It’s “Everybody Pray For Hitch Day”

Last updated on: September 20, 2010 at 8:05 pm by Jeffrey L. Falick

It’s “Everybody Pray For Hitch Day” 2010-09-20T20:05:00-05:00 Jeffrey L. Falick

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

I had the privilege of hearing Christopher Hitchens speak last spring about his new autobiography Hitch-22. He seemed a little more worn-out than I expected, though still fascinating. He was very funny and very erudite. Just a few days later we all learned that he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

Apparently today is officially (whatever that means) “Everybody Pray for Hitchens Day.” He talks about all of this and more in his October Vanity Fair article.

There is not much that I can add to what Hitchens himself has to say. I get the impression that the “Everybody Pray” declaration for today was done in the spirit of caring. I can’t imagine someone like Rabbi David Wolpe having anything but good intentions.

Yet I can’t help but wonder why religious people always have to insert even their well-intentioned beliefs into the affairs of others. If they really respected Hitchens they’d wish him a full recovery in the spirit of his own beliefs. They would not make a public statement that is so clearly aimed at challenging his world view.

I share his world view, at least when it comes to beliefs in the supernatural. So I will merely wish him well and hope sincerely for his recovery. He has a wife and children who will be devastated by his loss. Selfishly I would add that he has been an inspiration to people like me. There are a great many people who would mourn his untimely loss. We’re with you, Hitch. We hope you get well soon.

Blog Entries

Atheism

Liberal Judaism

Previous Post

September 19, 2010

Richard Dawkins Really, Really, Really Doesn't Like The Pope

Next Post

September 21, 2010 The Haggada Says To Kill Gentiles...Or Something Like That

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Blog Entries

Select a Month January 2017 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 March 2015 December 2014 February 2014 December 2013 October 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 September 2012 August 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which book contains the story of Hosea's marriage to an unfaithful wife?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Jonah Joel Micah Hosea