Religion

Is Religion a Force for Good?

Religion has long shaped human civilization, from creating legal systems based on religious laws to inspiring countless works of art and foundational aspects of culture. Yet its influence can stem beyond this into other topics, such as politics, education, and global relations. Many have long wondered what religion’s net impact on society is and whether it’s good for us. Those who say it’s a force for good argue that religion offers a sense of identity and belonging, promotes altruism and charitable acts, and provides a moral compass that encourages personal growth and commitment to justice. Those who argue it is not a…

April 5, 2024
April 5, 2024

Is Religion a Force for Good?

Religion has long shaped human civilization, from creating legal systems based on religious laws to inspiring countless works of art and foundational aspects of culture. Yet its influence can stem beyond this into other topics, such as politics, education, and global relations. Many have long wondered what religion’s net impact on society is and whether it’s good for us. Those who say it’s a force for good argue that religion offers a sense of identity and belonging, promotes altruism and charitable acts, and provides a moral compass that encourages personal growth and commitment to justice. Those who argue it is not a…

Were Israel’s Actions in the Gaza War Justified?

Live NYC Event In the year since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the question of proportionality in response to October 7th has taken center stage. Both sides have reported high death…
September 21, 2024

Is Islam Misunderstood?

Though they share similar values, guidelines, and principles, Islam and Judaism have a long, complicated relationship that has led to tension recorded within the Quran and other Islamic texts. As a result of what’s been…
June 21, 2024

Is Religion a Force for Good?

Religion has long shaped human civilization, from creating legal systems based on religious laws to inspiring countless works of art and foundational aspects of culture. Yet its influence can stem beyond this into other topics,…
April 5, 2024

Is Anti-Zionism the New Anti-Semitism?

Zionism — the belief that the Jewish people have a right to statehood in Israel — has been debated for decades. But recently, the Trump administration has publicly championed the Zionist cause and defended the…

The More We Evolve, The Less We Need God

Does God have a place in 21st century human affairs? For many, the answer is an unapologetic yes. Belief in a higher power, they argue, is the foundation of human consciousness and the soul of…

Death Is Not Final

If consciousness is just the workings of neurons and synapses, how do we explain the phenomenon of near-death experience? By some accounts, about 3% of the U.S. population has had one: an out-of-body experience often…
DEBATE COMMUNITY
Join a community of social and intellectual leaders that truly value the free exchange of ideas.
EDUCATIONAL BRIEFS
Readings on our weekly debates, debater editorials, and news on issues that affect our everyday lives.
SUPPORT OPEN-MINDED DEBATE
Help us bring debate to communities and classrooms across the nation.