just sentence, or something that may be prayed for. Either way, for speaking what you believe or do not believe, there is no right or wrong way to do it only that you respectfully acknowledge the opposing argument. Hitchens has every right to not believe in God, who these people to judge him and lay blame upon him for speaking his mind. This is part of the situation with discussing religion that bugs the crap out of me. I believe that a connection with a "God" should be personal and not on display. If Hitchens has lived his entire life as an Atheist, people of all religions should let him be. This is his choice and whether they believe it it wrong or not is not up to them to decide. The above quote earned a lot of respect for not only Hitchens but for Voltaire as well. If you are lying on your death bed and the end could come at any moment and you have some sort of audience awaiting your decision on salvation, you cannot expect to please everyone if you decide to announce your decision. If you choose one path, someone is going to be upset and as meaningless as it is, if there is something beyond death, it will not matter and you will not know until you get there. If there is something beyond death, why plan for something you have no control over? And Voltaire's comment fits well with Hitchens situation. Do not anger the audience with a meaningless choice, if you feel you must make one, make it personal and keep it to yourself.
Tysanne Cullum
Tysanne,
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely deep. Like you, I hate to discuss religion, mainly because everyone has their views and I haven't had the best encounters when discussing my religion with others. I wish many would accept others views on such topic, instead of bashing them and making them feel less, because their beliefs do not concord with theirs. Great post!
Ana Garcia
"Who else feels Christopher Hitchens getting terminal throat cancer [sic] was God’s revenge for him using his voice to blaspheme him? Atheists like to ignore FACTS. They like to act like everything is a “coincidence”."
ReplyDeleteI think this part of the article makes a great point. Coming from the religious point of view I can really see how this plays out. In fact I believe many of us, even those who consider themselves highly religious, tend to blame facts as just coincidence when the odds might seem like something else. I mean is life really just a coincidence or is there more to it? I think that is something to ask anyone, not taking into account religion, and the answers would be intriguing. He speaks from an Atheist point of view, and although I don't agree with the lifestyle, I surely don't discourage it either. You are what you are, and if not believing in a God is your choice, then be it; carry on with it, but really stick with what you are. If there is one thing I really dislike is seeing others expressing their beliefs to be a certain way, but having their actions speak something completely different. Hitchen speaks his mind and if he's bashed for doing that, regardless of his beliefs, then what the heck have we come down too!
Ana Garcia
4th Time Posting: I keep posting my response and it keeps disappearing. I hope this one sticks around long enough to get credit for it!
ReplyDeleteHitchens best argument in his essay is in the last paragraph where he writes, “Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.” This idea is where he is actually making a statement of his own personal belief system. It is the most forthright piece in the entire essay. The premise of his article is to blast believers of any ilk in subjugation of his own belief system of atheism. He doesn’t denigrate one religion over another, but lumps all believers of any faith into one inferior lump of “mere primates” (as he refers to some certain people earlier in his article.) Hitchens is referring to the unkind and malicious web postings by those who declare that his cancer is his reward for being an atheist. Further, there are wishes and declarations for him to suffer while living then burn in hellfire forever after he dies. What this reader perceives is a contention between believers (either for or against) where both sides lean to extremes outside the boundaries of a simple faith based belief system. Both Hitchens and the believers he ostracizes are examples of the arrogant ideology that spurs one to cut and devour anyone who doesn’t believe the way they do. I’ve seen this on political forums as well; one side hates the other to the extreme of malice and denigration. Hitchens cites, “there are numerous passages in holy scripture and religious tradition that for centuries made this kind of gloating into a mainstream belief.” Perhaps this is another form of awarding the qualities of those miscreant ones he regards in his article to a sacred text that he doesn’t cite but makes vague references and comparisons to. How can that be any different when he asks “which mere primate is so sure that he can know the mind of god?” (He uses the term god uncapitalized throughout his text as further proof to himself of what he doesn’t believe.) This reader wonders why Hitchens is asking that question. What mind and what god is he talking about if such do not exist? He further writes that he doesn’t “mean to be churlish about any kind intentions” regarding people who plan to pray on September 20th and adding, “please do not trouble deaf heaven with your bootless cries. Unless, of course, it makes you feel better.” Perhaps his angry sneering in general to those of faith is really his anger for his cancer, but it is most probably simply to further his conviction that for him, God does not exist. His rights to decide and believe how he wishes are not in any way threatened. It is very sad that he has contracted cancer and so must struggle with what comes with that. The most compelling part of the essay is the complete similarities between his extreme leanings and derision to those he cites as the “faithful.” It seems the issue here is not whether he believes in God, or whether those of faith prove by their malice that God does not exist; but the issue is really the denigrations of one another by both sides. There is actually a scripture that in its context could be cited as applicable, “But if you bite and devour one another, you will be consumed one of another.” This is a good analogy of what happens when we as humans war against the beliefs of one another.
