https://atheistforums.org/ Thu, 28 May 2026 16:57:40 +0000 MyBB https://atheistforums.org/thread-34889.html Wed, 22 Jul 2015 02:43:31 +0000 https://atheistforums.org/thread-34889.html
Resolved: Using the ‘Five Ways’ found in Article 1, Question 2 of the Summa Theological, Thomas Aquinas successfully demonstrates the existence of God.

Arguing for the Affirmative: ChadWooters
Arguing for the Negative: Metis

Round 1: Opening Statements (to be posted 7/28/15)
Round 2: Initial Rebuttals (to be posted 8/4/15)
Round 3: Closing Statements (to be posted 8/11/15)

The translation used for common reference will be as given at: http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/aquinas/...sum005.htm]]>
Resolved: Using the ‘Five Ways’ found in Article 1, Question 2 of the Summa Theological, Thomas Aquinas successfully demonstrates the existence of God.

Arguing for the Affirmative: ChadWooters
Arguing for the Negative: Metis

Round 1: Opening Statements (to be posted 7/28/15)
Round 2: Initial Rebuttals (to be posted 8/4/15)
Round 3: Closing Statements (to be posted 8/11/15)

The translation used for common reference will be as given at: http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/aquinas/...sum005.htm]]> https://atheistforums.org/thread-29639.html Mon, 10 Nov 2014 18:20:25 +0000 https://atheistforums.org/thread-29639.html
We will each be presenting an opening statement, followed by a response to those each, and then a further response round, without length limitations. We will be allowed up to one week between responses, as needed, to properly formulate a response.

We have both read the debate rules as listed in this section, and are essentially playing by those. I'll open up a public thread for discussions by non-participants once we've gotten started, and link to it here.

Other than that, good luck to my opponent.]]>
We will each be presenting an opening statement, followed by a response to those each, and then a further response round, without length limitations. We will be allowed up to one week between responses, as needed, to properly formulate a response.

We have both read the debate rules as listed in this section, and are essentially playing by those. I'll open up a public thread for discussions by non-participants once we've gotten started, and link to it here.

Other than that, good luck to my opponent.]]> https://atheistforums.org/thread-15499.html Mon, 29 Oct 2012 08:39:13 +0000 https://atheistforums.org/thread-15499.html
The participants in this debate are DeistPaladin and chi pan.

DeistPaladin will be arguing that the Gospels are not based on a true story of Jesus. Chi pan will be arguing that they are.

This is a debate on a specific version of the historical Jesus - i.e. as depicted in the four Gospels of the NT, specifically - and whether or not they are true, accurate, has any corroborating evidences, and/or whether or not they compose a consistent story. Along the way, the debaters will be discussing some of the details of the historical Jesus such as when he was born, when he died, how he died, what was his ministry, what he said, and what he preached exactly.

There is going to be four rounds altogether: (1) Opening Statements; (2) Response to Opening Statements; (3) Rebuttal of Responses; and (4) Closing Statements.

The time limit for the responses is 5 days. The time limit may be extended later, if needed.

This thread is closed for everyone else except for the participants and the staff.

However, all the (non-participant) members can discuss the debate or their thoughts on it in the following thread:
http://atheistforums.org/thread-15500.html


DP and chi pan, please adhere to the rules, discuss maturely, and have fun.

Rayaan]]>
The participants in this debate are DeistPaladin and chi pan.

DeistPaladin will be arguing that the Gospels are not based on a true story of Jesus. Chi pan will be arguing that they are.

This is a debate on a specific version of the historical Jesus - i.e. as depicted in the four Gospels of the NT, specifically - and whether or not they are true, accurate, has any corroborating evidences, and/or whether or not they compose a consistent story. Along the way, the debaters will be discussing some of the details of the historical Jesus such as when he was born, when he died, how he died, what was his ministry, what he said, and what he preached exactly.

