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Religion Debate Topics for Students — page 17

2,660 debate topics, students. Debatable motions with arguments for and against. Open the arguments below, pick one at random, or present them full-screen.

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  1. 801.

    A god created the universe

    For

    • My opponent seems not very open minded. He fails to understand that by challenging his negations I can win this debate. He somehow thinks that simply because he negated them means that his negations are set in stone and cannot be disproved. Yeesh. .. Okay, let's continue:…
    • Thank you Patsox for taking almost three days to respond. Let's continue: My opponent: I never said that at all; my opponent is completely misrepresenting my argument. I was saying that since the universe's constituency has always existed, that means there's no need for a…

    Against

    • "He fails to understand that by challenging his negations I can win this debate. He somehow thinks that simply because he negated them means that his negations are set in stone and cannot be disproved. " I think my opponent is the one failing to understand -- I never, ever, not…
    • <"However, he believes that it hasn't been in its current form for all of time. So, if nothing else was around, what caused it to change forms? A God? "> Again, the big bang and the ideas I put forth aren't mutually exclusive. They can be both be true -- actually, they both…
  2. 802.

    God can be proven to exist

    For

    • Well in conclusion Con seems to have given up this argument. My arguments were basically that God is Energy, and I have proven the case with supernatural experiences experienced by Prophet Muhammad may peace and blessings of God be upon him and of the Promised Messiah and his…
    • It is quite nice that Con gave up on this round, due to the overwhelming evidence that God does exist. I would like to take this time to clarify some points. My God isn't the Christian god, or the Muslim god, or the Greek god, my God is infinite energy. We are all made up of…

    Against

    • You all refer to this being as "God" what really is god a god is someone of strong supernatural power is it not? But it is illogical to call such a being "God". The idea of God is more of a fallacy because no religion has been shown to be the correct religion. After all, when…
  3. 803.

    Jesus Christ was God incarnate

    For

    • The Supremacy of Christ Colossians 1:15 He is the the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and in Earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities: all things were…
    • Rebuttal 1: In order to argue the divinity of Jesus, the bible is simply the context of the debate. You must simply accept that the bible is a valid tool to prove this truth. the fruition of prophecy in todays world simply solidifies the faith of man. Jesus claims to be God…

    Against

    • The Supremacy of Christ Colossians 1:15 He is the the image of the invisible God (WHY THE IMAGE IF HE IS GOD?), the firstborn (READ-PRIMOGENITURE IS A COMMON LAW STATUS WHICH GIVES HIM THE RIGHT TO INHERIT THESE THINGS AS GOD WOULD ALLOW; NOTE- YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE FIRSTBORN TO…
    • "In order to argue the divinity of Jesus, the bible is simply the context of the debate." -Not true. That is like limiting a case in court to the actual case, and preventing the judge, jury, and advocates from addressing issues with precedence. "You must simply accept that the…
  4. 804.

    Atheism is a system of argument rather than a belief

    For

    • I may not have fully understood some of your more subtle points so let me apologize now if I inadvertently misrepresent your views or argue against something you did not assert. I will reassert, in the light of your objections, my argument that atheism is not a lack of belief…
    • I will argue that the only logical use of the word "atheism" is to refer to a system of argumentation. This proposal has the necessary implications that the word "atheist" should only be used to refer to people who, in one way or another, engage in this system of argumentation.…

    Against

    • "Cats and babies should not be called atheists ..." Refer to R1 where I specifically state applying a status of belief claims to entities unable to formulate belief claims or even religious perspectives is nonsensical to begin with. "Consider a man who was raised under a…
    • There are really only two main issues here that I need to contend. Firstly, what is atheism and secondly why it isn't a system of argumentation. To that end the majority of my opponent's argument can be ignored since I only need to address the one definition of what atheism is…
  5. 805.

    Catholics are in continuity with the Church of Jesus and the Apostles, while Protestants are not

    For

    • You said: "I am surprised that you have not made the argument as many Catholics claiming that the Roman Catholic church is the one true church and that is the one church Jesus was referring to when he said he would be back for his church." I did not bring this up because it…
    • Thank you Tony for accepting the challenge. I want to say I appreciate your willingness to discuss/debate such an important issue. For full disclosure, I wanted to note that I am a former Protestant (Baptist, Presbyterian) who converted to the Catholic Church. I would first…

    Against

    • How do you debate a Protestant and expect him to accept Catechisms of the Catholic church as a valid source of information. Use the Bible, as your own texts are not scripture and carries no weight for protestants. As far as the first Crusade, I know it better than most from…
    • I will not argue that the apostles were founders of the Christian church, they walked with Jesus and he gave them instructions to carry on after is ascension. I am surprised that you have not made the argument as many Catholics claiming that the Roman Catholic church is the one…
  6. 806.

