And, lo, Mr. Hitchens has put his words to paper (internet paper!). You can read his column here. Some choice excerpts follow:
The discovery of the carcass of Jerry Falwell on the floor of an obscure office in Virginia has almost zero significance, except perhaps for two categories of the species labeled "credulous idiot."
Like many fanatical preachers, Falwell was especially disgusting in exuding an almost sexless personality while railing from dawn to dusk about the sex lives of others. His obsession with homosexuality was on a par with his lip-smacking evocations of hellfire.
It's a shame that there is no hell for Falwell to go to, and it's extraordinary that not even such a scandalous career is enough to shake our dumb addiction to the "faith-based."
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 12)
1. Well said, Christopher!
squajo at 1:15AM on May 17th 2007
2. Joy.
squajo at 6:27PM on Jun 21st 2007
3. AMEN Christopher !! You nailed it!
John at 11:28AM on May 16th 2007
4. Nothing is ever perfect, but these remarks come as close as possible.One can not over emphasize the evil the Fallwells of the world create and maintain.
Vic T at 11:39AM on May 16th 2007
5. Well said. Thank you Christopher Hitchens! I shall certainly read your new book. Please keep speaking out.
John C at 11:37AM on May 16th 2007
6. Bravo Christopher! It's high time and past time that being a "reverend" means the normal rules of decent behavior apply--whether it's a Sharpton or a Falwell. The world is better off without this nasty little redneck.
Dennis at 11:38AM on May 16th 2007
7. of course, that should've read "no normal rules of decent behavior apply..."
Dennis at 11:39AM on May 16th 2007
8. The truth will set you free....I'm glad to see Mr. Hitchens getting more and more air time. Look forward to the new book coming out on the 28th.
Karen at 11:40AM on May 16th 2007
9. This "man" is a waste of air. He is excrement in the form of a human.
CN at 11:44AM on May 16th 2007
10. Thank you Mr. Hitchens for courageously challenging the conservative media’s revisionist hype about yet another “great” American demagogue. Falwell was a despicable homophobic bigot who doesn’t even deserve to be mentioned in a footnote in American history books. Farewell Falwell, and good riddance!
Mike at 1:20AM on May 17th 2007
11. Having listened on more than one occasion to Mr. Hitchens and not always agreeing with him, though his points are often well founded, on this topic he is most extraordinarily accurate in his assessment of a charlatan. Falwell and his ilk whose consistent scam of followers, through faith not logic, crossed the line using his pulpit to politicize his fanatic agenda.
'The devil hath power to assume a pleasing shape.' The word pleasing in this specific regard might better be omitted since the visage of JW was anything but what that word implies. However, as with Falwell, and all such false prophets for prophet those with concern for their immortal souls will always make of themselves willing targets for similar hate filled vitriol. It is greatly desired that he find himself in the fires and brimstone he condemned others to while continuing his own fabrications, even putting words into the mouth of his idea of GOD!
Steve at 12:13PM on May 16th 2007
12. Christ o pher. Someday will be the prodical son who just wouldn't believe in truth so is blinded by a power he cannot fight.It is sad that you are so full of a haughty spirit of evil and pride.But you do not know the outcome of that either because of your dense intelligence of faith.You seek out evil and the very evil that controls you can only be rid of through receiving the knowledge of Christ's death and resurrection.But you refuse and will know in the end of your life which will be far worse than you could ever imagine.Receive Christ's blood that was shed for you.Forget what you've said over the years, it's free, just take it.
texel58391 at 1:20AM on May 17th 2007
13. Falwell was a charlatan and this country is better off without people like him.Good for you Christopher.He was not a man of God,but a man of greed.He spread hate and lies.
marie at 12:30PM on May 16th 2007
14. Mr Hutchins hits the nail on the head. Falwell, Roberts, Haggard, and all the others are nothing but charlatans and confidence men. The only difference between them and the guy who takes your money while you try to guess which cup the pea is under is that the folks they bilked out of money kept coming back and giving them more.
These men know nothing of God. THEY are the "wolf in sheep's clothing" that the Bible warns of. It is a shame that so many are so gullible that they follow these men without recognizing that much of what they preach goes against the teachings of Jesus.
Maureen at 12:34PM on May 16th 2007
15. anyone that puts down a great man like Jerry Falwell will for sure be going straight to Hell. Jerry was a wonderful man and stood up for what he believed and that is why everyone is criticizing him.We need to find more people in this world like him.
melissa at 1:20AM on May 17th 2007