There is going to be four rounds altogether: (1) Opening Statements; (2) Response to Opening Statements; (3) Rebuttal of Responses; and (4) Closing Statements.

The time limit for the responses is 5 days. The time limit may be extended later, if needed.

This thread is closed for everyone else except for the participants and the staff.

However, all the (non-participant) members can discuss the debate or their thoughts on it in the following thread:
http://atheistforums.org/thread-15500.html


DP and chi pan, please adhere to the rules, discuss maturely, and have fun.

Rayaan]]> https://atheistforums.org/thread-13986.html Wed, 25 Jul 2012 06:57:46 +0000 https://atheistforums.org/thread-13986.html
KnockEmOutt will be arguing that it is irrational, while Jeffonthenet will be arguing that it is not irrational.

I expect both members to have their opening arguments in within five days from this posting. These arguments should just generally cover each participant's stance on the issue and their arguments. Within five days of those being posted, each participant must form a rebuttal to the other's opening statement and so forth until they are satisfied. I expect one post each for each response and no jumping ahead. Each response must be answered in turn. If you have something to add, do so before the next round of rebuttals and do it by editing the post. If the other participant had already responded, you are out of luck.

Be sure to adhere to these rules. If there are any questions or problems with the rules, please contact a mod or admin. https://atheistforums.org/thread-976.html

As always, this thread is closed to anyone other than staff and the participants.]]>
KnockEmOutt will be arguing that it is irrational, while Jeffonthenet will be arguing that it is not irrational.

I expect both members to have their opening arguments in within five days from this posting. These arguments should just generally cover each participant's stance on the issue and their arguments. Within five days of those being posted, each participant must form a rebuttal to the other's opening statement and so forth until they are satisfied. I expect one post each for each response and no jumping ahead. Each response must be answered in turn. If you have something to add, do so before the next round of rebuttals and do it by editing the post. If the other participant had already responded, you are out of luck.

Be sure to adhere to these rules. If there are any questions or problems with the rules, please contact a mod or admin. https://atheistforums.org/thread-976.html

As always, this thread is closed to anyone other than staff and the participants.]]> https://atheistforums.org/thread-10438.html Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:10:35 +0000 https://atheistforums.org/thread-10438.html

Topic: Are Love and Fear compatible as described in the Bible?

Setup: 3 rounds
round 1 - opening statements (due 13th 0730 EST)
round 2 - rebuttals (due 20th 0730 EST)
round 3 - conclusion (due 27th 0730 EST)

with 24 hours from the due date before termination and notice required for extension via PM. After the debate closes that's it, we haven't asked for judges or mediators or audience participation, save that stuff for the debate comment thread.

Cinjin will take the side that Fear and Love are incompatible
Tackattack will take the position that Fear and Love are compatible
]]>

Topic: Are Love and Fear compatible as described in the Bible?

Setup: 3 rounds
round 1 - opening statements (due 13th 0730 EST)
round 2 - rebuttals (due 20th 0730 EST)
round 3 - conclusion (due 27th 0730 EST)

with 24 hours from the due date before termination and notice required for extension via PM. After the debate closes that's it, we haven't asked for judges or mediators or audience participation, save that stuff for the debate comment thread.

Cinjin will take the side that Fear and Love are incompatible
Tackattack will take the position that Fear and Love are compatible
]]> https://atheistforums.org/thread-9860.html Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:50:42 +0000 https://atheistforums.org/thread-9860.html here.
topic:
This is a pro/con debate, with no scoring. Opponents are attempting to validate their position and invalidate the opponent’s position.
participants:
lucent will be taking the position of the atheist
reverendjeremiah will be taking the position of the theist with beliefs non-denominational and a Trinitarian, as well as a bible literalist and a young earth creationist, original sin, the fall, the life death and resurrection, substitutionary atonement, the second coming, judgment day, heaven and hell as attained from here

