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How does one debate G‑d's existence with an atheist?

By Tzvi Freeman

Why would you want to debate with an atheist? What would you gain? Nobody ever convinced anyone of the existence of G‑d through debate.

The atheist believes that the universe is cold and indifferent. The believer believes the universe is warm and caring. Show this person caring and warmth and perhaps then he will come to believe. And if not, you still made the universe a more caring and G‑dly place.

Rabbi Tzvi Freeman for Chabad.org

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By Tzvi Freeman More articles... |

Rabbi Tzvi Freeman heads Chabad.org's Ask The Rabbi team, and is a senior member of the Chabad.org editorial team. He is the author of a number of highly original renditions of Kabbalah and Chassidic teaching, including the universally acclaimed "Bringing Heaven Down to Earth." To order Tzvi's books click here. Rabbi Freeman is available for public speaking and workshops. Read more on his bio page.

All names of persons and locations or other identifying features referenced in these questions have been omitted or changed to preserve the anonymity of the questioners.

The content on this page is copyrighted by the author, publisher and/or Chabad.org, and is produced by Chabad.org. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further, provided that you comply with the copyright policy.

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Posted: Oct 5, 2007

Arguing with Atheists

Some brilliant rabbi (was it Mordecai Kaplan? I can't remember.) once stuck up for atheists by pointing out that atheists are not really rejecting G-d; they are actually rejecting the anthropomorphic conceptialization of G-d, which after all is idolatrous. So, he reasoned, that if you think about it, atheists are actually doing the world a favor by ridding the world of idolatry! I love that sort of mind-blowing, paradoxical philosophy. Since G-d is an abstract concept -- indeed, the Ultimate Abstract Concept, how can one prove that G-d "exists" per se? Nontheless, as far as I am concerned, G-d is Real, G-d is Important, and G-d is Real Important.

Posted By Rob W., Pittsburgh, PA / USA

Posted: Aug 9, 2007

An "athiest's" opinion

With respect, I feel Rabbi Freeman's answer is correct. I am an "athiest"; G-d existing or not existing is functionally irrelevant to me. The universe IS cold and indifferent for me, Earth is a big, spinning thing orbiting a star. I have no idea why I exist, why things happen, they just do. BUT -far from this making me a psychopath, it brings me closer to my fellow humans, it makes me strive to do the best for my planet and the organisms that inhabit it, I feel empathy for other creatures' pain -I take responsibility for my actions, and endeavour to create harmony, and order -because I don't believe some "G-d" will do it for me -we are all we've got... Judaism is a philosophy and a way of living that I respect, and I find the rituals and rules to be comforting. When I die I assume the lights go out -if I find myself awake and before G-d, I hope I have lived in a sufficiently righteous manner to earn me a few points! And being harrassed by Christian prosletysers just makes me mad..

Posted By Arthur, Adelaide, South Australia

Posted: June 28, 2007

re: bo bo

Just my thought on belief. If there is a reason to believe, its not belief. Its a calculated conclusion to a question. once a person believes, then he can bring proofs or arguements to support his belief. I feel one cannot make someone else believe, only show him how to support his belief more strongly. in conclusion, g-d's exsistance is primarily belief, however, supported by other factor's. these other factor's (or proofs) can only enhance a previous belief. only a personal opinion...

Posted By dd, brooklyn, ny

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