What's the Real Issue in Debates About the Existence of God?

There are many debates about the existence of God on the Internet. Each side of a debate presents various arguments and evidences to support their point of view. Many debates at the philosophical level are theoretical and abstract. Does a "prime mover" or a Superior Intelligence exist, or is the universe the result of unexplained forces and random processes? In the end neither side gives in or changes its opinion. Even if the proponents of theism prevailed, the God of their proofs would still be an abstraction. But what is really at stake in all these discussions?

Perhaps the underlying motivation has to do with the consequences for our lives that flow from our belief or unbelief. If a person acknowledges the existence of an infinite and personal God to whom everyone is accountable rather than a mere philosophical abstraction, then his or her views about what life means, what one should be doing, and what values he or she should live by will take a certain direction.  Conversely, if a person believes that the only reality is material and physical with no inherent meaning, his or her views about what life means and how he or she should spend the time allotted to him or her on earth might take a different direction. 

Of course, many people who opt for unbelief live good lives even if their worldview does not require what most people would regard as moral behavior.  Perhaps the core of their unbelief is the desire to preserve a sense of their own autonomy or personal agency.  Many atheists have admitted, sometimes with strong emotions, that they do not want theism to be true.

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