The Death of Christopher Hitchens

Ironically, I wrote my last post before I knew that Christopher Hitchens died. I read about his death in the news this morning as I was eating my breakfast. I was shocked to learn of the news, not even knowing that he was fighting cancer. Also, I was saddened. I've read some of Hitchens' books. Despite the fact that I disagreed vehemently with almost everything he had to say about Christianity, God, the Bible, and faith, there is no deputing that he was a very intelligent human being. What saddens me the most about him is that he died with his beliefs (or at least as far as I know) and that his version of dying seems very sad to me. There is nothing more. He's gone. Emptiness. What a sad way to spend eternity. If he was right, he's now slipped into nothingness. If Christians are right, he is spending an eternity in hell. Not because we serve an unloving God but because we love a God who lets us choose. Who loves us enough to give us choices and let us decide for ourselves. Are there consequences to our choices? Yes, every single one. If we choose to accept the gift of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins, we get to live with the consequences of eternity in heaven with the Creator of everything. If we choose to deny Him, we choose hell. God doesn't send us there. We decide for ourselves.

Hitchens has said some pretty hurtful things about God and Christians and there were times when I was on the defensive when I read his books. But, all in all, I am thankful for his opposing views. Because of them, I was able to question, research, and solidify my own faith. Questions shouldn't scare Christians. Only people who have something to hide should be afraid of questions. I am hoping that with the rise of outspoken atheists like Hitchens, a new generation of Christian apologists who are ready to defend their faith against all questions and arguments will come forth. If the atheists can be outspoken, why can't the Christians? There is no reason to shy away from arguments and debate. We should welcome these debates like many of the brilliant Christian apologists of today already do. People like Lee Strobel, Greg Koukl, Dr. Hugh Ross, Josh McDowell, Dr. Alex McFarland, and Ravi Zacharias (among many others). I am thankful for thoughtful and meaningful debate. I am thankful for people who think, who question, and who debate. Ultimately, I am thankful for the truth.