Yes, I agree that I’m not sure much is ever accomplished through debates like this. It seems like they’re for people that watch racing for the wrecks or hockey for the fights. It’s kind of like a caged wrestling match for intellectuals although maybe not as pre-scripted. It would be even more entertaining to see Hitchens and McGrath in spandex duking it out in a wrestling ring while tossing out intellectual verbal barbs with a few “your mama” jokes thrown in.

I don’t believe debates are about honestly searching for the truth. They are about changing the subject when you are backed into a corner and hoping nobody notices when your fly is down as you try to bash your opponents viewpoint. I suppose there’s an element of provoking your own thoughts, but usually just on the level of trying to remember the line of argument to answering a particular question so as to use it if you ever get asked that question. It kind of reminds me of anything I’ve seen depicting British Parliament meetings.

Unfortunately a debate reinforces the idea that Christianity is an argument to be won and becomes much more about intellect than heart and relationship. A dialogue seems to be more profitable, although that takes relationship and time and doesn’t end up being as much of an entertaining public spectacle.