Laura Harris
It appears that so far, we are all noticing the same qualities in this article and are each responding in kind. We acknowledge that all are free to choose and personal beliefs belong to and are the right of the individual. Even in our class we are able to see the diversity in our thought processes and belief systems. These are what make us great, the freedom to be what we choose to be. That freedom is choked and offended when one individual or group will seek to denigrate the beliefs of another. Hitchens presents to us both sides of offense, he hates believers for believing, and some believers hate him for his atheistic beliefs. Each of us are able to see clearly these principles and are addressing the personal issue each of us take in light of our own belief. We must be careful to not take sides, but to recognize the issue at stake, our freedom to believe our own beliefs, and our freedom to respect others in their own beliefs. When we see an offense, we need to recognize that it is not condusive to a group or a religion, but rather the offense is the disrespect of another opinion that differs from our own. When we disrespect others beliefs we are threatening our own freedom to believe the way we choose. There just simply is not profit to our own belief systems to denigrate, disregard, and disrespect some one else's beliefs-no matter how strongly we feel about it. (Remember the issue here is systems of beliefs and not good or evil.)
ReplyDeleteLaura Harris
This was a very interesting essay and also very controversial. I actually liked the article because, although he is an aetheist, it doesn’t necessarily mean that is why he got cancer. Anybody can get cancer as he states in the article, “Fourth, why cancer at all? Almost all men get cancer of the prostate if they live long enough: it’s an undignified thing but quite evenly distributed among saints and sinners, believers and unbelievers. If you maintain that god awards the appropriate cancers, you must also account for the numbers of infants who contract leukemia. Devout persons have died young and in pain.” This is a very good argument, people are tormenting him about getting cancer because of the life he has chosen. But , innocent children get cancer, how do they explain that. Hitchen’s opens the mind to think of different view point and all people do good and do bad, but people always have to find something to blame it on.
ReplyDeleteLacey Patterson
“Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.”
ReplyDeleteThe whole essay was filled with great, logical arguments, especially the parts where he explains that just because he has cancer doesn’t mean it’s God’s will; many people get cancer, whether they are religious (Christian, Jew, Hindu, Muslim) or not. But I think the above quote is probably one of the most powerful. It would be very weak of him to simply say that he believes in God now in the face of death because he is fearful that maybe God might just exist. Also, it’s unfathomable that a silent God punish those who do believe and reward others for their weakness. That message is very brave and reminds me of another famous individual in a similar situation. Nergal, of the band Behemoth, wrote many lyrics of an anti-Christian nature. Last year he was diagnosed with leukemia, and when many asked if he would repent and accept God, he said no. Just because he had a life threatening disease, it didn’t make God any more real or any more false.
“I don’t mean to be churlish about any kind intentions, but when September 20 comes, please do not trouble deaf heaven with your bootless cries. Unless, of course, it makes you feel better.”
I also really liked this quote, because I too am non-religious (though not an atheist) but have had a difficult time trying to make this point to others. If you believe in a certain religion, and it comforts you, that’s absolutely fine. But, for people like me and the author, praying/believing in God doesn’t help us out at all or comfort us.
