Suggestions for Spiritual Debate Topics?

[babuji]

Hi everyone,

I am struggling with ideas for good debate topics pertaining to spirituality. I thought that perhaps these forums could help generate some nice ideas.

To give you all some background, I am part of a team that's putting together a 5 day youth camp for young people (age 18 and below). Within the schedule of the camp, we've set a time slot for a debate competition that's been quite popular with the students from previous years. Since we do get repeat students from year to year, we're trying to avoid debate topics we've covered in the past. Just so you have an idea, here are some topics from the past:

1) Arguing which is better, Donation of Time or Donation of Money for a certain cause
2) In order to bring about a revolution, which approach is more effective, The use of violence ( i.e. the revolutionary war, Civil War) or through non-violent means (i.e. Gandhi, MLK)
3) Debate the pros and cons for Going to Church/Temple on consistent/weekly basis

Please keep in mind that students as young as 8th graders and High School students will be participating in these debates. It's a spirituality-themed camp, so do keep that in mind as well.

Your thoughts / suggestions for debate topics would definitely be appreciated.

Thank You.

[nightdiamond]

Here are some debate topics, babuji...

1. Beauty vs. Attractiveness, is there a difference

2. Does being good looking matter?

3. Is God, God, or just one of many aliens out there?

4. Is Britney getting a bad wrap, or is it all her fault?

5. Are things worse today or even better than ever?

Take care.....

[babuji]

Thanks Nightdiamond, those are all good suggestions.

I especially liked the last topic, as it's a classical optimist vs. pessimist debate.

I'll definitely use that for the group. Since we'll be having 4 debates overall, Anyone else have other suggestions?

[supertom]

most empowering belief system (insert belief) vs (insert belief)

[Brutha]

Do people can pick sides of do you give out the sides at random?

If you just look at the first side of this forum you find a few good topics:

Is philosophy a worthwhile persuit? (and maybe pick on strand of philosphy to make the debate more focused)

Is meating meat unetical?

Is Spirituality Practical?

Just by looking at the threads with a lot of posts in it you should find a lot of debating topics.

[Mato Kinze]

What is Spirituality?
What is the nature of God/Source/Great Mystery?
What is our relationship SUPPOSED to be to God/Source/Great Mystery?
What is our relationship SUPPOSED to be to each other and the rest of the Universe?
Does how we live this life have any impact on us AFTER this life?
What is AFTER this life?
What is the purpose of this life or is there one?
External vs. Internal God/Source

Some of those ought to keep the kids going for a while. I know they've kept ME going my whole life.

[Brutha]

What is Spirituality?

A debate competion needs to have topics with two sides.
The question about the nature of spirituality is to open ended.

[Mato Kinze]

Originally Posted by Brutha

A debate competion needs to have topics with two sides.
The question about the nature of spirituality is to open ended.

Ok. Never did the whole "debate" thing officially but I get your point. So engage the kids to come up with their own 'sides' with that as the theme. ie. Spirituality is/is not the same as Religion. Spirituality is/is not a fundamental, universal and innate part of the Human experience. etc., etc.