    The Bible teaches a pre-Adamic creation

    For

    • "Why would the LORD bless the 7th day for the Israelites if there was a pre-Adamic creation? " By the seventh day God's work was complete; the seventh day was sanctified in memorial of that creation. Does this mean God couldn't create other things afterward? Clearly not, for…
    • Case for pre-Adamic Race If Genesis 2 contains an attempt at explaining events of the creation in chapter 1, we should find proof that the author of Genesis 2 intended it as an explanation. But what does an explanation look like? First, it must draw reference to the thing its…

    Against

    • My opponent's entire case rests on the fact that Genesis 1 & 2 are contradictory if they are talking about the same events, to which I agree. I will be arguing for a very simple explanation known as "JDEP" or the Documentarty Hypothesis. Firstly, we must note that the language…
    • It is my burden to cast shadow of doubt on a pre-Adamic creation. Contention 1: The Theory is Contradicted While the gap theory does resolve the contradiction between the two creation accounts, it creates more problems than it solves. 4. In the Fourth Commandment, Exodus 20:11,…
  7. 807.

    No one can know whether the Christian God exists

    For

    • My entire argument from Round 1 remains unchallenged, so the resolution remains affirmed.
    • My entire argument from Round 1 remains unchallenged, so at this stage the resolution is affirmed. I will await my opponent's rebuttal of my previous arguments before I put forth any more.

    Against

    • I'm sorry. Truly I am. I would have loved to have debated this topic. I really did underestimate how much time Harvard takes out of a person. I'm sorry. I urge that you vote in Affirmation. Thank you and once again, I'm sorry. ~EG
    • Since this site is officially running on ". org" I can debate regularly from school now. That's right. I'm back! But on to your case. I accept all framework brought before me and will now move on to my case and, given that space isn't an issue, will move on to refuting my…
  8. 808.

    It is irrational for God to hold humanity to a code God does not follow

    For

    • I have indeed noted the above point, and I shall briefly outline and defend this assertion... I will accept my opponent's points A-D above, with a short enhancement of point E. Morality is not simply right action in accordance with sort of code of morality - it involves the…
    • Well, I must of course relinquish this last round in the spirit of fair debate. I know the opening argument by Con states that this is a round for summary, but I'm going to forgo that, because it's certainly possible that any summary I give will have the effect of influencing…

    Against

    • 1. Introduction JCMT has noted that he is looking for an interesting religious debate and I would like to deliver. JCMT, in this thread - http://www.debate.org... , stated that : "An omniscient God creates several problems for morality in general, most specifically the problem…
    • I. SURREBUT … REJOI … MY RESPONSE (a) A moral code does not have to be universally moral for it to be a moral code. The code that God set down was nothing less than a series of limits on and justifications for action. That is most certainly a moral code. Whether or not one…
  9. 809.

    The Christian God can coexist with evil and suffering

    For

    • Extend arguments
    • Extend Arguments

    Against

    • Well of course the Christian God could still exist without the evil and suffering in the world. But the evil and suffering will never stop. But here's the thing; No matter how thin you make a pancake, it will always have two sides. For example: With Man comes woman. With left,…
  10. 810.

    The existence of God is impossible

    For

    • Introduction I would like to begin by thanking my opponent for presenting his rebuttals. I would also like to express my gratitude, as I am glad my opponent has not only been using the faith argument, but logical, mathematical arguments as well. I was hoping for a competent…
    • Introduction I want to begin by thanking my opponent for providing his arguments and allowing this debate to commence. As it is now the third round, it is time for rebuttals. I will give them now. Rebuttals My opponent began by answering my question, which was the following:…

    Against

    • Thank you very much sir for the compliment."I was hoping for a competent debater, and that is what I got." On to the rebuttals, the specific piece of information that I cited from the website www.big-bang-theory.com says," so where and in what did the singularity appear if not…
    • I apologize that I presented my rebuttals early. Now onto the nitty gritty. Again since you have specifically stated that those who deny facts deny reality, outside of that singularity that our universe came from we have no scientific evidence to understand or prove or disprove…
  11. 811.

    God is not all good but is all powerful

    For

    • (Ah, an agnostic. This will be interesting.) The existence of evil and suffering is illogical if God is omnipotent, omniscience and omnibenevolent. If God has all the traits just said, God should know where evil comes from, the origin of evil and how to stop it. Being…
    • We have all heard of the quote of, "If God is unable to prevent evil, then he is not all-powerful. If God is not willing to prevent evil, then he is not all-good. " This quote comes from the Greek philosopher Epicurus. That's some context, I'm pretty flexible when debating but…

    Against

    • I will address the parts of your argument and then explain mine. Disclaimer: Most of what I typed was made yesterday as an opening statement. It may be general, but it makes my point. And also, I am Muslim, not agnostic ;D It is unfair to say that the existence of evil is…
    • In my honest opinion, I must just say that as humans with human limitations, we cannot speak for an existence that is beyond us. We cannot truly measure the feats or intentions of god, because he like so many other wonders, are too vast and large to measure. We are incapable of…
  12. 812.

    Atheists can go to heaven

    For

    • sleepiB, you don't seem to understand the fact that for the sake of this argument, I am assuming heaven to by the hypothetical truth. Essentially I have said that if there is, in fact a heaven, which i previously defined, could a man not of that specific religion, or even one…
    • >>>First off, you say "I challenge your assumption that heaven exists, and your implied assumption that there is a correct religion" >>>I did not assume any existence of heaven, or any correct religion, i merely stated certain hypothetical situations which related to…

    Against

    • You have failed to demonstrate that anyone, much less an atheist, can go to heaven. The burden of proof is always on the proponent, you made a positive assertion and failed to support it. The assertion was that atheists can go to heaven, regardless of the religious doctrine…
    • You did not limit your argument to any Christian idea, nor specify if that idea is textual, or derived from an oral tradition. You said, "Okay, now as for my opening statement, i say that a man who admits to not knowing about a specific god, or even having a completely…
  13. 813.

