I think the resolution was something like "Religion is a force for good in the world" (If I must state it as a positive rather than a question), I'm just waiting on Obi's agreement or input. I believe it gives room for societal and personal benefits of religion.

Looks like we need a new question then.

Eh, let's just go with the question as stated. Since it's an affirmative statement about theism and semck's topic I'm assuming he'd go first (at which point my questions about definitions would probably be answered anyhow).

I'm concerned that obiwan has secretly agreed to one of the questions, and is currently writing a dissertation on the subject, lol.

where the hell is obiwan

I'm pretty sure CA will win by default because Obi will max out his word limit before he even introduces the subject.

lmao. i am pretty interested to see if obi can pull off the word limit.

no exceptions, even for you, obi.

Obi?

Ugh. I guess I should PM him.

Oooo- Biiii, Ooooo-Biiii, give me your answer do......

I'm half Crazeeee, and Anglican through and through....

pm him for routing #

OK, so, sorry about that, busy the last couple of days--hence the conspicuous lack of over-long posts and Macbeth references on the forum--but anyway:

In regards to what we might debate...

I'll agree to the Personal Benefits of Religion vs. Atheism angle, CA...

If we can expand it somewhat to incorporate the Morality vs. Proposed (by me) Immorality of the Religion.

And let me check the rest of the topics, to see if that conflicts with any of them, as it just occurred to me after posting that I probably should check such a thing out...

Oh, were you considering taking the "Religion is a Force for Good in the World" one?

Whichever of the two you prefer, Personal Interest + Morality/Immorality of Religion or the Force For Good/Not Force for Good one...

Force for good then, agreed. When do we start this thing? 2000 word cap for first round?

How about spirituality as a force for good in yourself? as I look at my life i have a deep and firm belief in God. it helps me on a daily basis feel more humble and approach my decisions and actions more compassionately. Im not saying an an atheist cannot be humble and compassionate, however, in my opinion accepting the existence of a higher power mitigates the naturally dominant self interest in us and allows us to be more conscious of how we affect all things, not just ourselves.

I'll be happy with 2000 if Thucy's OK with it--

Have we set a date for an entry, or will Thucy just post it all on whatever date he compiles them all?

And given the Western Bent we all (or nearly all) have, perhaps it goes without saying, but I suppose it bears confirming anyway--

When we say "Religion," are we to take that for the Abrahamic Religions in particular, and focus on those, or all religions everywhere, inclusive of Buddhism and Hinduism and Greek and Norse and Egyptian ideologies and scores else?

I'd say with the topic that we've agreed upon, I'd have be hard pressed in, 2000 words, to narrow it and only show that organized Christianity is a force for good.

An interesting point to begin with. How do you define good? I mean really if it's serving the Lord God, then we needn't have the discussion.

I think leaving it as a force for Good, opens up both within the adherent and in the world. vexlord. I like your idea though.

I feel that you as debaters have to convince your audience of what is good and not good. Defining that in advance is both impossible and a waste of time. Imo. Lol

Anyway okay so CA and Obi are ready.

Anyone else ready?

very well, Yep I'm ready. Who are the judges for our round?

am i free to comment or would that be trolling?

Oh, lol, No we won't actually debate....Here, This is the debate about debating thread. The debate thread is just down the hall. :-)

So it's turning out to be not a debate about Christianity, but about religion in general? I don't see the point.

If one of the Christians would propose a damn question they'd be willing to debate that hasn't been taken. I'd be ready.

We need to get the four people on each team to nominate two judges each.

And it's still about Christianity.

Anyway we only have Obi and CA signed up so far for "Resolved: Christianity is/has been a force for good in the world." With CA pro and Obi con.

Others? Do I have to track these fools down via email or what

OK, Christianity is/has it is...works...I was just trying to be a bit generous with Religion and not pointing to Christianity in particular.

Should probably PM the folks, that's hw you got a hold of me...

Okay, Obi I'll nominate two people, as judges, I believe to be atheist or agnostic and you do likewise for Christians, agreed?

I'll nominate (reserving the right to withdraw these nominations if Obi doesn't like the idea of nominating Christians):

Spyman and abgemacht