rules:
Standard rulles will be found here. Please review them prior to posting.
We'll do it in standard debate format with four rounds:
Opening-Due by Friday 9 Dec 0700 EST
Rebuttal 1- Due by Friday 16 Dec 0700 EST
Rebuttal 2- Due by Friday 23 Dec 0700 EST
Closing - Due by Friday 30 Dec 0700 EST
I will close each round. Continuances or forfeitures should come to me via PM or email.
Addendums will be:
a) that the post count will be 1500 words per post.
b) failure to post a reply without a previously notified absence by the deadline will be considered a forfeiture
c) I expect spell check to be used. Definitions from Webster
d) References and edit notes are necessary, quoting a previous post is not. None of the aforementioned count towards the word counts, which should be posted.

Intros are done, time for opening round. It should outline (in essence) the protagonists understanding of the subject, what they believe to be true. All that being said the floor is now open for proponents to post their opening statements.
]]> here.
topic:
This is a pro/con debate, with no scoring. Opponents are attempting to validate their position and invalidate the opponent’s position.
participants:
lucent will be taking the position of the atheist
reverendjeremiah will be taking the position of the theist with beliefs non-denominational and a Trinitarian, as well as a bible literalist and a young earth creationist, original sin, the fall, the life death and resurrection, substitutionary atonement, the second coming, judgment day, heaven and hell as attained from here

rules:
Standard rulles will be found here. Please review them prior to posting.
We'll do it in standard debate format with four rounds:
Opening-Due by Friday 9 Dec 0700 EST
Rebuttal 1- Due by Friday 16 Dec 0700 EST
Rebuttal 2- Due by Friday 23 Dec 0700 EST
Closing - Due by Friday 30 Dec 0700 EST
I will close each round. Continuances or forfeitures should come to me via PM or email.
Addendums will be:
a) that the post count will be 1500 words per post.
b) failure to post a reply without a previously notified absence by the deadline will be considered a forfeiture
c) I expect spell check to be used. Definitions from Webster
d) References and edit notes are necessary, quoting a previous post is not. None of the aforementioned count towards the word counts, which should be posted.

Intros are done, time for opening round. It should outline (in essence) the protagonists understanding of the subject, what they believe to be true. All that being said the floor is now open for proponents to post their opening statements.
]]> https://atheistforums.org/thread-5355.html Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:25:43 +0000 https://atheistforums.org/thread-5355.html here.

Debate Topic
Deism vs. Theism: Which is the more likely understanding of God?

This topic presupposes that God exists or did exist at one time, is the First Cause of the natural universe, and is defined at the very least as a conscious being powerful enough to get the ball rolling.

Debate Participants
A Theist - Arguing for Theism.
DeistPaladin - Arguing for Deism.

Debate Structure
The debate will consist of three rounds, wherein the participants post only once each. The three rounds will be the Introduction (Opening Statements), Rebuttals, and Conclusion (Closing Statements). More rounds may be added if the participants deem them necessary.

Definition of Terms
Theism: Belief in some sort of personal god.
Deism: Belief in God as the cause of the natural universe but doubt in the existence of a personal god.]]> here.

Debate Topic
Deism vs. Theism: Which is the more likely understanding of God?

This topic presupposes that God exists or did exist at one time, is the First Cause of the natural universe, and is defined at the very least as a conscious being powerful enough to get the ball rolling.

Debate Participants
A Theist - Arguing for Theism.
DeistPaladin - Arguing for Deism.

Debate Structure
The debate will consist of three rounds, wherein the participants post only once each. The three rounds will be the Introduction (Opening Statements), Rebuttals, and Conclusion (Closing Statements). More rounds may be added if the participants deem them necessary.