    Veganism is compatible with following Christian scripture

    For

    • This debate spirals from a previous debate whereby my well opponent seems to think that a vegan diet is wrong yet their is no moral change within the dieting of a person. That unbelievers refrain from animal produces and that I was pursuing animal produce brought out lower…
    • God clearly saw that there people were animal caring settlement perhaps too the people had experience cruelty to animals. . Animals are abuse and the milk their could supply did teach us unconditional compassions you must have with an animal in order to milk the goodness of…

    Against

    • In this debate I will be acting as a believing Christian. It would be sinful and hypocritical for a Christian to not use every God-given gift on this earth to better live and take care of his body, a temple of the Holy Ghost. Not using the nutrients in foods readily available…
    • So what you are saying is that the consumption of milk leads to the proper care of animals which is a Christian virtue. Therefore Christians should be encouraged to do so, thereby rejecting vegan-ism. Summing up, Christianity teaches to use and thank God for all His gifts.…
  14. 814.

    Rock music should be allowed inside churches

    For

    • Rock music is not a bad thing to have in Church, it helps bring youth and more 'worldly people' in, and away from satan. It is a new time, and a new generation, and most people are no longer willing to simply sit and listen to all the consequences of religion, but more about…

    Against

    • Hello Torm. I have little to say, only that im looking forward to your reply. I understand people can be bussy and unable to make it on time. I hope to hear from you soon.
    • Hello. Welcome Torm and thankyou. I am greatfull that another christian accepted my topic. This allows us to speak peacafully about the bible and church without mockers interfeering. Worldly people are attracted to there own. You who are rich so will you gather many of the…
  15. 815.

    Christian hope requires the resurrection of Jesus

    For

    • Thank you con for your argument. While the first few paragraphs were too muddled for me to decipher, I did pick up the theme of my opponents argument as this: "As for Sure Hope, Pro offers a nonsensical modifier for a well establish meaning by adding a degree of certainty to a…
    • Apart from the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, there is no sure hope for anybody in anything. My opponent has accepted the challenge to show sure hope in anything other than the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I don't know what hope my opponent can say is sure,…

    Against

    • Your argument is Y1) If J then H. Y2) If no J then no H Y3) If no J and H occur, then no Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious H, Y4) H is based on Self interpretation of Pro, go back to Y1 While I say you make no argument, I mean no logically consistent argument. My argument,…
    • Dear ProThank you for the debate, and putting yourself and your opinion into the public sphere. I am thoroughly enjoying the mental exercise. As Mary Poppins would say 'In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and - SNAP - the job's a game.'…
  16. 816.

    Believing in the God of the Bible is better than atheism

    For

    • Rebuttal: 1. I did not say Christianity is not a result of chance because it is old. I was pointing out it was foretold in the OT thousands of years before it happened. Foretelling something will happen by various persons is hardly by "chance". The fact that the Jews do not…
    • Rebuttal: Con claims that I start my resolution with an "arbitrary idea". Arbitrary according to who? There is a lot of historic evidence for Christianity so Christian belief did not result as a matter of chance or some random process. Perhaps Con should provide the evidence…

    Against

    • This is the last round of the debate, so I'm going to focus on the points that are most relevant to judging the debate. First, I would like to point out that my opponent never linked to any sources, whereas I did, so I think it is clear that the points for sources should go to…
    • Pro claims that Christianity cannot simply be the result of "chance," because it is very old. I'm not sure what this argument is supposed to show - at any rate, it is very weak. I'm not claiming that Christianity is the result of chance, I'm claiming that it is the result of…
  17. 817.

    Humans rather than God wrote the Bible

    For

    • Brothers and sisters don't let my opponent get away with playing a game of semantics. Further, his argument doesn't even hold up if I were to follow his line of reasoning. Ignorant can have many different meanings. Ignorant-1 lacking in knowledge or training; unlearned. 2…
    • The year is 2009. Nearly 2 billion people on our planet have organized their lives around the claim that the Bible is so profound that it is acceptable to arrange one's life around it to the exclusion of other books. Am I the only one that sees a problem with this? Given the…

    Against

    • I really don't think we need three rounds for this debate. ==================== My Opponent's Objection ==================== "Brothers and sisters don't let my opponent get away with playing a game of semantics. Further, his argument doesn't even hold up if I were to follow his…
    • First of all, I would like to point out that, not only is it improbable that ignorant mortals wrote the Bible, it is IMPOSSIBLE. I shall prove why in a moment, but first definitions must be given. Ignorant: illiterate . http://www.merriam-webster.com... Illiterate: unable to…
  18. 818.

    Near-death experiences feature Jesus but not other religious figures

    For

    • dfaef
    • i dunno about the jewish one given judiaism's relationship to christianity. but sure fine you got it

    Against

    • I have established NDEs can and do involve religious figures other than Jesus. Pro has conceded as much. Thank you for the debate, Pro.
    • I look forward to exploring this subject with you! Jesus and NDEsPro has asserted that Near Death Experiences (NDEs) generally involve an individual experiencing Jesus. I assume Pro does not mean NDEs always involve god, but when they do, Jesus is the go-to god, and other gods…
  19. 819.