“Really? It’s just a “coincidence” [that] out of any part of his body, Christopher Hitchens got cancer in the one part of his body he used for blasphemy? Yea, keep believing that Atheists. ”
This is another quote that has a sentiment that I too have had difficulty when trying to explain my beliefs to people. When people hold these types of beliefs that seem to ignore all fact, all logic, all science, there really isn’t any type of argument that can be made to persuade them otherwise. I’ve dragged this on a bit too long, I’ll end it here.
-Matthew Jeffries
"Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe."
ReplyDeleteI found this statement by Christopher Hitchens to be the most compelling. I find his brute honesty to be admirable. He sticks to his beliefs even in the most difficult situations. He could easily resort to prayer or side with a religion to ensure being saved at his death but he refuses. His statement of "a God that would punish irreconcilable doubt and reward cowardice and dishonesty" really made me think about my own beliefs and whether or not I had any questions or doubts. Hitchens arguments were very logical and for him to be able to express himself through all the controversy is commendable.
Ross Hoffmann
Laura,
ReplyDeleteI definitely ag
ree with you. He doesn’t necessarily mean that he got cancer, because of his religion believes. He expresses that anyone can get cancer. The quote that you chose really shows his point of view. Great post!!
-Dacia Zamora
Sorry, that last post was not for laura, but for Lacey Patterson.
ReplyDeleteMathew,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your own point of view when it comes to religion. I, too, believe that people are stubborn when it comes to religion. Some do not consider other people’s points of views, but only their own. I think that we should all learn to accept that we are all different, and therefore, have different believes in many different things not only religion.
By the way, Great Post! It’s inspiring.
-Dacia Zamora
“Why cancer at all? Almost all men get cancer of the prostate if they live long enough: it’s an undignified thing but quite evenly distributed among saints and sinners, believers and unbelievers. If you maintain that god awards the appropriate cancers, you must also account for the numbers of infants who contract leukemia.”
ReplyDeleteThis particular quote from the passage is quite inspirational for me, because Hitchen opens up two perspectives for each of his points of views that are expressed in his piece of writing. For example, in the above quote he is saying that cancer many grown in any one’s body even though he is atheist. Even though atheists believe that everything in life is a coincidence, he is also stating that not everyone believes that it is a coincidence and it still happens to them.
-Dacia Zamora
I think Hitchens' best argument is, "Bertrand Russell and Voltaire, by contrast, remained spry until the end, as many psychopathic criminals and tyrants have also done." He is saying that he did not receive his illness because of his blasphemous speech. This would quote goes against what the man damning him is saying. If it was the case that god was cursing Hitchens', then all of these figures would have also gotten sick and not lived healthy lives.
ReplyDeleteThe most compelling part of the essay is when he mentions that he is being prayed for by so many different religious groups. Then he mentions that if he was to choose a religion while he was dying, the groups of other religions would withdraw their prayers and say that he is making a mistake.
I find it interesting that these groups are only trying to make him see the light and find faith. Their prayers are only trying to convince him that there is a god, and once he denies the god of a certain group, they no longer want to pray for him.
Daniel Betancourt
Daniel Betancourt
"Either they assured me that they wouldn’t offend me by offering prayers or they tenderly insisted that they would pray anyway."
ReplyDeleteThis is going to sound crazy, but this one sentence stuck out to me more than any other. The reason for this is because it makes me angry. First off , let me start by saying that I am defiantly a Christian. I go to church every Sunday, I pray and I try to be a good person. However, I don't believe in " religion". That is just a nice way of saying " a Godly routine". Yes, going to church and doing right is important but I think the relationship, with whatever god you sever, is the most important. With that being said. I don't understand why people get so offended when you say you will pray for them. I have never saw the harm in saying a prayer for someone. I think people get offended by this because they don't like the feeling of having a higher power over them. When people ask me why I believe in god, I tell them, because in those times, when I can't do anything about the situation, I would go crazy thinking there wasn't something higher that could take control. So, my question is, why not say a prayer?
