In an article in the Guardian Unlimited on April 14, 2002, Hitchens says he is Jewish because Jewish descent is matrilineal.... and so am I.
2007-11-13 02:29:26 · 15 answers · asked by I'm an Atheist 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Here, read it for yourself...
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/print/0,,4393579-110490,00.html
2007-11-13 02:37:23 · update #1
I've never heard of a Jew called 'Christopher' and it would be bizarre in the extreme. Can you provide a link; I'd love to read his words for myself.
If your mother is Jewish, you are Jewish. If your mother's mother is Jewish, your mother is Jewish. And so on.
edit
Thanks a lot for the link, that made really interesting reading!
Very sad that the grandmother had never told her children and thus her grandchildren about their Jewish heritage. I'm glad they discovered it in the end, though. And lovely that Christopher Hitchens had always felt that affinity with Jewish people.
EDIT SUSAN
No, there are no 'jewish christians'. You are either one or the other. 'jews for jesus' that you refer to are CHRISTIAN. It is not possible to believe in Jesus as messiah AND claim to be Jewish. The Jewish religion is crystal clear on this, and it's not up to jews for jesus to try and redefine Judaism.
2007-11-13 02:33:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree that Christopher would be an odd name for a born Jew, but it happens.
I don't see an inherent conflict in saying you're a Jewish atheist. I've known several.
2007-11-13 02:42:49 · answer #2 · answered by Cathy 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are also Jewish Christians. Ever hear of the organization, "Jews for Jesus?"
I think the term, "Jewish," can mean Religion or heritage.
2007-11-13 02:37:56 · answer #3 · answered by Yinzer from Sixburgh 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jon Stuart is supposedly Jewish and atheist. And Jerry Seinfeld. I think Minnie Driver is. Not sure about her. Maybe Bette Midler, too.
I think the term applies both to race and religion.
2007-11-13 02:41:21 · answer #4 · answered by strpenta 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A Jewish Atheist?
Is that like Kosher Pork?
kinda pregnant?
2007-11-13 02:41:57 · answer #5 · answered by ! 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Uh, yeah, and I'm partly Jewish as well. My mom was half Jewish.
Is this apropos to something?
2007-11-13 02:33:08 · answer #6 · answered by Rev. Still Monkeys 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kay. Technically, as the Jews define lineage, this is an accurate statement.
2007-11-13 02:32:15 · answer #7 · answered by Skalite 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If that is true that would make him a Jew (noun)....though not necessarily jewish(adjective).
2007-11-13 02:41:19 · answer #8 · answered by mzJakes 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a question here?
Jew by nationality.
Atheist (non)religiously
2007-11-13 02:34:55 · answer #9 · answered by Bobby Jim 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yeah, Hitchens is one of a growing number of vocal (NOT militant!) atheists.
2007-11-13 02:32:45 · answer #10 · answered by Brendan G 4 · 5⤊ 2⤋