Written Assignment: Debate Between Tony Blair and Christopher Hitchens on “Is Religion a Force for Good in the World?”

Read chapter 14 in Religion Matters, “Do We Need God to Do Good?” and the article “Lunging, Flailing, Mispunching” by Terry Eagleton to prepare for listening to this debate. We will watch the debate in class. Take notes as you listen. Write a 3-4 page essay following these guidelines.

a) Who had the most persuasive argument? (Not who you happen to agree with, but who won the debate?) Explain why.

b) Identify one important idea that you learned while listening to this debate.

c) Why do you believe that this idea is important?

d) Identify and explain at least one point made in chapter 14 or in the article by Eagleton that challenged one of the debaters (or vice-versa).

e) What questions(s) has this debate raised for you? What are you wondering about?

Link to Resource