Definition of Terms
Theism: Belief in some sort of personal god.
Deism: Belief in God as the cause of the natural universe but doubt in the existence of a personal god.]]> https://atheistforums.org/thread-2080.html Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:51:42 +0000 https://atheistforums.org/thread-2080.html https://atheistforums.org/thread-1813.html Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:33:49 +0000 https://atheistforums.org/thread-1813.html Saerules and Arcanus. In various threads throughout the forums, Saerules had been observed asserting that the God of Christian theism is an impossible entity by reason of logical contradictions intrinsic to the attributes claimed of this God. Arcanus decided "it might be a worthwhile investment of [his] time and energies to engage that claim in a formal debate," so he submitted a challenge to Saerules. The challenge was accepted, and what follows is the material content of that debate.

DEBATE TOPIC:

• Resolved: "The attributes of the Christian God exhibit logical contradictions."
  

DEBATE PARTICIPANTS:

• Saerules: Affirming the debate resolution.
  

• Arcanus: Denying the debate resolution.
  

DEBATE STRUCTURE AND TIMELINE:

• Opening Statements (11 Sep 2009, 23:59 hrs. Pacific)
  

• Response to Opening Statements (18 Sep. 2009, 23:59 hrs. Pacific)
  

• Rebuttal Against Responses (25 Sep. 2009, 23:59 hrs. Pacific)
  

• Closing Statements (2 Oct. 2009, 23:59 hrs. Pacific)
  

DEBATE RULES:

• WORD COUNT: Every submission by the participants in each of the four debate rounds is limited to not more than 1,500 words.
  

• POST DURATION: The participants are given one full week to compose their submission for each of the four debate rounds, such that it will be available online by the morning of the Saturday at the end of each deadline week.
  

• EXTENSIONS: If an extension of a post deadline is required, a request will be made no later than 48 hours prior to the deadline.
  

• DEFAULTING ON THE DEBATE: Each participants agrees that going 48 hours beyond the post deadline date, without an agreed-upon extension, constitutes having defaulted on the debate.
  

• PUBLICATION OF THE DEBATE: Each participant gives their consent to the completed debate being published outside of AtheistForums.org on his or her own web site, provided that proper attribution is maintained, using the names they each go by at AtheistForums.org, and the material is not altered in its content. Any further distribution requires the consent of both debate participants.
  

NON-PARTICIPANT QUESTIONS:

Upon completion of the four debate rounds, the participants will open themselves up to questions, if there are any, from members who followed the debate. In order to curtail tedium and tangent, each member is restricted to: (i) three succinct questions, which are not more than five sentences long each; (ii) one succinct follow-up question to each of the responses given.]]> Saerules and Arcanus. In various threads throughout the forums, Saerules had been observed asserting that the God of Christian theism is an impossible entity by reason of logical contradictions intrinsic to the attributes claimed of this God. Arcanus decided "it might be a worthwhile investment of [his] time and energies to engage that claim in a formal debate," so he submitted a challenge to Saerules. The challenge was accepted, and what follows is the material content of that debate.

DEBATE TOPIC:

• Resolved: "The attributes of the Christian God exhibit logical contradictions."
  

DEBATE PARTICIPANTS:

• Saerules: Affirming the debate resolution.
  

• Arcanus: Denying the debate resolution.
  

DEBATE STRUCTURE AND TIMELINE:

• Opening Statements (11 Sep 2009, 23:59 hrs. Pacific)
  

• Response to Opening Statements (18 Sep. 2009, 23:59 hrs. Pacific)
  

• Rebuttal Against Responses (25 Sep. 2009, 23:59 hrs. Pacific)
  

• Closing Statements (2 Oct. 2009, 23:59 hrs. Pacific)
  

DEBATE RULES:

• WORD COUNT: Every submission by the participants in each of the four debate rounds is limited to not more than 1,500 words.
  

• POST DURATION: The participants are given one full week to compose their submission for each of the four debate rounds, such that it will be available online by the morning of the Saturday at the end of each deadline week.
  

• EXTENSIONS: If an extension of a post deadline is required, a request will be made no later than 48 hours prior to the deadline.
  

