"Prove to me god doesn't exist"

[Brian37]

This argument is usually used in a debate when you've backed a religious person into a corner, and they can't answer. They always have this in their arsenal. Right next to "Mysterious ways" And "That's just what I believe"

How arrogant that you (Talking to someone who would use this argument) Think it is MY job to prove to YOU that your god doesn't exist. Prove to me Pink unicorns don't exist. Can't? Then you should believe it because you can't rule it out!

You may think that example is a little extreme but I see no difference between "Prove to me god doesn't really exist" To "Prove to me lord voldemort doesn't really exist"

What are your thoughts on this argument? Do you use it? Has someone used it on you? Do you get as frustrated as I do?

If I had a nickle for every time someone tried to shift the burden of proof, over my 15 year history of online debate, from not just Christians, but Jews and Muslims and even Hindus, and once a Rasta, I'd make Donald Trump look like a minimum wage worker.

I'd usually take their words, and simply replace the god in several sentences.

"Prove God does not exist"
"Prove Allah does not exist"
"Prove Yahweh does not exist"
"Prove Bhrama does not exist"
"Prove Thor does not exist".

Whatever sentence structure they use, or word arrangement in that sentence, simply take their own words and replace the deity.

If I am feeling especially sarcastic I end it with.

"Prove Angelina Jolie isn't giving me a blowjob as you read this. Absurd you say? How is it you rightfully reject that naked assertion when you are not on my end of the computer?" As Christopher Hitchens rightfully has said  "That which can be asserted without evidence, can be easily dismissed without evidence."

Now, that does not convince them in the moment, but it gets stuck in their head, then they are left really fighting themselves tripping over themselves trying to convince themselves they are right. Which in reality, is what they are doing. Long term that desperation can lead them to come to the realization they have nothing. Not always, but sometimes. It really forces them to do their own homework.

But for you at least, it lets them know you aren't going to be easily fooled. I usually end with "Get in line, take a number".