Christian/Atheist Debates

[Mike]

I'm new to the boards, and this is my first post - besides my intro on the new members forum.

I'm an avid debate viewer. A few of my favorite apologists who debate atheists are William Craig Lane and Dinesh D'Souza. I'm wondering if anyone could suggest others to seek out.

I have friends who make it a policy not to view them on the basis that they are so solid in their faith, they don't see the need. I believe these add ammunition when engaging with atheists and agnostics, while also getting insight into the "evidence" that atheists arm themselves with.

Admittedly, these likely change very few minds, as with presidential debates. You have people on either ends who see what they want to see and hear what they want to hear. People come away having their preconceived notions affirmed. However there is a small minority in the middle who are truly seeking the Truth, and if they are and they have an open heart for it, they will find it.

I have a good friend in my mens accountability group who says the opposing atheists have no validity to their arguments. Here's where I imagine I'll get some flack. I believe they do. I'm not saying they are right, but I am saying there is a body of science that backs up what they are saying. And if someone is not being led by the Lord, they will miss the evidence for God and Christianity.

 

[GojuBrian]

I do not believe God ever set out to prove He exists. That would be a simple task if He chose to do so, but then what good would faith be?

Sure, they have a valid argument, but they are still tragically wrong.

 

[terryberry]

but wouldn`t it be better if God revealed itself so all nonbelivers could realise it is not just a story

 

[Mike]

I don't see these debates as "God proving He exists". These are just platforms for Christians to lay out the most reasonable explanation for how/why we are here and how/why the universe was made. Our faith will, until the very end, be based on Faith. He could overwhelm the world with a glorious revelation of Himself, but this is not His plan.

These debates can serve to convince some fense-sitters to weigh the most logical answers and look into it further.

 

[Rick W]

but wouldn`t it be better if God revealed itself so all nonbelivers could realise it is not just a story

He did reveal himself in Jesus Christ. And guess what. Many still didn't believe.
Would you have?

Putting aside the Second Coming for a moment...
If Christ walked among us today I have little doubt it would be a controversial matter to say the least.

 

[jasoncran]

some chruches would kick him out as he would be into saving the lost and not men's tradition. if The Lord came in full glory then we would be dead as no flesh can see him and live.