Crossfires
Introduction Argument Side A- 3 Minutes
Introduction Argument Side B- 3 Minutes
First Point Side A- 4 Minutes
First Point Side B- 4 Minutes
Team Discussion- 5 Minutes
Rebuttal Side A- 3 Minutes
Rebuttal Side B- 3 Minutes
Second Point Side A- 4 Minutes
Second Point Side B- 4 Minutes
Team Discussion- 5 Minutes
Rebuttal Side A- 3 Minutes
Rebuttal Side B- 3 Minutes
Third Point Side A- 4 Minutes
Third Point Side B- 4 Minutes
Team Discussion- 5 Minutes
Closing Side A- 3 Minutes
Closing Side B- 3 Minutes
Moderator Closing Statements/Discussion
Rules
- One speaker per segment. (John does introduction, Jill does point one, Mark does rebuttal one, etc…) Please note that not every person is required to speak, but everyone is encouraged to participate in Team Discussion AND note taking for the team.
- You must disclose your “evidence” to the opposing side prior to introductory statements. Please have all evidence printed and ready PRIOR to Crossfires.
- Even if you do not agree with your side, you must argue in its favor.
- No devices during Crossfires- this will eliminate searching for more “evidence.”
- No switching sides. Positions are randomly assigned.
- Abide by the allotted time. When the moderator calls time, please return to your seat.
- If you are not the designated speaker, please refrain from discussion during the debate. Please wait for the designated Team Discussion times.
- If you would like to invite a staff pastor as an “expert” witness, please disclose this to your moderator and opposing team immediately.
- If your team would like to add one Visalia First staff person to your team, you must disclose it to the other team at least a week prior to the debate. This person will need to be approached by each team and included in discussion. This does not mean the staff person is required to speak.
- If you need to reserve the classroom for Crossfires prep, please connect with Regan or Josh.
Crossfires Fall 2026
Date: November 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Moderator: Pastor Chad Lashley
Topic: Can objective moral right and wrong exist if God does not exist?
Abstract: We instinctively speak about some actions as more than unpopular or socially unacceptable. We call them WRONG. But what makes something truly wrong regardless of what an individual, culture, or society believes? This debate asks whether objective moral truth requires God as its ultimate foundation, or whether moral truths can exist independently of God.
Side A: God is necessary for objective morality.
Without God, there can be no objective moral values or duties.
Argue that morality requires a transcendent foundation. Culture, evolution, empathy, reason and social consensus may explain why humans develop moral beliefs, but they cannot make those beliefs objectively true. Objective morality ultimately exists because it is grounded in the nature and character of God.
Your position is ABSOLUTE: If God does not exist, objective morality does not exist.
Side B: God is not necessary for objective morality.
Objective moral values and duties can exist without God.
Argue that at least some things would remain objectively right or wrong even if no God existed. Morality may be grounded in reason, human flourishing, necessary moral truths, natural facts, or another non-divine foundation, but it cannot depend upon God.
Your position is ABSOLUTE: Even if God does not exist, objective morality still exists.
Side A Team:
Kane Barra, David Robles, Corban Bishop, Joe Navarrette, Sadie Arredondo, Maggie Plunkett, Lily Zapata, Caydence Martinez
Side B Team:
Trajon Lunn, Loralei Lunn, Joshua Barham, Abigail Barham, David Carreiro, Issa Ibarra Cazas, Aubreanna Ceballos, Nissi Soto, Hayden Merrill
Note: This is not a debate over whether atheists can be good people. Both sides may agree that they can. The debate is over something deeper: What makes “good” actually good and “evil” actually evil?
If you have any specific questions about the prompt, please email reganm@catalystbible.com.