    Christians and atheists are more alike than different

    For

    • I rest my case. My opponent offered nothing.
    • My opponent offered nothing. I stand.

    Against

    • Christians and Atheist are most certainly not alike. Christians believe in God while Atheist do not. Christians live by the word of God and are not perfect. You don't have to be perfect to be a Christian. It says that very clearly in the Bible. Atheist live by their own law.…
  20. 820.

    Religion cannot provide valid support for arguments

    For

    • Many times I have come across debates and religion is used all too often as proof to back up which ever side. I'm going by the bible now, as I have read it and have a limited knowledge on this subject. Now it is meant to be the word of god, but seeing as this god has ceased to…

    Against

    • My opponent has forfeited again. All arguments extended.
    • My opponent as forfeited the round. All arguments extended.
  21. 821.

    The Bible is not inerrant

    For

    • Here's hoping for a spirited and good natured discussion. My resolution is simple to prove without a doubt. I'll start with a few confirmed errors present in the Bible - (Cue Julie Andrews) Let's start at the very beginning; a very good place to start - GE 3:14 The serpent eats…
    • I will start with the next round - I just want my opponent to be able to see the debate and agree on terms before we start. Bible - KJV Inerrant - without error. If DCB has any additions, or wants me to change something, I ask him to let me know now.

    Against

    • Hopefully, we will learn something from this debate. Let's start with my opponent's contradictions: GE 3:14: The serpent eats dust for the rest of his life. Bible describes that this "snake" was none other than Satan (1), who, being an angel, took on the form of an animal. As…
    • I agree with my opponent's definition. The Biblical inerrancy means that in its original form, the Bible is totally without error, and free from all contradiction. Now my opponent can begin with his case.
  22. 822.

    The Bible contains factual inaccuracies

    For

    • I have set up this debate in response to an exchange between Strider97 and I on an opinion thread [1]. I will be PRO; Strider97 will be CON. I want to make it very clear that I own 100% of the burden of proof; CON need only refute my arguments. Below is the actual claim being…
    • I thank CON for his third round arguments. Before getting to the arguments proper, I would like to thank CON for accepting this debate; I have thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope CON has as well. The Six Main Arguments 1) Joseph's Father Regarding CON's point that Jechonias was…

    Against

    • I have thoroughly enjoyed this debate round, just as much as I hope the PRO has. I would like to thank the PRO for his decency in this debate round as well as for inviting me. So far in this debate the only thing I have discovered is that the KJV is not translated as well as I…
    • Also, I would beg the forgiveness of the PRO, as I have responded late in this round. (I"ve been very busy) Secondly, truth regardless of how it translates into language is truth none the less. If we are going to continue we must agree on this point. 1) Mathew 1, "This is the…
  23. 823.

    Islam should be considered a religion

    For

    • Evolved in what way? I do not agree with everything that you have said, but I will assume that the points you made about Islam are true for the sake of the debate. Here is why the affirmative has won: Followers of Islam cut people's heads off. Followers of Islam did this…
    • Please answer the question.

    Against

    • Listen as a member of the debate.org team said, " It is a religion but it's a false one. It has been hijacked by a minority of extremists but the majority does nothing about it. What happened when the Danish cartoonist drew Mohammed with a bomb on his head? What reaction did we…
    • this delegate would say yes, as the Orthodox Jews have evolved compared to the Muslims through time...
  24. 824.

    The Bible does not condone recreational drinking of alcohol

    For

    • i do not have to debate that the bible forbids the consumption of alcohol. just that it's not clear enough that it's okay to drink when the water is sanitary. those verses do not say drinking is a good thing, all we can deduce was that it was permissible.
    • your verses in support of drinking do not say it's okay to drink if the water is sanitary. it merely say it can make one's heart merry and to drink it with gladdness. i never said the bible doesn;t allow for drinking alcohol. it forbids drunkenness, but it doesn't mean it…

    Against

    • My opponent claims that the verses I proposed as evidence are invalid, because they do not say it is okay to drink alcohol if the water is sanitary enough to drink. The verses also do not address if it is okay to drink whenever you have died your hair red and are in the middle…
    • My opponent claims that since wine was ONLY drunk because the water was oftentimes unsanitary, then every other passage in the bible referring to drinking is irrelevant. Notice I emphasized ONLY in a sarcastic fashion. While this was a reason people in biblical times drank…
  25. 825.

    A true god is known, not believed

    For

    • welcome
    • there is no god

    Against

    • Okay, thanks!
    • No, there is god.
  26. 826.

    ISIL accurately represents Islam

    For

    • THE TIME FOR CONCLUSIONS. THE MOMENT OF TRUTH. My opponent in the last round stated that the word fight doesnot mean to physically kill, but teach. In Arabic, the word is qaatilu قاتلوا which means kill.. ISIL has NOT taken financial rights away from Christians. Imagine a life…
    • Now's the time for refuting... I ask voters to vote not for thier own belief but by who really deserves this debate... "(Islam translates to peace in Arabic" Thats wrong.. Salam سلام is peace.Islam إسلام is submission. "I am ashamed that ISIL does evil things to people and…

    Against

    • I will now clarify a few items before stating my conclusion. First of all, there are many words and interpretations of fight in Arabic, and the dialects change. My opponent continues to find only arbitrary cases that not only help exemplify my points, but weaken the arguments…
    • I will now start my refutation of the rebuttal(s) made by my opponent. I will then start a rebuttal of points. First of all, for my opponent to rebut a comment made to help give a potential help to the viewer/voter, I view this as a semantical refutation that exists not only to…
  27. 827.

