Christopher Hitchens and Stephen Fry vs. The Catholics

[Up_All_Night]

Click image to play video Move Close The Intelligence Squared Debate - The Catholic Church a force for good in the world? Aired 11-7-09 on BBC World Is the Catholic church a force for good in the world? "It stands up for the oppressed and offers spiritual succour to billions say the Church's supporters. But what about the Church's teachings on condoms, gays and women priests, ask the detractors." Speaking for the motion, Archbishop John Onaiyekan and Anne Widdencombe MP. Speaking against the motion, Christopher Hitchens and Stephen Fry.

The other parts.

Now I think it is important to be aware of where this debate is happening and so the likely make up of the audience and any prejudices that may come with that. I only caught the end on bbc world the other day, seemed interesting. There's definitely the key points against the catholic church you can't argue with, although genuinely I think they get targeted with complaints that are valid for basically any church as if they are exclusively or excessively catholic church problems.

[Napolean]

They chose a bishop from Nigeria to argue for the church? that was a bit retarded. he was struggling to speak English.

[atriq]

How so? They probably figured Hitchens and Fry would at some point would attack the churches actions in Africa, and having a local defend it would be their best option. Also, at what point was he struggling with English? There was a pronounced African accent, but nothing that suggested it wasn't his native language.

As an aside: I can't believe Hitchens did that without some form of alcohol in arm's reach. Normally, he does those half in the bag just to add insult to injury. Something tells me that his glass of water wasn't water.

[Napolean]

Originally Posted by atriq How so? They probably figured Hitchens and Fry would at some point would attack the churches actions in Africa, and having a local defend it would be their best option. Also, at what point was he struggling with English? There was a pronounced African accent, but nothing that suggested it wasn't his native language. As an aside: I can't believe Hitchens did that without some form of alcohol in arm's reach. Normally, he does those half in the bag just to add insult to injury. Something tells me that his glass of water wasn't water.

If you listen carefully you may find at times he struggles to find the right words. He pretty much had to read all of what he was saying off a sheet in front of him. It seems to me they had a leg up on him being fluent English speakers. It's very hard for somebody to come up with an eloquent on the spot argument in a language that is not his native. I just think if you are going to host a debate it should be fair.

[Marchpig]

The catholic church can go suck a knife.