Lindsey McGuire
What is Hitchens’ best argument in this essay? Which part (sentence, idea, whatever) of the essay is most compelling?
ReplyDeleteAnna and Tysanne,
I agree with you both. Why can’t people just accept other people’s religious beliefs for what they are? It seems that many people always feel that their religion has to be the best when that idea is ridiculous. How is a person being a spiritual person when they are trying to put down another person for what they believe in? I can go on and on about this but I will stop here.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this essay. It was very interesting and very controversial. He linked him being an atheist and cancer. He argued that it doesn’t necessarily mean that he got cancer because he was atheism. I agree with the author because evil not evil; everyone is susceptible of getting cancer such as men, women, sinner, and believers. I like this quote as well as others in his essay because he makes a great point. “For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his own soul?” [Matthew 16:26.] To me I believe this man was just being true to himself and wasn’t pressured in what others wanted him to believe whether I believe in his atheistic belief or not. Overall, like I said before, the author made several great points in his essay which I enjoyed reading.
Helen Rosario
Lindsey McGuire,
ReplyDeleteWow. I completely agree with you. I dislike it when people take to offense a simple prayer. What wrong can it do to them? Why would they get offended right? I tell them the same thing. Again, I completely agree.
Helen Rosario
Daniel,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you that the quote you chose presents Hitchen’s best argument. Many of the believers mentioned that his cancer was the result of him being an atheist, and therefore a punishment from God. If that was the case, then how is it that others with the same beliefs as his never acquired a similar sickness, and lead healthy lives? I am not an atheist’s, but I am simply acknowledging that he provides a good argument here for all the people who are requesting that he side with their religion before he dies. In another section in the article he mentions that both believers and nonbelievers in equal proportions can become ill.
Brenda Castro
Laura,
ReplyDeleteYou are very well written. I agree with a lo of points you made/
Ryan Barker
Good and interestinf article and good debatable article also.Cancer is not that God punishes human being , it is just cell changes and anybody can have it. There is no any relation of cancer with God that God is punishing that why a man has cancer , what about children, have they done bad something that God punishes then, no cancer is just disease.Like Christopher beleives that he got cancer because God punish him. Good article by Hitechensi.Oct was cancer awareness month, eveybody should be aware about cancer, nothing related to religion.......veena kumari
ReplyDeleteLaura
ReplyDeleteGood post. I agree with you that anybody can have cancer. Good writting.......veena kumari
"Fourth, why cancer at all? Almost all men get cancer of the prostate if they live long enough: it’s an undignified thing but quite evenly distributed among saints and sinners, believers and unbelievers. If you maintain that god awards the appropriate cancers, you must also account for the numbers of infants who contract leukemia."
ReplyDeleteHitchen's essay was very well written and had a lot of good points. The quote above is the statement and idea that is the most compelling of Hitchen's essay. I would like to hear a religious person's response to this statement. I have always had the same question about if god is all loving and all powerful why does he let infants get leukemia and why all these bad things to helpless little kids and babies. The statement brings up a lot of good points and questions for the religious person. I liked reading this article. I consider myself spiritual, but not religious and I agree with what Hitchen's essay said.
Ryan Barker
What is Hitchens’ best argument in this essay? Which part (sentence, idea, whatever) of the essay is most compelling?
ReplyDelete"If you maintain that god awards the appropriate cancers, you must also account for the numbers of infants who contract leukemia. Devout persons have died young and in pain. Bertrand Russell and Voltaire, by contrast, remained spry until the end, as many psychopathic criminals and tyrants have also done. These visitations, then, seem awfully random. While my so far uncancerous throat, let me rush to assure my Christian correspondent above, is not at all the only organ with which I have blasphemed …And even if my voice goes before I do, I shall continue to write polemics against religious delusions, at least until it’s hello darkness my old friend."
"Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe."
This was a great article and while I don't whole heartedly not believe (or believe) in god, Hitchens' makes some great arguments that his cancer is not the result of his beliefs, or lack thereof. One of the most compelling statements he makes is when he reminds us that anyone can get cancer: every faith, every race, every age. Cancer is not alive and does not choose it's victims, to believe so otherwise is just silly. If Hitchens' were to have throat cancer because he was blasphemous, as he said in his article, it would have made more sense for him to have brain cancer so he could no longer deliver his blasphemous thoughts, either verbally or written.
Another great point Hitchens' makes is when he challenges what kind of god forgives the cowardice and the dishonest, yet punishes irreconcilable doubt. If Hitchens' were to all of a sudden 'find god' because he is afraid of what comes after death, this to him would be a dishonest act to cover-up what he truly believes. Why would any deity reward such action? It seems that those would wish for others to die a fiery death should be the ones punished.
I don't mean to be churlish about any kind intentions, but when September 20 comes, please do not trouble deaf heaven with your bootless cries. Unless, of course, it makes you feel better.
ReplyDeleteThat is just it, "if it makes you feel better." I feel like when someone needs to put down another persons religious views they just want attention. Who are you to tell someone they are wrong, no one knows what is right. This is exactly why I do not talk religion, of course unless I am getting graded on it. If religion helps people deal with life then so be it. Obviously he enjoys hearing people pray for him he knows all about it, if he does plea to God it will be a silent plea.
Olivia
Lindsey-
ReplyDeleteI thought Christianity is a religion? You lost me there, I believe I am a spiritual person, but like you I do not believe in religion.
Olivia
“Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.”
ReplyDeleteI thought that this was a compelling piece of the article because although Hitchens has many different religious groups praying for him during a very difficult time of his life, he has the opportunity to embrace a religion, but he chooses not to do so. Like Pascal mentioned to him “put your faith in the almighty… and you stand to gain everything.” He could have easily given up all that he originally believed in and embraced a religion or God last minute in order to go to “heaven” as the believers would say or get better, but he didn’t. He never changed what he believed in.
Because this world is very diverse, there are numerous religions, and although one may not necessarily agree with another, it is important to accept and respect the choices and beliefs of every individual.
Brenda Castro
“The absorbing fact about being mortally sick is that you spend a good deal of time preparing yourself to die with some modicum of stoicism (and provision for loved ones), while being simultaneously and highly interested in the business of survival. This is a distinctly bizarre way of “living”—lawyers in the morning and doctors in the afternoon—and means that one has to exist even more than usual in a double frame of mind.”
ReplyDeleteI thought that Hitchens stated the issue of death pretty spot on here. Individual wish they can die with deity and allow their family to say their goodbyes, but individuals have a instance to always keep fighting. I also liked that he compared Lawyers and doctors. One is trying to save a life while the other is trying to get the best outcome for them. He states “lawyer in the morning and doctors in the afternoon” an interesting way to describe a person that has a terminal sickness. One tries to end the end the sickness and the other tries to do everything possible to help the person survive. Great argument.
“Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.”
I think this is one of the best arguments for Hitchens. Should he give up on all of what he believes in “not believe in” and change into a person he’s not for a chance to live. It’s a compelling argument because in our society people believe in one thing and stand by the idea, but when something happens, like cancer, they all of a sudden change into a person there not for a chance. I understand that almost everyone will do anything to beat cancer and to live a longer life, but should you go against everything you fought for before you got sick. Hitchens states that it’s a coward move to change your beliefs because you are terrified of what may be waiting for you on the other side. Why would someone grant you something you have been going against your entire life and why would you change your mind at the last second. This is one of the strongest arguments Hitchens makes.
I have to say that this is a crazy way to end the quarter on this blog. Great article and an unbelievable read that I’m planning on sending to my friends and family.