    The Christian Bible changed the Sabbath commandment

    For

    • Acts 15 does not imply that the Law of Moses was still to be kept. Lets read: Acts 15:1-21" And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had…
    • First and foremost, i stated in Round 1 "I will only argue that the Sabbath is no longer applicable to the New Covenant for salvation" for the following reason: I'm aware that Jellon is a messianic Jew and i do not believe that messianic Jews should stop following the Sabbath.…

    Against

    • Rebuttal Pro quoted the passage in Acts 15 I previously gave, but Pro failed to fully address my points with regard to the passage. Pro failed to explain why Acts 15 mentions the Laws of Moses being preached in the synagogues. Pro asserts that Acts 15 does not mention keeping…
    • Rebuttal Pro seems to bring up several examples of the history of Rabbi Sha'ul (Apostle Paul) going to the synagogue on the Sabbath and points out that these are not commandments to keep the Sabbath. I agree. Had I intended to use these to suggest such, I would have already. I…
  28. 828.

    Evidence for God's existence is undeniable

    For

    • First, my opponent made the odd connection between a comic book and the Bible. He said, "The adventures of Joe Messiah are absolutely true though because you say so. You can't simply claim the Bible is historical, when its not, and suppose that that meets your burden of proof,…
    • First, I must explain why I asked my opponent for his definition of "undeniable evidence." I am not stupid—I know what it means. But again, I want to ask what he would find "undeniable evidence" or "evidence that is undeniable." If my opponent does not answer my question with…

    Against

    • My opponent is to establish there is undeniable evidence that God exists. I am intended to tear that notion down. By God, I mean the God of one of the monotheistic Abrahamic religions.
    • If I were stubborn enough or cared very little I could stedfast deny God slapping me around like a scene from Chinatown. However at this point I'd settle for even moderately bad evidence rather than completely bad evidence. The fact that the comics are comics makes them false?…
  29. 829.

    Atheism lacks a factual basis

    For

    • Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive! Sir Walter Scott Con - Prove that I've not been looking. You can't. I claim that I have been looking. Proof con is untruthful, and has NOT ever been a theist, or looking for any God. Prevaricator! Con supports:…
    • Atheist beware- You are on notice, the intelligent of the world have tolerated you long enough. Braggarts, dimwitted in the extreme, proud to be called Atheist. Not anymore! We shall investigate the evidence together, before the very eyes of all atheist present now or future.…

    Against

    • I'll just offer rebuttals to most things my opponent has said:"like not catching that Atheism is stupidity IS the title!" No, I just ignored it because it's baseless and insulting. I caught that you said this in the title. I don't see how I wouldn't have. "Like pointing out…
    • Since my opponent didn't offer a definition of atheism, I shall do so now.Atheism: "Disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods." [1]My opponent claims atheism is stupidity and has no basis in facts. However, I contend that the most logical position to have on a…
  30. 830.

    The moral argument for the existence of God is sound

    For

    • Thank you David for accepting my broad challenge to the Atheistic worldview. Preliminary RemarksNormally I argue in an ethos where I propose a superior ontological grounding of morals while my opponent has her own metaphysical basis on offer. Such a backdrop pits the combatants…
    • There's nothing more vulnerable than a being who is all Love...Recall the argument, 1. If God does not exist, then objective moral values & duties do not exist.2. Objective moral values & duties do exist.3. Therefore, God exists.Con has only tried to negate P1 with a…

    Against

    • Because he did not post any arguments in the previous round, I suppose he was using that for terms. 1. If God does not exist, then objective moral values & duties do not exist. This simply does not logically follow. It is like saying, "If the objective moral ferries do not…
    • Resolved: The moral argument for the existence of God is soundThis debate is in response to my opponent's forum post challenging the atheistig debaters to the moral argument. Definitions: The moral argument - 1. If God does not exist, then objective moral values & duties do not…
  31. 831.

    Abrahamic religions do more harm than good to society

    For

    • yes, but they did not wipe out an entire race. it was horrendous act of war, that was deemed a necessary evil. the japanese government was still left standing and the emperor was still the head of the governent. it was something that sent a very clear signal, but it was not a…
    • it is just not right to wipe out an entire species and race. there is no possible way to justify the slaughter of children by the actions of their fathers, people simply change in due time. genocide can not be defended in any way possible. i find it quite ironic with you saying…

    Against

    • Pro: ishmael was abrahams son- Who was born to Hagar out of wedlock. God rejected Ishmael and his descendents because he was a violent maniac. God has a name in the Bible, Jehovah. Muhammed came along thousands of years later, created his own religion, claimed he got it from a…
    • Pro: "it is just not right to wipe out an entire species and race..." Those surrounding the Israelites were on the constant attack and barbaric. During WWII, the U.S. chose to drop 2 atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki which led to the end of the bloodiest war in world…
  32. 832.

