Death Of An Atheist

Be on the lookout for a new series … THE PATRIOT … COMING JANUARY 2nd!

Renowned atheist Christopher Hitchens (1949-2011) passed away on Thursday, December 15th, from esophageal cancer. He was 62. News of his death quickly spread throughout the western world.

Hitchens, a prolific atheistic firebrand, often debated Christian thinkers and apologists in the public arena. I never tracked with Hitchens’ various events, nor have I read his writings. But apparently, despite his outspoken commitment to promoting the atheistic view, he is highly regarded as an exceptional writer.

“His contribution to the public debate can’t be measured … I didn’t agree with a lot of his positions, but he’s mandatory reading. He is an outstanding writer and stylist, engaging, literate, and witty … Everything you’d want if you want to be an essayist.”
William Lutz, political analyst and author of Doublespeak

Hitchens was outspoken, often saying things that would provoke …

“He was fearless in the subject matters that he chose … to write about … How many writers declare Mother Teresa was a fraud and a fake?”
William Lutz

Here are some comments from a few Christian leaders …

“My friend Christopher Hitchens has died. I loved & prayed for him constantly & grieve his loss. He knows the Truth now.”
Rick Warren

“I was among many who shared Christ with him; so sad he rejected the Gospel.”
Lee Strobel, author, The Case For Christ, via Twitter

“We will pray for him and for his family.”
Sister Christie, Spokeswoman for India’s Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa

Hitchens’ death served as …

“… an excruciating reminder of the consequences of unbelief. We can only pray others will believe … Few things are so valued in this life as brilliance and eloquence. Neither will matter in the world to come … his unbelief is all that matters now. Unspeakably sad.”
Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr., President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Is Christopher Hitchens in heaven?

” … Now, deathbed conversions are very rare. Typically, a conscience is so seared by then, so given over to the darkening of the mind, that the gospel rarely is heard. We shouldn’t count on last-second repentance … But, however rarely, it does happen, and who knows?”
Russell D. Moore, Moore To The Point

But the best piece on Hitchens’ death was written, in my opinion, by Doug Phillips, Founder and President of Vision Forum Ministries. Phillips lays out five takeaways from Hitchens’ death. Here’s number five:

“We should be clear that the death of Hitchens is not a time for Christians to rejoice or ridicule. It is a time for sorrow, compassion, sobriety and greater resolution.”

I realize that you have already read my blog on the subject, but you really do owe it to yourself to read what Phillips has to say. You will be sobered.

I only take time here to note the death of Christopher Hitchens because Hitchens himself was not only a public figure, but his fame stemmed from his extremely bold, warlike stance in opposition to Christianity. Otherwise, his death would have not be as noteworthy as it has become.