Nealson Hanner
The Danish physicist and Nobelist Niels Bohr once hung a horseshoe over his doorway. Appalled friends exclaimed that surely he didn’t put any trust in such pathetic superstition. “No, I don’t,” he replied with composure, “but apparently it works whether you believe in it or not.”
ReplyDeleteThis essay was very interesting to read. This quote from his essay seemed most compelling to me because it shows how he sees religion. Earlier in the essay it says that all things are coincidence like him getting throat cancer. Many religious people believe that this was God's way of punishing Hitchen's. He also mentions that just because he doesn't believe in any religion that he was not going to ever get cancer if he was religious. People who are religious get cancer anyways so he feels it would matter either way. Hitchen's doesn't believe in any religion and just because he has terminal cancer he will accept God in order to save his soul. The above quote shows what Hitchen's view on religion is.
Agustin Garcia
“If you maintain that god awards the appropriate cancers, you must also account for the numbers of infants who contract leukemia.”
ReplyDeleteOf all the good arguments Hitchens made throughout the article, this quote is the one that stood out to me most. He speaks about how cancer could happen to anyone if they believe in a God or not. Not just because he got cancer means that he was a bad person or that he got the cancer because he does not believe in religion; it is called natural selection. It means that anything can happen to anyone regardless of whom or what they are or affiliated to. The quote was very compelling to me because it proves a very strong point that he did not get the cancer for not believing in any religion. What I take from the quote is that if God was to give cancers or deadly sicknesses to people who go against his words or that are atheists, then why are infants either born with or contract a deadly virus at a very young age? At their young lives they have not been completely socialized into a choice, so who can explain why they are faced with death early in their lives? I think this is the best argument he makes because people may think anyone could have done “bad” deeds and those might be reasons (though I think invalid) as to why God introduced cancer in their lives, but an infant has not had a chance in life to commit such a life changing decision. At first I was not interested much on this article, but it became intriguing to me when I reached this quote. Overall, Hitchens made great arguments and said interesting things that I think stirs emotions and thoughts of anyone who reads his article.
-Liz Sanchez
Lindsey,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I completely agree with your argument as to why some people get offended if you say you will pray for them. They are not the ones doing the praying and I do not see any harm being done to them from another individual praying for them. You made me think about the comment that sometimes needing the feeling that something has higher control over you is what keeps you “sane”. I have never thought about it in that sense, but I can see now that it could be one of the reasons why I pray as well when I see no way of helping myself.
-Liz Sanchez
“Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.”
ReplyDeleteThis was a very powerful article and really make me think about a lot of thinks. Religious topics are very hard to write about without upsetting people so im going to try my best not to upset anyones beliefs because i believe that everyones values and beliefs are very important.
The quote above i think was Hitchens' best argument. He is basically saying that he isnt going to change his believes just because he got cancer. It would be dishonest of him so why should he? Also in near this quote there was one about how any child can even get cancer and how cancer isnt a living thing that choses who it wants to make ill. A lot of people always ask "why me? why does this have to happen?" but what people dont realize is that cancer isnt a living thing and doesnt chose who it makes ill.
This is kind of a tough topic though because i have always been one to believe that everything happens for a reason, but after reading this i dont really know how to think. If i thought everything happens for a reason about everything then i would be saying God was making people have cancer for a reason, but im not sure if i really believe that. I think certain things happen to certain people to make their lives better, but after this i think i need to reevaluate my ideas.
"Who else feels Christopher Hitchens getting terminal throat cancer [sic] was God’s revenge for him using his voice to blaspheme him? Atheists like to ignore FACTS. They like to act like everything is a “coincidence”. Really? It’s just a “coincidence” [that] out of any part of his body, Christopher Hitchens got cancer in the one part of his body he used for blasphemy?"
This quote really caught my eye. I definitely dont in any way believe that God has revenge out on anyone. When i read this I was kind of shocked. And besides, like Hitchens pointed out, if God was trying to punish him wouldnt he have given him brain cancer instead?
