On the evening of September 16, 2004, Dr. Michael Newdow, who sued to have the words “under God” removed from the Pledge of Allegiance, and Cliff Knechtle, a Christian apologist, debated about the existence of God at Michigan State University in East Lansing.
Dr. Newdow argued that the only valid method for determining truth is the scientific method. And since God’s existence cannot be proven scientifically, God cannot exist.
Cliff Knechtle presented a broad array of counter-arguments.
1. Science affirms that the universe has a beginning. Hence, the possibility for a cause of the universe. 2. Love exists, so energy and matter is not all that exists in the universe. 3. The intricate design of the universe argues for an intelligent designer. 4. Humans have an innate drive for meaning and purpose. So there exists something or someone to give meaning and purpose to life.
At the close of the debate, students from the Free Thinkers Society and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship were not persuaded of the others’ position, but they agreed to continue the dialog.
