Tony Blair vs. Christopher Hitchens in the Munk Debates

Here are nine segments, in order. James Emery White, Pastor and Ranked Adjunctive Professor of Theology and Culture Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary writes in Cross Walk

The Outspoken Atheist versus the Catholic Convert

It won’t be broadcast on BBC World until January 1, 2011, but the word is already out on the debate on Friday, November 26. It was between the fit Tony Blair, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom, and writer Christopher Hitchens, one of the "new atheists" (along with such others Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris) who is in chemotherapy for late-stage esophageal cancer.

Staged in Toronto by Canadian gold-mining magnate Peter Munk, the clash had been billed in terms of a heavyweight boxing match. As Philip Sherwell of The Telegraph put it, it was "the polemicist verses the politician, the sceptic versus the statesman, the outspoken atheist versus the Catholic convert."

And apparently, Hitchens won not by knockout, but by decision.

The resolution that was debated?

"Religion is a force for good in the world."

This was a good resolution for Hitchens to debate.

As has been noted by others, such as David Bentley Hart, there are really only three arguments being made by this new group attempting to popularize atheism. The first two are easily addressed, for they are based on category mistakes.

I agree fully with Dr. White’s assessment. Indeed the first two are category mistakes. Hitchens won the debate, I agree. But he didn’t change my mind.

Full article by White. Very much worth reading.