-Haley Garmon
"The absorbing fact about being mortally sick is that you spend a good deal of time preparing yourself to die with some modicum of stoicism (and provision for loved ones), while being simultaneously and highly interested in the business of survival. This is a distinctly bizarre way of “living”—lawyers in the morning and doctors in the afternoon—and means that one has to exist even more than usual in a double frame of mind"
ReplyDeleteThis is great right here. It's life and death. I think it applies even if you aren't mortally sick, because everyone dies. It just takes longer for some of us. The mortally sick are just forced to deal with it a little bit sooner. I like the doctor and lawyer comparison as well. In the morning it's all about making it through the day and convincing yourself of this or that. Classic lawyer stuff there. It doesn't have to be right or wrong, but you someone has to believe it. Then once you switch to doctor mode, its all about making it through the day. Total survival mode. If someone told me I had cancer, I would probably be doing this very thing. I've always pretty much assumed when I cash out it's going to be from cancer. So I totally understand this dual aspect of wanting to live and knowing you're going to die.
-Kyle Bennett
"I don’t mean to be churlish about any kind intentions, but when September 20 comes, please do not trouble deaf heaven with your bootless cries. Unless, of course, it makes you feel better". -Hitchens
ReplyDeleteIt is always difficult to write on religious subjects, especially since people feel quite different perspectives on this topic. This quote caught my attention and I think it is Hitchens most compelling part of his essay. It lets the reader know he is not going to change his beliefs no matter what anyone says or does in his fight against this cancer. He basically feels all of our prayers for him are wasted time. He also lets the readers know if people need to pray for him to feel better, go ahead and do it.
Jim Adams
“Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.”
ReplyDeleteHitchens makes a powerful statement by addressing the topic that many individuals fall guilty to. Most individuals believe in a god based on the pure emotion of fear. They believe that if they do not believe in their religion’s god, Hell is upon them. Hitchens’ addresses that only believing in something because you fear what may be a possible outcome is outlandish. He depicts that a god who would reward this kind of fear is not a god at all. This is a powerful statement to me, because it is exactly the same thought I have towards religions. I am not saying I am one way, or the other, but it is something that I question. As humans, we fear what we do not know or understand. Individuals feel obligated to be forgiven for their misconduct in hopes that they will see what their god has promised them if they followed a godly path. The statement has power because it attacks individual’s honesty. No one wants to be called a liar, but with no solid proof or certain truth, doubt is free to roam about in all religions.
Kryston Honea
Lacey,
ReplyDeleteI think you have picked a great argument from the essay. I think that anyone that is good or bad can become ill with bad things such as cancer. Harm touches everyone in the world at one point in their life. Many people perceive illness differently, but it is how you believe which makes the difference. I feel that as long as you believe in a “God” any god that is good enough. People need to understand that everyone believes differently and has different religions and that’s okay. Everyone is their own individual that makes decisions based off what they believe.
Stephanie Nodal
Haley
ReplyDeleteI struggled with the same thought process. I like to think that everything happens for a reason, but like Hitchens states, is the reason really God oriented? It definitely kept me questioning whether or not things do happen for a reason and if those reasons are suitable for that individuals life. It is easy for us to compile bad things into the category of "Karma" or "God", which so many of us do. I am definitely guilty for that, but I agree that this article had me constantly back and forth on what I actually believe.
Kryston Honea
Jim,
ReplyDeleteI too like this quote. But I also feel the same about religious topics being touchy due to everyone having different beliefs. Many people see the world differently and it is due to their culture, religion, traditions, etc. but we have to understand that we are all different. Although we may have common traditions and religions, we make decisions based on how we as the individual perceive a situation. I don’t like discussing religion because it is a tough topic and is very controversial. I think that Hitchens did what was best for him by deciding that he was not going to change his decision due to what someone else had to say. Good post!
