Debating theism on the basis of aesthetics:

1) What is more beautiful, a universe as complex as ours being the product of a)infinitely small probability, random mutation and quantum whimsy or b) the hand of a divine, intelligent creator? I say (a). Look at a tree. It seems so impossible that such a thing could exist without a creator, the fact that it does makes that tree stunningly miraculous. When something is designed with purpose and intelligence, that design is subject to scrutiny. If the design doesn’t work at maximum efficiency, the designer did something wrong. When something just happens, and that something ends up being enormously complex, you can only look on with awe and feel the debt of luck.

2) What is more profound, a sense of moral purpose and ethical behavior as the result of a) a desire to treat other human beings with respect and kindness for the sake of the human condition or b) a fear of God or the desire for reward in the hereafter? I say (a). Take a film like “She’s All That” or “10 Things I Hate About You” for the sake of simple pop-reference analogy. When the lead male is courting the lead female because of a contest or promise of monetary reward, the relationship between those two characters is hallow and meaningless. When something is done solely for the benefit and outcome of the action, rather than for the action itself, was it worth doing? Are you truly a good person if the framework for your goodness is the hope for Heaven and fear of Hell?