Ben Stein Hosts God Debate: Hitchens vs. Richards

On January 27 atheist Christopher Hitchens squared off against Jay Wesley Richards, Christian philosopher of science, to debate the topic, “Atheism vs. Theism and the Scientific Evidence of Intelligent Design.”

Interview with Christopher Hitchens

At the Theism versus Atheism debate co-sponsored by The Stanford Review on January 27th, three fortunate Review writers interviewed famed journalist Christopher Hitchens. Mr. Hitchens has written for Vanity Fair, The Nation, Slate, and The Atlantic. In 2007, he released the best-selling book God is Not Great, a criticism of theist religions.

Interview with Ben Stein

After the January 27 debate on atheism vs. theism, The Stanford Review had the opportunity to interview debate host Ben Stein. The multi-talented Stein has held successful careers in journalism, academia, acting, and law.

Toledo Visits Campus, Speaks on Latin American Democracy

“Alejandro Toledo does not fit the image of a Latin American president. His skin is too dark, his nose is too prominent; his hair is too long.” This is a description of the former President of Peru, Alejandro Toledo, as described by Stanford professor Larry Diamond in his book, The Spirit of Democracy.

Smoke Signals

Amidst ever-present signs (this week they read “Hillary” and “Obama”) that campus is highly left-leaning, it is nice to witness an honest debate and some good old-fashioned fun.

World News in Brief

On January 30th, President Giorgio Napolitano of Italy announced that he would push Senate speaker Franco Marini to form an interim government for the foreseeable future. Since a January 24th Senate vote established the formal government’s lack of confidence in Romano Prodi’s Center-Left party, Italian policymakers have been locked in a state of limbo.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Richard Armitage

Speaking to an audience of roughly 60 Stanford University students and community members on February 7, 2008, former deputy secretary of state Richard Armitage described the challenges facing the United States in the coming decade in all parts of the world.

Interview with Jay Richards

The Stanford Review recently sat down with Dr. Jay Wesley Richards, the pro-God advocate in our recent debate, “Atheism vs. Theism and the Scientific Evidence of Intelligent Design.”

An Interview with Expelled Producer Mark Mathis

After January’s debate, The Review sat down with Mark Mathis, one of the producers of Ben Stein’s upcoming documentary Expelled. Here’s what he had to say about the film, which addresses how the academic world treats scientists who question any aspect of Darwinism.

President of What?

When I watch a presidential debate or read a newspaper, I cannot help but think about how closely the presidential primaries resemble grade school student council elections. Back then, candidates did cartwheels, performed raps and cross-dressed. Now they scowl, cry and point fingers. Back then, candidates promised chocolate milk in the water fountains, minimum days on Fridays, and no homework over the weekend.

Should America Employ Mercenaries? You Bet!

On January 16, the New York Times reported that Justice Department officials have informed Congress of “serious legal difficulties” in prosecuting Blackwater security guards involved in a September shooting that left at least 17 Iraqis dead.

Editor’s Note: A Reflection on the Debate

w’s January debate on atheism vs. theism was considered a huge success by most who attended, and here’s why: it featured the kind of open dialogue and exchange of ideas that should be prized at Stanford and every university. Christopher Hitchens and Jay Richards discussed at length a subject—belief in a higher authority—which lies at the heart of many people’s worldview, yet is rarely discussed seriously in upper level academia.