The Munk Debates Podcast
Be it Resolved: Religion is a Force for Good in the World
Mar 27, 2025
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, a convert to Catholicism, squares off against the late Christopher Hitchens, a renowned atheist and author. They delve into whether religion is inherently good, tackling its dual role in society—spurring charitable actions while facing criticism for its historical drawbacks. The discussion navigates the complexity of interpreting religious texts and highlights the essence of faith beyond mere doctrine. Ultimately, they explore the necessity of dialogue between believers and non-believers for moral progress.
39:21
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Quick takeaways
- Christopher Hitchens argues that religion fosters negative attitudes and can manipulate individuals through guilt and fear, hindering critical thought.
- Tony Blair asserts that, despite its flaws, religion inspires charitable work and moral responsibility, contributing positively to society's well-being.
Deep dives
The Debate on Religion's Impact
The podcast features a classic debate centered on the motion that religion is a force for good in the world. Christopher Hitchens argues against this motion, asserting that organized religion often leads to individuals committing unkind acts and espousing illogical beliefs. He presents several critical views, including that religion can cultivate guilt and shame and perpetuate negative attitudes toward women and sexual health. In contrast, Tony Blair contends that while religion can lead to evil acts, it also inspires a significant amount of charitable work and compassion, demonstrating that the essence of faith can drive people to do great good.
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