Many people around the world believe that God exists. To argue otherwise effectively could be difficult. However, scientific, philosophical, and cultural evidence can be brought into play to develop a compelling argument about the non-existence of God. Whichever approach you decide to take, remember to be polite and courteous when addressing this discussion.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Using Science to Challenge God's Existence
Step 1. Affirm that the human being is a creature with many defects
The basic concept of this line lies in the fact that, if God is perfect, why did he create man and other living beings so badly? For example, we are vulnerable to many diseases, bones break easily and with age the body and mind degrade. You can also mention the poorly "designed" spine, inflexible knees and pelvic bones that make childbirth so complicated. Taken together, this biological evidence indicates that God does not exist (or that he did not create us well and that there is therefore no reason to worship him).
Believers might contest this line by claiming that God is perfect, he created us according to his design, and that our imperfections actually have a purpose within a larger divine plan
Step 2. Prove that over time natural explanations have been found for what were thought to be supernatural phenomena
The concept of the "God of Void" is often used to support the existence of God and asserts that modern science can explain many things, but not everything. You can counter this argument by remembering that the number of things we do not know is getting smaller every year and that while natural explanations replace theistic ones, supernatural or divine ones have never been able to do the opposite.
- You could cite the example of the evolution of various species of the world as an area where science has corrected previous God-centered explanations.
- He claims that religion has often been used to explain what was not demonstrable. The Greeks blamed Poseidon for earthquakes, while it is now known that they are caused by the movement of tectonic plates to reduce pressure.
Step 3. Prove the inaccuracy of creationism
According to this belief, God created the world within a relatively recent time frame, such as 5000-6000 years ago. You refer to the strong evidence that disproves this claim, such as evolutionary data, fossils, radiocarbon dating, and ice cores, to argue that there is no God.
For example, you can say, "Stones are constantly found that are millions and even billions of years old. Doesn't that prove that God doesn't exist?"
Part 2 of 4: Using Cultural Evidence to Claim that God Does Not Exist
Step 1. Affirm that belief in God is determined by society
There are many variations of this concept. You could explain that in relatively poor nations, virtually all of the population believes in God, while in relatively rich and developed ones the number of believers is smaller. You may also remember that highly educated individuals are more likely to be atheists than those with lower education. These facts, taken together, strongly demonstrate that faith in God depends on the particular social circumstances of the individual.
You might also suggest that people who grew up in a strongly religious environment tend to respect the precepts of this belief for the rest of their lives. Individuals who are not born and raised in religious families, on the other hand, rarely become believers in the future
Step 2. Remember that just the fact that most people believe in God doesn't prove God exists
A widespread rationale for God's existence is that most people believe in it. This "common consensus" argument further attests that because belief in God is so widespread, it must also be a natural feature. However, you can debunk that idea by saying that it is not automatic that something is correct just because a lot of people believe it. For example, many people in the past believed that slavery was an acceptable practice.
Remember that if people are not "exposed" to religion or the concept of God, they do not believe in this otherworldly entity
Step 3. Analyze the variety of religious beliefs
The identities and characteristics of Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism are very different. Consequently, if God also existed, there would be no way of knowing which god we should worship.
This approach is formally referred to as the inconsistent revelation argument
Step 4. Demonstrate the contradictions within the religious texts
Most religions view their sacred texts as both a creation and proof of the existence of God. If you can prove that these scriptures are discordant or otherwise erroneous, you are able to provide solid proof of the nonexistence of God.
- For example, if God is described in part of the sacred texts as a tolerant father, but later wipes out an entire country or village, you could use this obvious contradiction to claim that God does not exist or that the text is lying.
- In the case of the Bible, many verses, stories and anecdotes have often been altered or falsified at some point. For example, in Mark 9:29 and John 7: 53-8: 11 there are passages that have been copied from other sources. Explain that all of this shows that sacred texts are just a jumble of ideas invented by people and not books inspired by divinity.
Part 3 of 4: Using Philosophical Arguments to Claim that God Does Not Exist
Step 1. Claim that if God existed, He would not allow so many people not to believe
This line of debate proposes that where there is atheism, God should descend or intervene personally in the world, to reveal himself to non-believers. The very fact that there are so many atheists and that God has done nothing to convince them through his intervention means that divinity does not exist.
Believers might argue that God allows free will and that lack of faith is an inevitable result of this concession. They could cite specific examples from their scriptures describing God's revelation to those who refused to believe
Step 2. Analyze the contradictions of another person's faith
If a foundation of the believer's faith is the idea that God created the universe because "all things have a beginning and an end," you might ask who then created God. This simple question highlights in the eyes of the interlocutor that he is incorrectly claiming that God exists, when in reality the same basic premise (all things have a beginning) can lead to two different conclusions.
Believers might at this point argue that God - an omnipotent being - is outside of space and time, thus making an exception to the rule that all things have a beginning and an end. In this case, you should lead the discussion towards the contradictions that lie within the concept of omnipotence
Step 3. Unravel the problem of evil
This concept emphasizes how God can exist, if there is evil. In other words, if God exists and is good, he should eliminate evil. You could say that "if God really cares about us, there should be no wars."
- Your interlocutor might reply that governments are made up of wicked and fallible men, that man is the cause of evil and not God. In this way, he could still refer to free will to counter the claim that God is responsible for all the wickedness in the world.
- You might even go a step further and claim that even if there was an evil god who grants evil to exist, it wouldn't be worth worshiping.
