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Permalink Reply by Carl Rowley on December 20, 2011 at 6:37am

I doubt anyone will ever replace Hitch, the way he systematically destroys any argument put to him in favour of religion is something I doubt I will be priveleged enough to see done as well again in my lifetime. Fry has his rants (hilariously accurate usually!) but he is no debater...not at all detracting from his brilliance in saying that. If I could I'd adopt Fry as my Uncle and spend many many afternoons sipping tea and talking to him about a million different things all of which have no real consequence!!!!

Dawkins is in the same ball park but not in the same league as Hitch, unfortunately he can come across as rather condescending and patronising...and a little elitist!!! Having said that, I've seen him destroy every stupid question put to him about religiosity.

Perhaps Penn Jillette will step up and start "doing the Hitch"....I've never seen anyone explode with calculated vitriol in quite the same way as he does....and it usually results in me laughing so hard that a bit of wee comes out!!!!

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Permalink Reply by erik112358 on December 20, 2011 at 7:24am

There's no one like Hitch, but there are still some other awesome atheist/skeptic speakers out there: Neil Degrasse Tyson (my favorite), Sam Harris, Lawrence Krauss, Richard Dawkins (of course), Aron Ra, Matt Dillahunty, Penn Jillette, and probably a bunch of others I haven't heard about yet.

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Permalink Reply by Tom Fennelly on December 20, 2011 at 8:19am

Hitch was awesome, but I think Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins are equally awesome in their own way.  I always found Sam to be easier to listen to and follow because his language was more "down to earth" and in my league, yet so powerful.  In my opinion, his ability to dismantle bullshit religious arguments were unparalleled. I always loved Hitch, but sometimes I felt lost in a fog of highbrow language delivered at a blistering pace.

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Permalink Reply by bob spencer on December 20, 2011 at 11:46am

nobody can  replace Hitch nor probably should anyone attempt it. I like Dawkins idea of the meme and like to think there is a Hitch-meme that has been passed onto us all

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Permalink Reply by Gerard R. Johnson on December 20, 2011 at 12:11pm

I agree with everyone here that Hitchens was a singular force of nature. I'd like to suggest Dromedary Hump of the Atheist Camel blog he can be accessed at atheistcamel.blogspot.com/ he has written two great books where he takes on religion with gusto. 

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Permalink Reply by Tammy on December 20, 2011 at 8:20pm

Christopher Hitchens was one of the most unique human beings in existence. That said there will truly never be anyone equal in caliber. However, there are others out there that somewhat fill that now gaping hole of intelligence and wit he has left behind.

Richard Dawkins

Daniel Dennett

Sam Harris

James Randi

Neil Tyson

Steven Weinberg

Matt Dillahunty (he hosts a show called Atheist Experience)

I could list more but I'm sure you'll find them if you look.

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Permalink Reply by Danny Sanchez on December 20, 2011 at 11:53pm

You reminded me of the first time I ever heard of Hitchens.  I think I was on YouTube for about three hours and another three after I read "God Is Not Great" the next day.

If you like history and biographies he also wrote books on some of our founding fathers.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 21, 2011 at 12:39am

Im hoping Santa will bring me the book for christmas. Im not counting on it though. :)

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Permalink Reply by Philip D on December 21, 2011 at 12:11am

There are many more amazing atheists out there with their own style but when it comes to debates, Hitch was one of a kind.  The chances of their being another Hitch among us is slim but I certainly hope there is another one in my lifetime. Hitchen's has inspired me to voice my anti-theist beliefs without the fear of being called arrogant.  If I ever find another one like him, I will cherish every moment of it more than I did when Hitchen's was alive.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 21, 2011 at 12:42am

I totally agree. And watching his debates does help you build up reasoning for your own debates so telling a catholic he is a dumbass is much easier! Hooray!

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