Ricky Gervais And Stephen Go Head-To-Head On Religion

Ricky Gervais proves a formidable opponent for Stephen in a spirited conversation about belief, religion and atheism.

Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert weeknights at 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT. Only on CBS.

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[Rakinjo]

"If you destroyed every holy book, and waited a thousand years, they wouldn't all come back and be exactly the same. If you destroyed every bit of science we have, and waited a thousand years, it would come back exactly the same." - That is one hell of an argument.

[glenbaker]

“If you took all the holy books and other works of fiction” - slipped that one under the radar 😂

[marklawson]

Ricky is a very very clever man, he presents himself as an ordinary bloke (which he is), but he has a sharp intellect and wit to match. He doesn’t suffer fools and is very happy to debate. What a civilised debate. Well done gents!

[williamli]

"You don't believe in 2, 999 gods, and I don't believe in just one more". That's absolutely fantastic. I love that quote! I also love how Ricky quickly pointed out the pointless question of "why", and navigated the question towards "how", right from the get go. Fantastic.

[Karengulu]

Two people with different views having a sensible conversation. How refreshing

[annalogan]

*"You don't believe in 2999 Gods, I don't believe in 1 more"*
I had to go back and listen again cause man that was really good argument. Respect Ricky!

[russellscala]

I have to say he explains himself well and speaks calmly and respectfully. 👍🏻

[MrSouthernguy]

Proof that you can disagree with someone and remain civil. I am so sick of people attacking others verbally, physically, and financially because they choose to have a different belief or opinion.

[hylkemon]

I love how Stephen happily acknowledges when Ricky Gervais makes a good point.

[ming]

"You don't believe in 2999 other gods, and I just don't believe in one more."
That is gold.

[a.e.jabbour]

Ricky's so damned cool. Love the way he explains things.

[jamesziegenbalg]

I've never seen Colbert struggle so much with an interview. He really looked like he was having a hard time not getting emotional.

You can tell both of these guys were holding back about a topic that's extremely important to them. Gervais was more in his element I think.

[glitterNdoom]

"That's really good."
Here's what you don't often hear from your opponent in a debate.

[Angels]

Somehow I can't picture Fallon having a conversation like this with one of his guests...

[educationrepublic]

I have such respect for both these people. This is how debate could be. It's far too polarising and divisive, lacking nuance and respect. Well done to you both and thank you for a pleasant and fun segment.

[colepayne]

I like how you two debated this very big and important question had completely different thoughts on it and didn't get mad at each other. I wish there was more of that in the world.

[Gada]

I may not agree with Stephens's point of view but i respect the fact he is willing to have a conversation on TV.

[VULTUSPRIME]

People forget that Ricky Gervais apart from being a comic, he also has a degree in philosophy.

[wittyroark]

I used the 1000 years story with my religious relatives...and even they were slightly convinced 😁

[chipmunk]

Now that is a way to have a civil conversation on a controversial topic. Thumbs up