MOTIVATION FOR BUILDING THIS SITE

While tribalism is a genetic trait and fundamental cause for most extragroup conflicts, strong religious belief is one of the most powerful forces for tribe identification and association. Religion can polarize groups to extreme positions that make tolerance and compromise seem impossible. The belief that "god is on our side" creates an inflexible mode of thinking. It inhibits negotiation, which is necessary for resolution in many political conflicts. Religion can provide emotional support and inspiration for violence, prejudice, mental and physical abuse.

PURPOSE

Purpose is to focus attention on the principle religious question. There are some religious issues that are subordinate to this principle question. Examples are: creationism vs. evolution, Islam vs. Christianity, and god as the source of moral values. These are subordinate issues because they are not necessary for resolution of the fundamental question. The “does god exist?” discussion can progress without addressing these subordinate issues, and as subordinate issues they will be affected, or become irrelevant, by progress on the principle question.

Other topics are more difficult to segregate from the principle question. First of these is the validity of religious scripture. It is necessary to address religious scripture because to many believers it is the basis for belief, and inseparable from the idea of a god.

The “does god exist?” debate needs some structure. An unstructured debate or negotiation will have arguments going in many directions and make little progress. Pivotal issues need to be identified and if necessary, decomposed to more elemental points that have manageable scope. This web site treats “does god exist?” as the fundamental question and decomposes this to specific claims of evidence or proof.

METHODS

The site contains no artistic, creative, or technical presentation methods. No list of references or credentials, just concise arguments composed from simple words. This format was chosen deliberately to emphasize simplicity.