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 3 of 12)
31. this person is a minion of satan and is drawing people of no faith twards bieng lost to eternity
he will not create a subject on his own he must repeat the same atheistic messege chose none belief
over god it is easyer and you can do anything you want and not answer to anything for it.
AS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY WE WILL CHOOSE GOD!!!!!!
geraldledford at 3:19PM on May 16th 2007
32. AS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY WE WILL CHOOSE GOD
geraldledford at 3:17PM on May 16th 2007
33. So well said Christopher - and thank you! As a person who lives right down the street from Lynchburg in Virginia, I can tell you Jerry was the most unchristian person I have ever know. Hate and more hate -- unless he had his hand in your pocket. The local TV station is acting like a great head of state has died (of course Falwell owns that too). I wouldn't be surprised if they change the name of Lynchburg to Falburg....he owned it all....But wait -- it's called Lynchburg for a reason -- hate and bigotry, they Lynch anyone who doesn't believe exactly as Jerry tells them to. So I say, Jerry was named right too....Fall Well. IF all that he preached about is true -- all that literal translation of the bible, we can all be sure that he has indeed FALLEN well.
Cindy at 2:48PM on May 16th 2007
34. I just want everyone to remember, THAT EVERY KNEE WILL BOW AND EVERY MOUTH SHALL CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD
Robert Walker at 2:57PM on May 16th 2007
35. CNN should be ashamed to give this idiot airtime. If he indeed read the Bible & can't see the prophecy being fulfilled at this very time, God save his poor soul. I never liked Falwell's message, but I do believe he was a true man of God. He reached many people & brought Christ into their hearts. So even if he was outspoken against morons like Hitchens, I loved him for that. Decadence & troubles in the middle east are signs of the end. I'm glad they have a hell for idots like this one. And CNN airing this man's views of a man of the gospel is blasphemy. Ted & Jane will be shoveling coal in hell right along side of this man that would speak bad of the dead.
Randy at 1:28AM on May 17th 2007
36. This was a good video. I had never heard of Mr. Hitchens, however, he and I might disagree on God, as I am not an atheist, but a Christian. I respect his decision to be an atheist and on the topic of Mr. Falwell, he's right. Mr. Falwell, yes I say Mr. out of respect, but he is no Reverend or Minister to a flock of people. I do not respect Mr. Falwell as a minister, because he did not minister to the poor, he did not minister to the oppressed, he did not wash the feet of sinners, nor embrace them, he did however seek their removal from society as he sought to make it-someone named Hitler once tried that as well, to make his society into one pure of his perceieved evil. Mr. Falwell and God know what Mr. Falwell deep in his heart believed, and if he believed in what he preached, the intollerance that he clearly enunciated on many occasions, then may God have mercy on his soul.
Jeff at 2:59PM on May 16th 2007
37. Amen Christopher! Falwell was a fraud. True Christianity follow the teachings of Jesus, not of these fundamentalist fanatics!
Terri at 3:06PM on May 16th 2007
38. I am a person of faith and deeply resent Mr. Hitchen's comments. I wasn't madly in love with Falwell but I do believe he attempted to do what he felt was the right thing. It is a sad day when people feel they have to vilify someone so barely cool in the grave. You do the very thing you point the finger at....
Steph at 1:28AM on May 17th 2007
39. Religion Does Not Equal Spirituality
When you make your religion a political issue or moneymaking machine, you are distorting the concept of Spirituality. Someone that turns his or her belief into an extremist force is not in rhythm with the universe at all. When you do not respect the environment and nature you are disrespecting this God that you claim to believe in. Did God not make this planet and appoint us the keepers?
Christian extremists use Jesus, yes, use Jesus as their poster boy. Not anyone that spews forth such hate and discrimination would be a friend of Jesus.
Men like Jerry Falwell take a very wrong turn in the road and make the world a
darker place. If the soul is eternal, maybe he will get another chance to get it right. A person that accumulates the amount of resentment and hate that I have seen posted her the last few days probably earned it. This person was a creature preacher according to the opinions of most people that I am hearing.
This man proved to be no different from a radical Muslim extremist that calls for a Jihad. If he had been born in the Middle East, he more than likely would have been a friend of Osama Bin Laden and his kind. Religious fanatics never really get it. Too bad that they are able to indoctrinate so many of the weak minded into their twisted belief system. Makes you think that this planet is only a way station for the misguided and some of us stopped by to hang awhile and cannot believe that these souls are really so un-evolved.
Andrea at 3:17PM on May 16th 2007
40. CNN Credibility Not Needed. That's what the letters stand for. It frightens me more that people put stock in what they hear on CNN than what Rev Falwell ever did. That commie loving Ted Turner will give anyone airtime if it's anti American. Hell he married Hanoi Jane. That's proof he's a commie lover. Just think Hitchens, there might be a bullet with your name on it as we speak. I would find it about amusing as he finds the death of Rev Falwell
Randy at 3:14PM on May 16th 2007
41. Any one that gives this JERK air time should be taken off the air . He is such a loser and He will find out that there is a HELL when he dies because he will be there !!!!
Terry at 3:20PM on May 16th 2007
42. The vile hatred spewing out of your mouths will be your undoing. True blasphemy. Hell will be so full of your kind...scary place to be..pick heaven with Mr Falwell anyday
Mmaker52 at 10:48PM on May 16th 2007
43. Mr. Hitchens comments shortly after the death of any person are horrific. No respect whatsoever to those that have lost a loved one & leader. Whether or not you agree with Rev. Falwell is your choice just as God gave us a choice to believe or not to. It's funny how he does not believe in God or heaven but hopes Falwell is in Hell? Either believe the whole story or none at all. Jesus Christ preached to love the sinner but hate the sin. This is exactly what Falwell spoke about. Alternative life styles and sinful ways are EVIL. The only way to die and go to Heaven is through Jesus Christ. It does not matter what you do in this life good or bad so much as have you accepted Him as Lord? To argue with a person of such ignorance as Hitchens is exactly what the devil wants Christians to do. That takes our focus off living for Christ. I truly feel sorry for all the people wanting to read his Godless book and support this atheist. I feel sorrow for Christopher! One day every knee shall bow and confess God is Lord over all. I thank God for someone that stood up for the rights of Christians and got involved into politics even though it may not have been a politically correct thing to do. Thank God for Ronald Reagan! Thank God for the truth and hearts which are open to accept it. Truly Jerry Falwell is in the presence of our Lord and the peace & grace we all seek is now something he will never loose hold of.
GREGORY at 3:34PM on May 16th 2007
44. I really liked Mr. Falwell. My prayers are with his family and friends. Whether you agreed with his polictical or faith based beliefs, you have to admire a gentleman who consistently stood up for what he believed in and was brave enough to share it and take the criticism that comes along with standing up for what you believe in. Why some people get so enraged and militant when values and morals are discussed and become hateful certainly is an eye opener.
Lynn at 3:41PM on May 16th 2007
45. Your a disgusting pig christopher! God bless Reverand Falwell
tracey bonneau at 9:59PM on May 16th 2007