Stephanie Nodal
“Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.” –Hitchens
ReplyDeleteThis article was very interesting and made me think about why things happen the way they do. Life is very chaotic and many things can happen to an individual at any instance. I think that you make life to be as you want it. Many things can happen to individuals good or bad. Some people say that bad things happen to good people and yes this can be the case, but after reading this article I started to ask myself why. Why do bad things happen to good people? Some people feel that it is coincidence, or how god wanted it to be, but is it? This quote gave me much to think about, and it has allowed me to see that just because something bad has happened to you it doesn’t mean you have to change the way you believe. Everyone interprets illness in a different light and that’s okay because they are showing us that just because their life has been changed from this illness they are not giving up what they believe and who they are and have always been. Life is full of struggles and if every instance that created change made you change your beliefs, then you are not being true to yourself. I think that what Hitchens was trying to say from this quote is that life is always changing and that if something bad happens, you don’t have to change who you are in order to get past the bad. Believe as you always have and stay true to yourself and you will be at peace with the outcome.
Stephanie Nodal
Stephanie, I agree with you. Bad things happen to good people but also to bad people. And good things also happen to both good and bad people. When things that are out of your control happen, it shouldn't change your whole outlook on life and what you believe. These types of things can be entirely coincidental.
ReplyDelete-Matthew Jeffries
"Fourth, why cancer at all? Almost all men get cancer of the prostate if they live long enough: it’s an undignified thing but quite evenly distributed among saints and sinners, believers and unbelievers. If you maintain that god awards the appropriate cancers, you must also account for the numbers of infants who contract leukemia. Devout persons have died young and in pain."
ReplyDelete“Suppose I ditch the principles I have held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favor at the last minute? I hope and trust that no serious person would be at all impressed by such a hucksterish choice. Meanwhile, the god who would reward cowardice and dishonesty and punish irreconcilable doubt is among the many gods in which (whom?) I do not believe.”
I think these two quotes support Hitchens main argument that his personal beliefs have nothing to do with his illness of cancer. I think the first quote supports this idea because he explains how anyone can get a disease such as cancer even good and religious people. Sadly, my grandma past away from cancer and she was a very religious person, but I think praying just helped her cope with the process and made her feel better. But for Hitchens that is not the case, he doesn’t feel like the religious and praying process is for him and if that makes him feel better then that is the best for him. And I mean he has a right to believe that. Overall, he is right that anyone can get a disease not just people who do not believe in God. The second quote supports Hitchen argument that he is dedicated to what he believes, and just because he is sick he is not going to all of a sudden change in his beliefs. I think its noble for him to stick to his beliefs and if he is happy he has the right to take this route.
-Christina Manriquez
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI picked the same quote as you; I agree that this quote supports Hitchens main argument. I too agree that his main idea is to stick with your beliefs, whether religious or not, and you will be okay and as you said at peace. This article also got me thinking about why certain things happen to people, but if you stick to your beliefs I think it will make the coping process easier.
-Chrisitna Manriquez
Kryston,
ReplyDeleteThe quote you chose for your post is a really powerful and personal one. Your points are really good and actually explain what Hitchens is trying to explain. It is true that some people believe due to fear of what might happen, and I think that Hitchens is trying to point out that that is not the right way to go. I really enjoyed your post, you did a good job explaining Hitchens main argument, which is to stick to your beliefs and not change them due to fear or a bad situation. Overall, really good post!
-Christina Manriquez
"I don't mean to be churlish about any kind of intentions, but when September 20 comes, please do not trouble deaf heaven with your bootless cries. Unless of course, it makes you feel better."
ReplyDeleteAs I read this, the line, "unless of course, it makes you feel better" takes away from all the points that author Christopher Hitchens argues in this article. Even if he is saying it in a cynical way, he is still making the offer for those who want to pray for him, to do exact that, to pray for him.
He seems to be getting reactions from people in the same way he is dishing it out. He says "and even if my voice goes before I do, I shall continue to write polemics against religious delusions". He strikes me as someone who likes to keep an argument going. He can't expect to "dish it out" and not get a response - unless of course he is looking for one.
Theresa F.