Step 4. Prove that morality does not need any religious belief
Many people believe that without religion the world would fall into a chaos of immorality. However, you can explain that your behavior and that of any other atheist is not very different from that of a believer. Admit that although you are not perfect, no one is, and that believing in God does not necessarily make a human being more just or morally respectful than any other individual.
- You could also reverse this by stating that not only does religion not necessarily lead to good, but that it leads to evil, as many religious people commit immoral acts in the name of their God. For example, you can focus on the Spanish Inquisition or on the religious terrorism afflicting the world.
- Furthermore, animals that are unable to understand the human concept of religion clearly demonstrate that they instinctively understand moral behavior and distinguish between right and wrong.
Step 5. Prove that a righteous life does not require God's presence
Many people are convinced that it is possible to live a full, rich, and fulfilling existence only with God. However, you can point out that many unbelieving individuals are happier and far more successful than religious ones.
You could cite Richard Dawkins or Christopher Hitchens as people who have achieved great success despite not believing in God
Step 6. Analyze the contradiction between omniscience and free will
Omniscience, the ability to know everything, seems to be at odds with most religious dogmas. Free will refers to the concept that the individual is in charge of his own actions and therefore is responsible for them. Most religions believe in both concepts, which are incompatible with each other.
- During the conversation, you can state that if God knows everything that has happened and is going to happen, plus every thought that arises in the man's mind before he even knows it, the individual's future has a predictable conclusion. How, then, can God judge people for what they do?
- Believers may respond that although God knows man's decisions in advance, people's actions remain a free and personal choice.
Step 7. Prove the impossibility of omnipotence
Omnipotence is the ability to be able to do everything. If God is able to do everything, he should be able, for example, to square the circle. However, since this is an illogical process, it makes no sense to believe that God is almighty.
- Another logically impossible thing you might mention is that God cannot know and not know something at the same time.
- You could also argue that if God is almighty, why does he allow natural disasters, massacres and wars?
Step 8. Swap roles
In reality it is impossible to prove that something does not exist. Anything could exist, but for it to be real and worthy of attention it needs to be supported by clear and irrefutable evidence. Propose that instead of having to prove to you that God does not exist, it is the believer who must provide elements to support his beliefs.
- For example, you might ask what happens after death. Many people who are convinced of the existence of God also believe in a life in the afterlife. Claim proof of this second life.
- Spiritual entities, such as gods, devils, heaven, hell, angels, demons, and so on, have never been scientifically examined (and cannot be). Emphasize that the existence of these spiritual elements cannot be proven.
Part 4 of 4: Prepare to Discuss Religion
Step 1. Find out thoroughly
Prepare to argue for the non-existence of God by studying the concepts and ideas of famous atheists. God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens, for example, is a good text to study from. Richard Dawkins' delusion of God is another excellent source of rational arguments against the existence of religious deities.
- In addition to looking for theses in favor of atheism, it also studies objections or justifications that come from the religious perspective.
- Familiarize yourself with the concepts or beliefs that can trigger criticism from your interlocutor and make sure you are able to adequately defend your beliefs.
Step 2. Present your arguments in a logical way
If your arguments are not presented in a direct and understandable way, the message you want to convey is lost. For example, when you explain that culture determines an individual's religious beliefs, you should make the interlocutor accept your premises (the basic concepts that lead to a conclusion).
- For example, you could say that Mexico was founded by a Catholic country.
- When the other person accepts this fact, they move on to the second premise, remembering that the majority of the Mexican population is Catholic.
- When the interlocutor also shares this second statement, move on to your conclusion, remembering that the reason most Mexicans believe in God is due to the history of the country's religious culture.
Step 3. Be cautious when discussing the existence of God
This is a sensitive topic, approach the discussion as a conversation in which both interlocutors have valid points of view. Talk in a friendly way, ask the other person what the reasons are for their strong beliefs and faith. Patiently listen to the reasons, adjust your answers appropriately and sensibly based on his arguments.
- Ask your interlocutor what sources (books or websites) you could study to learn more about his point of view and beliefs.
- Faith in God is a complex subject and arguments against or in favor of his existence cannot be considered as facts.
Step 4. Stay calm
This is a topic that can "warm the hearts". If you show yourself aggressive or excited during an argument, you may become inconsistent or say something you may regret. Take a deep breath to calm down. Slowly inhale through your nose for five seconds and then exhale through your mouth for three seconds. Repeat this routine until you feel comfortable.
- Slow down the speed at which you speak to give yourself more time to think about words and avoid making statements that you may regret.
- If you start to feel angry, let the other person know that the only agreement you have reached is to disagree. Say hello and say goodbye to him.
- Be polite when you talk about God. Remember that many people are very sensitive about their religion. Show respect for believers. Do not use offensive or accusatory language such as "bad", "stupid" and "crazy". Don't swear at the person you're arguing with.
- Eventually, instead of reaching a concise conclusion, your interlocutor may end the discussion with a sentence similar to: "I'm sorry that in the end you will go to hell." Don't respond with the same passive-aggressive approach.
Advice
- You don't necessarily have to debate the non-existence of God with every believer you meet. Good friends don't have to agree on everything to be good friends. If you always try to foment a discussion or "convert" your interlocutors, be prepared to have few friends.
- Some people turn to religion to overcome a bad life experience, such as an addiction or a tragic death. Although religion can have a positive impact on the existence of the individual and can help him in difficult times, this does not mean that its basic concept is true. If you meet a person who claims to have been helped by faith, be cautious because you must not offend him; however, you must not avoid her or pretend to share her ideas.
