Sally Quinn of the Newsweek/Washington Post On Faith Blog asked me to write a piece on why I am praying for Christopher Hitchens, even though he doesn’t want me to.
Since this is my first time at the WaPo On Faith Blog, I ask all CMR readers to please go over and read the article and perhaps even comment. And perhaps link it up if you have a blog of your own. I would like to make a good showing, ya know.
Interestingly, my post appears right above one by Hitchens himself. This should make for an interesting conversation.
Please Read ‘Praying for Hitchens as an act of love’
September 20, 2010 at 4:40 pm
That was a very touching article, and completely devoid of any holier-than-thou attitude. Well done.
September 20, 2010 at 5:50 pm
A remarkably humble response. I will use this as the foundation for meditation tonight with my family… thank you!
September 20, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Pat,
We've got your back! Kudos on the major outlet! It is good to have your voice there to represent us. The article was lovely and very loving. The comments were typical.
September 20, 2010 at 9:46 pm
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September 20, 2010 at 9:48 pm
It is sadly predictable, but interesting to see the hate-filled responses (only a couple so far). I can almost see the spittle flying from their mouths, splattering on their computer screens. If only they realized what it is they're really saying: "How dare you wish Hitchens well, in the manner you believe to be the best! I'm offended that you would act on your beliefs, and that you even have beliefs that differ from mine! I hate you! WAAAHH! MOMMY!"
And atheists wonder why they are stereotyped as being angry?
September 20, 2010 at 11:31 pm
That was really beautiful, Patrick.
As an aside, I am really glad to see that On Faith opted not to run that truly awful picture of you from the NC Register alongside this column.
September 21, 2010 at 2:45 am
We do not wish eternal fire on Mr. Hitchens. We pray for him as in Spiritual Work of Mercy. St Teresa prayed earnestly for a stubborn and obstinate man found guilty of his crimes and sentenced to death. It was not until the last moment on the scaffold that he grabbed the priest's crucifix and kissed it. We wish only good for Hitchens unhappy soul, may God have mercy of him.
September 21, 2010 at 3:36 am
Tried to comment, lost it in the process. Good work, well said, unfortunately lost on some who are intent on only seeing bad faith in anyone practicing their faith faithfully.
September 21, 2010 at 3:45 am
Dragondancer1814 said :We don't harass you Christians to convert away from your religion; please reciprocate and leave us non-Christians alone…
Is it just me who finds this Ironic?
Isn't it the Secular lobby that forces any discussion of 'Intelligent design' out of the class room? Pushing an Agenda of State Atheism and Evolutionism onto the young? While the media pushes a belittling picture of Christians as ignorant simpletons?
No, it must just be me…
September 22, 2010 at 3:37 am
I tried to comment as well. Sorry I didn't succeed.
Excellent article! I am very happy to be a regular reader on this very friendly and peaceful blog. Whew! Where do people get the energy for that kind of anger?
I am praying for both Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins. I hope to meet both of them on the other side!
God Bless, from one "Dumb Theist" to another.