• DEFAULTING ON THE DEBATE: Each participants agrees that going 48 hours beyond the post deadline date, without an agreed-upon extension, constitutes having defaulted on the debate.
  

• PUBLICATION OF THE DEBATE: Each participant gives their consent to the completed debate being published outside of AtheistForums.org on his or her own web site, provided that proper attribution is maintained, using the names they each go by at AtheistForums.org, and the material is not altered in its content. Any further distribution requires the consent of both debate participants.
  

NON-PARTICIPANT QUESTIONS:

Upon completion of the four debate rounds, the participants will open themselves up to questions, if there are any, from members who followed the debate. In order to curtail tedium and tangent, each member is restricted to: (i) three succinct questions, which are not more than five sentences long each; (ii) one succinct follow-up question to each of the responses given.]]> https://atheistforums.org/thread-1767.html Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:57:49 +0000 https://atheistforums.org/thread-1767.html
I'll start with my 'fr0d0 Web'

MY FR0D0 WEB:

- 'You can't have rational reasons to believe and also have faith, because those reasons would equate to evidence, and if you have evidence you can't have faith.' - EvF

Because evidence is simply what gives support to a belief. And a belief without any support, still believed - is delusional.

Also I'll give you this to ponder:

'Faith is belief without evidence - and that's irrational [because of the above reasoning(s)] . So the term 'rational faith' is an oxymoron.' - EvF

EvF]]>
I'll start with my 'fr0d0 Web'

MY FR0D0 WEB:

- 'You can't have rational reasons to believe and also have faith, because those reasons would equate to evidence, and if you have evidence you can't have faith.' - EvF

Because evidence is simply what gives support to a belief. And a belief without any support, still believed - is delusional.

Also I'll give you this to ponder:

'Faith is belief without evidence - and that's irrational [because of the above reasoning(s)] . So the term 'rational faith' is an oxymoron.' - EvF

EvF]]> https://atheistforums.org/thread-985.html Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:51:12 +0000 https://atheistforums.org/thread-985.html
The topic is "God(s), Science & Evidence"

First both debaters will introduce themselves in this topic, and give an overview of the goals they try to achieve in this debate.

Then there will be 4 rounds of debate.

ROUND 1: Opening Statements (Deadline 11th of May 2009)
Each member of the debate makes an opening statement (3000 words maximum) on the debate topic. These are pre-prepared statements that outline (in essence) the protagonists understanding of the subject, what they believe to be true. Each response will be posted as a separate posting in the debate forum clearly stating in the title that it is "ROUND 1" e.g. "ROUND 1: Debater #1's Opening Statement"

ROUND 2: Response To Opening Statements (Deadline 5th of July 2009)
Each team member replies to the opening statement/s of the opposing team member/s (5000 words maximum). This section is more free-form and deals with the points raised by their adversaries and explain why they consider their adversary's POV to be incorrect. Each response will be posted as a reply to their own opening statement in the debate forum clearly stating in the title that it is "ROUND 2" e.g. "ROUND 2: Debater #2's Response To Debater #1's Opening Statement"

ROUND 3: Response #2 (Deadline 19th of July 2009)
Each team member replies to the first response/s of the opposing team member/s (5000 words maximum). Each response will be posted as a reply to their own response in the debate forum clearly stating in the title that it is "ROUND 3" e.g. "ROUND 3: Debater #1's Response To Debater #2's Response"

ROUND 4: Summary (Deadline 2nd of August 2009)
Each team member replies to the second response/s of the opposing team member/s (3000 words maximum). Again this is free-form but length limited which allows each protagonists to sum up their case and state why they consider their adversary to be incorrect. Each response will be posted as a reply to their own second response in the debate forum clearly stating in the title that it is "ROUND 4" e.g. "ROUND 4: Debater #2's Summary"

Quotes will be counted in the word count, so use it sparingly. If one of the debaters is not capable of posting their round posting before the deadline and did not ask for an extension on the deadline, he will have forfeited the debate. A debater may ask the referee for an extension on the deadline through PM. If the referee finds the reason for the extension request satisfactory the deadline can be extended for both parties.

