R.I.P. Christopher Hitchens

I was upset to hear that people who call themselves Christians were long praying for the death of renowned atheist, Christopher Hitchens.  I can only sadly assume that such people would now be overjoyed at his demise.  Nothing could be more hypocritical.  The recent passing of Hitchens, reminded me of the quote the Vatican put out after the assassination of Osama Bin Laden.  I think it fits this occasion perfectly.  Here is the excerpt of that statement that came to mind:

"In the face of a man's death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred."

Literary provocateur, Christopher Hitchens

Though Mr. Hitchens was by no means a friend of religion and I found his treatment of Mother Teresa's struggles at the end of her life despicable, he nevertheless applies to this statement.  I do credit him for taking on Islam in the same manner he took on Christianity, showing no partiality and pulling no punches.  He was a bitter, sharp witted man, with a sincere passion for writing.  He was bitter no doubt in part from his own mother's suicide and his brother who died in the same manner.  He was noted in an interview as feeling partly responsible for his mother's death because he missed several calls from his mother right before she killed herself.  Something undoubtedly would haunt any human being for the remainder of their lives.  Hitchens battled at length with alcoholism and was a heavy smoker, which led to his demise at the age of 62 from esophageal cancer.


So called atheists should ponder for a moment Christianity, in which God incarnate did not for at least a moment declare himself an atheist, believing that God had abandoned him at the very moment when God's love is so fully expressed in Christ on the cross.  Chesterton sums it up simply saying that, "if there was no God, there would be no atheists."


Was Christopher Hitchens an enemy of Christianity?  Absolutely, which is all the more reason to pray for him and his family.  RIP Christopher Hitchens.  


For some great commentary videos regarding Hitchen's life and work check this out:
http://www.wordonfire.org/WoF-Blog/WoF-Blog/December-2011/News-Father-Barrons-commentaries-on-Christopher-Hi.aspx