    Evolution is a valid view for Christians to hold

    For

    • Argument #1 - A dichotomy between the days of creation in Genesis and evolution is not a dichotomy between evolution and ChristianityAfter all, it is precisely because theistic evolutionists believe that the Genesis creation account is scientifically impossible that we reject…
    • Thank you for accepting my challenge, Andrew. Best of luck to you as well. My case rests on my belief that interpreting the creation narrative found in Genesis as metaphor does no harm to the essential tenets of the Christian faith. There is, therefore, no reason why Christians…

    Against

    • -I will now present my arguments against theistic evolution being compatible with the Christian doctrine. -Thank you to my opponent for providing me the opportunity to do so. -Before examining the day-age theory, I would like to point out a couple of discrepancies in the order…
    • -First of all, evolution is the change in the inherited characteristics of biological populations over successive generations. . https://en.wikipedia.org... -It does not examine the origins of life on earth, that topic relates to the theory of abiogenesis or panspermia. (or in…
  33. 833.

    The God of the Hebrew Bible displays too much hatred

    For

    • On Parameters:The reason I was setting parameters on our debate (yes it is our debate, not just his debate) is because I was attempting to have an intelligent discussion that was focused on finding some truth. My opponent did not have to support God. He simply needed to stop…
    • Parameters of the Debate:A metric is something that measures another thing. I'll make it easy for you: http://lmgtfy.com...My opponent is only now disputing the metrics and scope of the debate. If you recall, I gave my opponent 72 hours (the length we have to post an argument)…

    Against

    • 1, As stated before" this debate is not about winning. This is about the children which is something that seeming all christians seem to misuse and escape. This is about their pain and suffering and the horrors that they go through due to what christians believe is perfectly OK…
    • Nor can she read people"s tells all that well. If this was a game of poker, I"d take all of her chips before she were even to sit down to the game. Its shocking to believe how far off she is. I went back and I don"t think I ever mentioned the word "christianity". And I know I…
  34. 834.

    Religion is essential for any functioning civilization

    For

    • Agreed. I ask that you take a look at a few point I have to make. First off, what keeps a healthy person from murdering another out of cold blood? The answer should be guilt, because the individual should be aware of right and wrong. Religion is man's own philosophical code of…
    • A basic religion holds basic principals of right and wrong. when a civilization shuns its basic religion, it sheds its morality, and collapses under social and economical destruction.

    Against

    • ...
    • Agreed. I ask that you take a look at a few point I have to make. First off, what keeps a healthy person from murdering another out of cold blood? The answer should be guilt, because the individual should be aware of right and wrong. I might not say guilt, but whatever.Religion…
  35. 835.

    Religion has been a net negative force in the world

    For

    • Since my opponent has forfeited his round, I have fulfilled my end of the argument by proving that religion has been a highly negative force in the world. Without his rebuttal, I see no need for posting any further arguments.
    • Firstly, I do not know how much more I have to stress on the fact, that religion is NOT the only cause for violence, sadness etc.... I have mentioned this before, but you continue to refute my arguments based on the assumption that I am blaming religion for all the bad things…

    Against

    • I thank Atheist1096 (Pro) for this debate. As introduction, I would say, blaming religions, ideologies, philosophies for bad things happened to human kind is little bit silly (or fallacious). Because religions, ideologies or philosophies can do nothing by themselves, it is the…
    • I accept.....
  36. 836.

    God can gain knowledge while being omniscient

    For

    • I will delve more into the relational vs intrinsic properties argument below...Prima FacieCon claims that his argument still remains, because when we hear about an omniscient being gaining knowledge, we automatically think that is impossible at first glance. However, we only…
    • Prima Facie PlausibilityI only conceded prima facie plausibility of the resolution being false if we assume that the set of "everything that there is to know" necessarily does not change (I talked about prima facie plausibility before I mentioned my argument about the changing…

    Against

    • Thanks to RT for this debate. It's been fun. :) Prima facieMy opponent admits that our prima facie view of the resolution is unfavorable, but he says that it is based on a misunderstanding, or an incorrect assumption. He states, "we only think that assuming that the set of…
    • Well folks, I have the utmost respect for RT, but I must admit I was very disappointed by his reply up there. He's completely ignored my main and strongest criticism to his argument, that of relational/extrinsic properties vs. intrinsic properties. Hit control+f on your key…
  37. 837.

    The kingdom of Jesus Christ was established in the first century AD

    For

    • "And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There are some here of them that stand by, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God come with power. And after six days, Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and bringeth them up into a…
    • "Did they say it was at hand? But of course, yet as I stated before at hand could be tomorrow, could be next week could be next year or next century. "At hand" is too vague to pinpoint and settle on so you have to go by the signs and which ones have come to pass and which…

    Against

    • "And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you,There are some here of them that stand by, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God come with power.Andafter six days, Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and bringeth them up into a high…
    • "Did they say it was at hand? But of course, yet as I stated before at hand could be tomorrow, could be next week could be next year or next century. "At hand" is too vague to pinpoint and settle on so you have to go by the signs and which ones have come to pass and which…
  38. 838.

    The Christian concept of hell is morally abhorrent

    For

    • I submit that Hell is a morally abhorrent concept, I will firstly establish what hell is, or at least marshal some evidence that suggests what it entails, then establish who may go there, and finally make my case for why, specifically this is morally abhorrent. What is hell and…
    • Hello popculturepooka & fellow debaters, This debate has arisen from a forum thread for which the link is below. http://www.debate.org... I would maintain that Hell, in the Christian tradition is a Morally abhorrent concept, and will be arguing this assertion. Round 1:…

    Against

    • Again, unfortunately, my opponent has forfeit. Extend all arguments. Vote Con, please. Thanks for reading.
    • Unfortunately, Pro has forfeit. Extend my arguments.
  39. 839.