After the Summary statements, the thread will be closed. The debate winner will be decided on the merit of the arguments made by a jury who will need to be as neutral on the subject as possible.

A separate thread will be posted in the discussion area for the members of the forum not participating in the debate to comment on this debate. This thread will be closely moderated, no off-topic derails are allowed in that thread.

Unless there are any questions or objections, let the debate begin.

(edit: at the request of the debaters the time schedule has been altered)]]>
The topic is "God(s), Science & Evidence"

First both debaters will introduce themselves in this topic, and give an overview of the goals they try to achieve in this debate.

Then there will be 4 rounds of debate.

ROUND 1: Opening Statements (Deadline 11th of May 2009)
Each member of the debate makes an opening statement (3000 words maximum) on the debate topic. These are pre-prepared statements that outline (in essence) the protagonists understanding of the subject, what they believe to be true. Each response will be posted as a separate posting in the debate forum clearly stating in the title that it is "ROUND 1" e.g. "ROUND 1: Debater #1's Opening Statement"

ROUND 2: Response To Opening Statements (Deadline 5th of July 2009)
Each team member replies to the opening statement/s of the opposing team member/s (5000 words maximum). This section is more free-form and deals with the points raised by their adversaries and explain why they consider their adversary's POV to be incorrect. Each response will be posted as a reply to their own opening statement in the debate forum clearly stating in the title that it is "ROUND 2" e.g. "ROUND 2: Debater #2's Response To Debater #1's Opening Statement"

ROUND 3: Response #2 (Deadline 19th of July 2009)
Each team member replies to the first response/s of the opposing team member/s (5000 words maximum). Each response will be posted as a reply to their own response in the debate forum clearly stating in the title that it is "ROUND 3" e.g. "ROUND 3: Debater #1's Response To Debater #2's Response"

ROUND 4: Summary (Deadline 2nd of August 2009)
Each team member replies to the second response/s of the opposing team member/s (3000 words maximum). Again this is free-form but length limited which allows each protagonists to sum up their case and state why they consider their adversary to be incorrect. Each response will be posted as a reply to their own second response in the debate forum clearly stating in the title that it is "ROUND 4" e.g. "ROUND 4: Debater #2's Summary"

Quotes will be counted in the word count, so use it sparingly. If one of the debaters is not capable of posting their round posting before the deadline and did not ask for an extension on the deadline, he will have forfeited the debate. A debater may ask the referee for an extension on the deadline through PM. If the referee finds the reason for the extension request satisfactory the deadline can be extended for both parties.

After the Summary statements, the thread will be closed. The debate winner will be decided on the merit of the arguments made by a jury who will need to be as neutral on the subject as possible.

A separate thread will be posted in the discussion area for the members of the forum not participating in the debate to comment on this debate. This thread will be closely moderated, no off-topic derails are allowed in that thread.

Unless there are any questions or objections, let the debate begin.

(edit: at the request of the debaters the time schedule has been altered)]]> https://atheistforums.org/thread-745.html Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:36:25 +0000 https://atheistforums.org/thread-745.html
This forum is for a debate on Creation and Evolution. Feel free to join and fight for wich ever side you're on!!!

~Ashlyn

---

We're gonna let all of you pick the first topic for our debate. Shoot!

---

Becki, post a list of all our members. (minis, too.)

---

Ok. We're gonna use:

me (ashlyn)
Becki
Hope
and Amanda]]>
This forum is for a debate on Creation and Evolution. Feel free to join and fight for wich ever side you're on!!!

~Ashlyn

---

We're gonna let all of you pick the first topic for our debate. Shoot!

---

Becki, post a list of all our members. (minis, too.)

---

Ok. We're gonna use:

me (ashlyn)
Becki
Hope
and Amanda]]>