The Issue of Debating, and a solution

[SDJonathan]

I'm an atheist, and I have had discussions or "debates" with people of various religions, though mostly Christianity, and none of them have ever gotten anywhere or accomplished anything in either direction. Regularly I find that my questions and points are being outright evaded altogether, and sadly I think I've caught myself doing the same thing on a few occasions. I've been thinking about that for a while, trying to find some way to avoid anyone's questions being evaded by anybody, the better to promote beneficial discussion, and I think I have a solution:

A one on one debate structured similar to how court proceedings are set up.

Let's say I am debating somebody. I would ask a series of questions ten maximum. To each of these questions, my "opponent" would provide an answer, and nothing else. Once I am done with my questions, I would then make an argument based on the answers, my "opponent" would make a reply to my argument, and then we would switch roles and repeat.

I think this would help to promote constructive discussion, and I'd love to try it out with somebody. What do you think about this method?

 

[theLords]

What is it you desire to debate?

The 1 on 1 Debate forum would be a perfect place for you to debate!

 

[craigmn3]

As a way of explanation....not to further the debate.

This difficulty arises from your lack of acceptance of anything to do with the soul of man.
Thus you reduce man to the lowest physical level and expect to get answers

This is an untenable situation

 

[Igor]

I'm an atheist, and I have had discussions or "debates" with people of various religions, though mostly Christianity, and none of them have ever gotten anywhere or accomplished anything in either direction. Regularly I find that my questions and points are being outright evaded altogether, and sadly I think I've caught myself doing the same thing on a few occasions. I've been thinking about that for a while, trying to find some way to avoid anyone's questions being evaded by anybody, the better to promote beneficial discussion, and I think I have a solution:

A one on one debate structured similar to how court proceedings are set up.

Let's say I am debating somebody. I would ask a series of questions ten maximum. To each of these questions, my "opponent" would provide an answer, and nothing else. Once I am done with my questions, I would then make an argument based on the answers, my "opponent" would make a reply to my argument, and then we would switch roles and repeat.

I think this would help to promote constructive discussion, and I'd love to try it out with somebody. What do you think about this method?

Seems like what you are talking about is a formal debating situation. I've never been on a debating team, but have a friend who is quite good at it (a national champion) and taught me some about it. From what I've learned, it doesn't seem appropriate here.

It seems the goal of these forums is to share ideas and gain knowledge (someone correct me if I'm wrong...) The goal of formal debate is to gain points by using evidence, no matter how obscure, to support your point. You don't even have to believe in the point you are supporting. The only goal is simply to win by citing more evidence (that your opponent is unable to refute with other evidence) than your opponent can cite for his position. Sometimes that evidence can be so obscure that your opponent simply isn't prepared to refute any of it, so you win! Its just a game that has nothing whatsoever to do with your true beliefs or even with common sense.

While formal debate can be fun, it doesn't seem conducive to honestly sharing our true faith and knowledge of scripture.

Since you are an atheist, and seem to be a fan of debate, it could be that those who refuse to answer your questions and resolutions are only doing so because they feel it is a waste of time. They want to share the good news of Jesus with those who will listen to them, not waste time with one who only wants to argue and debate for the sake of winning the game.