God exists

It appears that both of us are approaching this debate with relatively open mind (compared to some other debates on this topic). That should lead to an interesting discussion. I am a bit overwhelmed by the range of response you have presented. In my post - I had presented only 1 argument. You have answered that in just a single, small paragraph. You said: " My opponents case centers mainly around the point that, and I quote, "Isn't their existence itself proof of God's existence? " No. If there is such a sentinent being, who created him? If you entertain the idea of God just being there without creation, why can't you entertain the idea of me being here without creation? " I cannot accept that you exist without a creator, because you did not create yourself. You are not an all powerful independent, self-existing being who can create things out of nothing. Indeed this is how we can define God. As far as this debate is concerned, this was the only relevant argument. What comes below is irrelevant to the debate. Indeed it is more of discussion. I would request voters to read it after casting their valuable votes. --- You said: Since there is no specific God, Allah,-whatever, I will assume it is God in general. Allah means `the God'. We can use either for the debate. Arabic Christians address God as Allah only. On other hand, Muslims consider it as a proper noun also. But you are correct - we are not discussing any particular concept of God. We are just debating existence of God. You have discussed the Catholic Church's blunders towards science. What those events proved is that the Catholic Church can make mistakes and has made mistakes. As far as Bible is concerned - the story is much more complicated. Even the biggest supporter of the Holy Bible accepts that the current English and Hebrew versions are at least twice translated copies of the original. How can such a text be used for scientific analysis? Moreover - the Bible never claims to scientifically accurate. Its meaning has to be understood with respect to the age it was meant for. (This defense is not valid for Quran - it is meant for the current age. It also claims to be free of contradictions - and challenges everyone to find them if they can [1]) Problem is - there are some other mistakes in Bible which cannot be explained away by these arguments. For example - Christ Jesus (Peace on Him) cannot have two different genealogies connecting him to Prophet David (Peace on Him) [2]. Especially when we know that he had a virgin birth! While the Holy Bible may not be 100% word of God, it is not 100% rubbish either. It contains God's message. You said: "Also, in almost all religions, it says to have faith and believe in God. Where's the proof? " God's existence can be proven. Indeed I have tried to do that here. Perhaps that is why all religions insist on it. Can we prove other aspects of religion? That is a difficult question. I think the answer would be a partial yes. If there is any humble and sincere person, who believes in God, asks God for guidance, and searches for truth - we Muslims think that God will provide him with all the signs and proofs he requires. God willing, I accept Islam with knowledge rather than faith. But I admit - I cannot prove that before a court or a class. You also said: "I'm not going to entertain the idea and ask my opponent questions about why God does what he does . .. " I assure you - I have no idea as to what are God's motives. I doubt whether I am even capable of understanding the reasons. I can tell you what God wants human beings to do, based on my understanding of Quran. But that would be too much of digression. Feel free to ignore all the secondary topics. If you must discuss them, at least separate them out from the main debate. --- 1. Quran 4:82 "Will they not then ponder on the Qur'an? If it had been from other than Allah they would have found therein much incongruity. " The Holy Quran can be accessed at . http://www.islamicity.com... 2. Compare Matthew 1:1-17 with Luke 3:23-38. The Holy Bible can be accesses at . http://www.biblegateway.com...