Christopher Hitchens' Health and Christian Prayer

Ever since Christopher Hitchens announced he was suffering from cancer of the esophagus, I have been curious to see both the mainstream Christian reaction and Hitchens' response. I had my own reaction, which is that God has ranted him mercy up to this point considering his blasphemous ways an hoped God would continue granting him mercy.

Hitchens has surprised me with his reaction--he is touched by the prayers:

CH: Well look, I mean, I think that prayer and holy water, and things like that are all fine. They don’t do any good, but they don’t necessarily do any harm. It’s touching to be thought of in that way. It makes up for those who tell me that I’ve got my just desserts. It’s, I’m afraid to say it’s almost as well-founded an idea. I mean, I don’t, they don’t know whether prayer will work, and they don’t know whether I’ve come by this because I’m a sinner.

HH: Oh, I…has anyone actually said that to you?

CH: Yeah, oh yes.

HH: Oh, my gosh. Forgive them. Well…

CH: Well, I mean, I don’t mind. It doesn’t hurt me. But for the same reason, I wish it was more consoling. But I have to say there’s some extremely nice people, including people known to you, have said that I’m in their prayers, and I can only say that I’m touched by the thought.

I assumed Hitchens would be more scoffing, perhaps comparing those Christians as insincere or the type who baptize dead Jews to ensure their entry into heaven. I am pleasantly surprised he appreciates the sentiment instead.