Long term advice when debating theists.

[Cephus]

I've always thought the science/origin argument that usually results from the debate is a goofy one to partake in for the Atheist.  Because the atheist flat out doesn't know what happened, and the idea of something creating the universe just isn't absurd enough.  Similarly the idea that there is some order and purpose to the universe is also not that absurd.  
The harebrain schemes attached to said creator, however, with all the heaven/hell stuff just doesn't make any sense.  It doesn't make sense in so many ways, that it's really indefensible.  I suggest skipping the "How'd we all get here then!?!?!?! " And "Intelligent Design needs an Intelligent Designer!!!" because both of those are really irrelevant to religion, which is about what God wants us to do, not how the universe got here.

The thing is, the atheist doesn't know and neither does the theist.  Just because someone is uncomfortable not knowing something isn't license to just make something up out of whole cloth, which is exactly what all religions do.  Pointing this failure out doesn't change anything though as all religions go from A to a ridiculous, irrational leap to B, made entirely without any objective evidence and a lot of emotional demands that it has to be true because it makes them feel good.

Most theists are just idiots.