    Jesus Christ is God

    For

    • Which religion are you talking about? I still don't understand. Nobody vote on this debate, please. I think it was a misunderstanding.
    • 1. Even though there is no solid evidence that Jesus Christ exists, why do so many people believe in Him, if this whole thing is a lie? I don't really understand the rest of your argument.

    Against

    • Firstly I'd like to apologize for the lack of clarity in my initial argument, but this debate was initially set up for me to argue with someone who challenged me on Facebook and who had already set out their beliefs. However they never showed so the debate was left open and you…
    • There is no evidence that, if the historicity of Jesus is proven, he was anything more than a human being. Biblical references to Jesus and his apparent supernatural abilities and apparent divine lineage can't prove anything more than any legend that happens to feature an…
  40. 840.

    A good God exists

    For

    • 'Deceit' as in having people believe you are good, but secretly being bad. The Christians do have a deceitful person, but it isn't god. I'm pretty sure that you know the devil. He looks like and acts like God, but isn't. therefore, there is no deceitful god in the universe.
    • Proceeding from the last debate I claim that God is NOT deceitful.

    Against

    • I will forfeit this round.
    • Pro accepted the challenge to defend the proposition "A Good God is out there for sure."Considering Philosophers think it's hard to prove anything "for sure", proving that a god - let alone a good god - exists, is certainly a tall order for sure! In fact, it has been impossible…
  41. 841.

    Religion does more harm than good

    For

    • I will first clarify a few of my points and then add new ones. Ok. I certainly approve of the general condemnation for religious extremists, which I frequently see in media. I note this is not a position sustained by principle, but by pragmatic necessity. Not meritorious. The…
    • Any social construct that promotes and exalts willful ignorance puts its members in a reproductive disadvantage to the rest of humanity. Mankind's want for religion should have faded out of our cultures a long time ago with the rise of modern science and the scientific…

    Against

    • It is disappointing that my opponent didn't post a reply nor did he engage any of my points as I tried to engage all of his points. The fact still stands that his main point about Religion being bad because it impedes progress is nullified unless he can prove that progress is a…
    • First off, you give a long rant about extremism by giving specific examples of religious extremism, and then you go on in your next paragraph and say that examples are meaningless in this type of debate; therefore your first paragraph is moot. "Faith allows belief in divine…
  42. 842.

    Christianity is beneficial to individuals

    For

    • "For the opponent to win this debate, he has to prove to us that Christianity is beneficial for all individuals that practice it, rather than most." Are you SERIOUSLY going to do that?! Okay, but this will only be fair if you make a distinction between true Christianity and…
    • Preamble: Though I am aware that saying this will make me appear to be complaining and/or making excuses (which I apologize for), I feel the need to inform both my opponent and all spectators that I am typing my debate arguments (or at least the ones to this Round) on a Kindle…

    Against

    • As the Burden of Proof lies on the opponent, I would be presenting one arguments per round as insurance. As the opponent has failed to some other key terms, I would like to take this opportunity to do so. Beneficial: The quality of having a good outcome from practicing said…
    • My first debate compeitition. Good luck all. Have fun!
  43. 843.

    The New World Translation equates Jesus with Jehovah

    For

    • I showed you that it was a prophecy and that it was fulfilled by John the Baptist by quoting you a part of John 1. Biblically, It's obvious that it was a prophecy and was fulfilled by John the Baptist because it says it is right in John 1. John said he was making the way for…
    • Blop

    Against

    • Pro has made very convincing arguments that the NWT says Jehovah and Jesus are the same person. Thank you for your extensive research Pro.
    • My apologies for the FF on previous round. Pro has failed to address any of my rebuttals or establish that 1.) That Isaiah 40 is making a prophecy. 2) That John fulfilled this prophecy. 3.) That such a prophecy is in reference to Jesus. Simply quoting scripture is not a valid…
  44. 844.

    The God hypothesis lacks scientific support

    For

    • Because we have both written a lot, I have decided to summarize our arguments. From what I have read, your argument is as follows: A god hypothesis can exist because god can be defined. This definition does not have to be mutually accepted. From this definition we can…
    • "What god "does", or rather, any testable qualities he may have, is the result of what he is." True, so what is god? "... a "hypothesis" is simply a guess, and that the nature of the thing in question need not be known at the outset." A phenomena is not defined by its nature.…

    Against

    • As this is the last round, I will attempt to restate my position in light of his blackhole/god example. 1. Defining God in relation to other knowledge- Supernatural being should suffice here. We know what natural things are (those objects subject to the laws of physics) and we…
    • Unfortunately my opponent still seems confused by the idea of a hypothesis. I am having trouble following his argument. "so what is god?" Whatever we are looking for that we label god because: "... a "hypothesis" is simply a guess, and that the nature of the thing in question…
  45. 845.

