Debate on the Existence of God at Biola University

Introduction

• Host: Craig Hazen, Director of the Master of Arts Program in Christian Apologetics at Biola.
• Participants: William Lane Craig (Christian Theist) and Christopher Hitchens (Atheist).
• Objective: Debate on whether it is reasonable to believe that God exists.

Opening Statement: William Lane Craig

Main Contentions

1. No Good Argument for Atheism

   • Atheists have historically failed to disprove God's existence.
   • Craig invites Hitchens to present arguments against God's existence.

2. Good Arguments for Theism

   • Cosmological Argument: Universe had a beginning, implying a cause - a transcendent, personal creator.
   • Teleological Argument: Universe's fine-tuning suggests design.
   • Moral Argument: Objective moral values exist, best explained by God.
   • Resurrection of Jesus: Historical event suggesting divine intervention.
   • Immediate Experience of God: Personal experience validates belief in God.

Opening Statement: Christopher Hitchens

Main Points

• Critique of Design: Questions the notion of a fine-tuned universe.
• Retrospective Evidentialism: Argues that believers retroactively fit evidence to support faith.
• Morality Without God: Proposes that moral behavior is possible without religious faith.
• Critique of Religion: Religion can lead to oppression and conflict.

Rebuttals

Craig's Rebuttal to Hitchens

• Evolution is not necessarily incompatible with theism.
• Fine-tuning of the universe remains unrefuted.
• Moral argument remains robust; atheism cannot provide an objective basis for morality.
• Resurrection argument remains valid; no alternative explanation provided by Hitchens.
• Immediate experience of God remains a strong personal basis for belief.

Hitchens' Rebuttal to Craig

• Questions the certainty of theistic claims.
• Critiques the moral superiority claimed by religions.
• Uses historical evidence to argue against the moral superiority of religion.

Cross-Examination

Questions for Craig

• Hitchens challenges the notion of miracles and divine intervention.

Questions for Hitchens

• Craig explores Hitchens' atheistic stance and its implications on morality.

Closing Statements

Craig

• Reiterates the strength of arguments for theism.
• Encourages consideration of Christianity based on provided evidence.

Hitchens

• Emphasizes the lack of evidence for theism.
• Critiques the social and moral implications of religious belief.

Audience Questions

• Addressed topics like sexual ethics, the problem of evil, and the motivation for living a moral life without belief in God.

Conclusion

• The debate did not decisively resolve the question of God's existence but provided a robust discussion of arguments for and against theism.
• Both debaters presented their cases passionately, engaging the large audience present both physically and virtually.