A debate between Hitchens and Barry Brummett

April 29, 2011

University of Waterloo:

"Please join us for a debate between God is Not Great author Christopher Hitchens and Barry Brummett (University of Texas at Austin) on the resolution 'Religion, as a literary value, is a force for good.'

Saturday, June 4, 2011, 7 to 8:30 p.m. (reception with light refreshments to follow) Hagey Hall, Humanities Theatre, University of Waterloo.

More Info..

48 comments:

I can't wait for this exchange.

Added note: Jian Ghomeshi, radio host of CBC's Q will moderate, and some noted intellectuals will be in attendance to ask questions.

Dan said...

If anyone decides not to go and wants to sell their ticket, I'll pay twice what they did as an incentive. I really need to see him at least once in my lifetime. My e-mail is defaclt@hotmail.com .

John said...

Get out of bed you idle bastard!

HB said...

s it just me or does the topic of this debate read as though it were a step back for religion? "Well, ok, so yes, as a document regarding truth it is unworthy, BUT, what about as a LITERARY source!? It must has some relevance here, though, right?" What's next? "Religion, as an a way to keep those in fear, is a force for good."

Rob Freitas said...

If anyone has an extra ticket or two, I'd love to take them off your hands. robfreitas583@hotmail.com

Quilled Mind said...

I bought my tickets the minute they went on sale.
Can't wait to witness Hitch up close and in person.
My hero.
I hope his health is with him.

Brewsky said...

Far as I can tell, his opponent has never published a book directly on this topic.......Win goes to Hitchens!

Mars_Ultor said...

Full recovery Hitch, nothing less will do. Godspeed :)

Mars_Ultor said...

Great news Christopher. I always knew Johnny Walker does wonders. Heres to a full 100% recovery!

MooncalfMagic said...

You are well-loved. Thanks for being a voice of reason and courage.

sueb said...

I am thrilled to see he is out debating as I never thought I would see him live nor especially in Canada only 2 hours from my home!

Joe Shmoe said...

Sigh. this is the day of my formal party theday after commencement. decisions...

Mark said...

Give 'em hell Mr. Hitchens.

And stick around, the youth need you.

alexicov said...

Why do awesome people come to UW whenever I'm away?

Greggory Wood said...

Best of news on this day of royal solipsism that the Hitch is gearing up for another debate; Hitch pulls the rope that rings the death knell on superstition and caprice and hope.

Guest said...

will there be book signing opportunities?

sinverted said...

Doh! I missed that somehow, in all of the excitement :)
Thank goodness - Texas averted again.

José said...

It's a very real university in southern Ontario.

bradlit said...

I hope U Waterloo knows that more than just alumni want to attned. Got my tickets and I'm U of T alumni. Saw Hitch at the Munk debate. I do hope he is well enough to make this one.

Milligan said...

The University of Waterloo is a secular university in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, best known for its faculties in engineering, math and computer science.

Wrecked said...

this is promising news!

d11 said...

Real university, one of the best in Canada.

Adam said...

Once more into the breach. :)

Rodion Romanovich said...

Nope...I'm not alumni and I just bought some.

Rodion Romanovich said...

U of Waterloo is in Ontario, Canada; 40 mins away from me in fact! =)

PC said...

This news brings tears to my eyes. You are alive and kicking. I want to see much more people on this planet get "Hitchslapped"!!

Natpash said...

Superb! Delightful! Let's raise a glass to that strong constitution! Hoorah!

Adey73 said...

What an auspicious name.
Is it a real University or just a shadow cast by a Theologial seminary? (forgive my ignorance).

Rutiwot said...

I hope Christopher can make this event and is as well as possible.

Butcher said...

Ah, great subject too. Can't wait. ----I almost think Hitch might argue in favor of the literature of religion. It would be a great curveball. So many of us atheists are all too willing to dismiss all religion as false and silly and yet not see the antropological angle that causes it: our imaginations, societal structure, communications and how they relate to "commonly held beliefs." etc--This is the real fun stuff. Anyone can assail "faith" and single out its flaws. That's why I love Hitchens. He isn't a scientist. He likes a fight on an intellectual level. Which is where this fight is best fought...

S.A said...

The Hitch is back!

Hitch Follower said...

WOW!! This is great news! Good for you, Hitch!

Daniel said...

I like how the plan is more than a month away. It indicates only the very best.

Lacka10 said...

I cannot believe this! I just bought my ticket! I live in waterloo, i thought i was never going to meet Hitchens in person before he... you know :(

Bjaw said...

Hallelujah! This news really brought a smile to me today.

Davenielsen78 said...

Are tickets only available to University of Waterloo alumni? Sounds crazy but they don't really say.

Stig said...

Agreed. Hope this is a harbinger of good tidings with respect to his health. Perhaps he's being optimistic.

Jbabco said...

Not sure about this one. Hitch has been cancelling stuff left and right. Interesting resolution. I wonder who will oppose? We know Hitch loves the King James bible as literature.

Heywood Jeblome said...

Well I think this is very good news. It means his voice is obviously still functionable. But this worries me: "reception with light refreshments to follow"

Light refreshments???!?!?!?!? He really must be ill!

minkmankser said...

oh f*cking A. i'm getting on a plane. from new zealand.

Mettelindbjerg said...

Hooray!

sinverted said...

I've finally got a good reason to visit Texas! I love you, Hitchens!

Truepenny said...

He's planning new stuff????!!!! You just made my day!!! Thank you, thank you!!!

Notker Labeo said...

I can't wait for this exchange.

Added note: Jian Ghomeshi, radio host of CBC's Q will moderate, and some noted intellectuals will be in attendance to ask questions.

Jowana said...

 Need 2 tickets! Email em: papula.esmare@gmail.com 

Darryl Burgess said...

Can't wait to finally see this man kicking the ass of the religious in person ... Long live the Hitch! 

jlew86 said...

Looking for two tickets! Will pay above face value. Please e-mail me jennifermeganlewis@gmail.com.

Julian Pulgarin said...

Was informed by Waterloo staff that due to health complications Christopher will no longer be able to make this event. He will do the debate via live video feed.

 
 
 

Christopher reads from Hitch-22: A Memoir