This is kind of neat . . .

[indianasmith]

a Christian school over in the Dallas area (I believe it was Prestonwood) hired famous British atheist and social commentator Christopher Hitchens to come and debate a professor of theology in front of their entire student body.  (I forget the professor's name, but he is no lightweight either - he's debated Hitchens in a number of public forums before.)  The administrator said that, basically, since the students faith is going to be challenged throughout their life, why not expose them to one of the most articulate and formidable opponents of Christianity now, and let them see the two worldviews battle it out before them?

It certainly does run contrary to the usual image of Christian schools fostering a blind, unchallenged faith in their young charges!  They ran a podcast but I was unable to pick it up; I'm hoping to get a video of the event, and I will review it here when I do.

[Rev. Powell]

Christopher Hitchens is fighting esophegeal cancer right now.  I wonder how sharp he will be. 

[indianasmith]

I don't know. He apparently was glad to take the gig, despite his medical condition.  The theology professor in an interview said that he and Hitchens have gotten along very well, and that he is "witty, urbane, and charming" offstage while being "feisty, combative, and brilliant" in debate.  The students have been encouraged to pray for Hitchens' recovery, and to treat him with respect while he is there.  I am really anxious to see how it all panned out.