    Catholicism is not a form of Christianity

    For

    • Binding Contract: I, God, do hereby swear by the blood of my Son, Jesus, to overlook all of your violations of my Holy Law (sin) and grant you full pardon and entrance into eternal life by the resurrection of my Son from the dead if you will agree to the following terms: 1) You…
    • Uh huh, and Hare Krishna is also a branch of Christianity. The only problem is, the branch has been taken from a strange tree and the fruit it bears is not from God. Christian in Catholicism has a whole different meaning than Christian in the Bible. Are you going to put up an…

    Against

    • You have totally gone of course of what this debate is about. My opponent says in the comments that I deserve to die and burn in hell because I stated that the King James Bible is not the real bible. He said I should die because I stated a FACT. Catholicism is Christian because…
    • Catholic's and Christians have the same values, the same God. Catholic's are are a belif in God, Christianity is a belief in God. I do not understand why you think that Catholicism and Christianity are not the same thing. When I die, my sins are forgiven. My sins decide whether…
  46. 846.

    Religion and science can coexist

    For

    • Thank you, Con. Here's the problem with taking the Bible (and Koran) too seriously. Half of the Bible (the Old Testament) is composed of stories that were written by several different unrelated authors and were passed down mostly orally for hundreds of years. Obviously such…
    • Thank you for your argument, Con. I appreciate that you left the Bible out of it like I had asked (most of my opponents don't listen). However, you said that "every religious claim so far has been shown to be incorrect". Please give some examples of disproved claims. I DO…

    Against

    • My opponent has raised some interesting points in his latest rebuttal, however I feel they create more problems for religion than they actually solve. Firstly my opponent has said that the evidence I provided showing that God does not exist is irrelevant as my opponent stated…
    • My opponent has asked me not to mention the bible, unfortunately I have to mention the bible now as my opponent has also asked for scientific evidence disproving god. If we look for evidence of god then whatever religious text we take then there will be certain claims that they…
  47. 847.

    The Antichrist has not yet been completely revealed

    For

    • Hello, welcome to my debate. Rebuttal 1: The Antichrist is ONLY ONE PERSON. "I'm going to have to agree with Sir Isaac Newton on this one and say that the "antichrist" isn't one person, it's a role that can be identified as the pope of the Catholic Church." The role of the…
    • I do not believe that the Antichrist is completely evident yet (meaning that nobody meets all of the criteria of the Antichrist yet). Here are the rules of my debate. 1. To accept, you must think that the antichrist is evident as of September 1st, 2013. 2. Round 1 is acceptance…

    Against

    • 2 Thessalonians 2:3-7 "Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless theapostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his…
    • I'm going to have to agree with Sir Isaac Newton on this one and say that the "antichrist" isn't one person, it's a role that can be identified as the pope of the Catholic Church. This is not a blatant attack on Catholocism, as I will try to be as apologetic towards the…
  48. 848.

    Religion is primarily a form of escapism

    For

    • Religion is, by definition 'the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power; God(s)'. While in this debate I am not discounting the personal beliefs of others, as everyone is entitled to their beliefs, I am simply saying I believe them to be wrong. Not only this,…
    • Thank you. Arguments will start in round two.

    Against

    • Points carry over.
    • You stated that there is no afterlife. Can you prove that to be true? I can't and I am a Christian, you see neither of us can prove anything. Religion is not for comfort. In fact, here is an example of religion not being all warm and fuzzy. The Muslim religion worships a god…
  49. 849.

    Christianity is fundamentally a pagan religion

    For

    • (Clearly, you are not reading this right. You see, in the verse, the people cut down a tree in the forest with the axe. Then the decorate it with silver and gold. Now you say this verse is talking about the Christmas tree. Well, it's not. Apparently, this verse is actually…
    • (Pagan- A person who worships many gods or who worships nature and the Earth.) That is exactly what a Christian is. They celebrate all pagan holidays that are made to worship other gods. Satan does not have to tell you to worship him, he is very cleaver, and you worship him…

    Against

    • As this debate is coming to an end, I just want to say it's been a privilege debating with my opponent, this being my very first debate. -"Clearly my opponent does not know where christmas trees come from; clearly he doesn't know that Christmas trees are decorated, and it is…
    • -"HE also states not to celebrate "CHRISTMAS" which just about all Christians do ... for one cutteth a tree out of the forrest (the worke of the hands of the workeman) with the axe. V4 They decke it with silver and with golde, they fasten it with the nayles and with hammers…
  50. 850.

    Islam prohibits Muslims from befriending non-believers

    For

    • Let us go to the scholars. Ibn Kathir is a highly trusted Imam within Islam. Here is what you will find on Wikipedia regarding Ibn Kathir. "Ibn Kathir wrote a famous commentary on the Qur'an named Tafsir al-Qur'an al-'Adhim which linked certain Hadith, or sayings of Muhammad,…
    • Some more text than to prove that this statement is true in the Islamic faith. I have a feeling I won't be hearing from you again. I would love to have a real discussion about topics regarding Christianity and Islam with learned students of the Qu'ran.…

    Against

    • A complete understanding can only be achieved by understanding the whole issue as presented over all the verses and chapters and not by looking at only part of the Quran. Here is a large list of muslim scholars and teachers who have interpreted this verse you quoted: Muhammad…
    • You have misinterpreted this statement. "Let not believers take disbelievers as allies RATHER than believers" Meaning The believers must not take the disbelievers as friends instead of the believers

How to use these debate topics

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