Atheists, Believers Debate: 'Would the World Be Better off Without Religion?'

As the world witnesses a growing amount of persecution, terror and religious violence, one question persists: Would the world be better off without religion?

On Nov. 15, atheists and believers will wrestle over and attempt to answer that controversial question in an upcoming live debate in New York hosted by Slate magazine and Intelligence Squared.

The types of motions that will be discussed, according to Slate, include: “Does religion lead to more evil or more good? Does religion breed intolerance and violence? Or has it primarily been a source for good, imbuing followers with purpose and encouraging moral behavior?”

The public will be given the opportunity to submit their own questions as well, with the most interesting ones to be addressed at the debate. John Donvan, correspondent for ABC News Nightline, is set to moderate.

British philosopher and professor A.C. Grayling, who has written more than 20 books on philosophy, religion and reason, will team up with Matthew Chapman, the great-great-grandson of Charles Darwin, to argue against religion.

David Wolpe, Rabbi of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, and Dinesh D’Souza, president of the King’s College in NYC, is set to oppose.

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In a recent interview with D’Souza, Slate asked the New York Times bestselling author why the debate was currently unfolding.

“Atheists