Is arguing over the existence of God an exercise in futility?

Yes, the arguing is pointless.

If someone was that flocking stupid as to claim there is no god, then that idiot incurs a burden of proof. Demand evidence to prove the claim is true! After all, that is what I do with religion who claims "there is a god" and "god made everything". I lack a belief in a deity, no more, no less. I do NOT deny that a god COULD exist, I just do not believe there IS a god as YOU claim. BIG difference! The reason why no atheist claims there is no god is SO simple to understand that even a pea brain can comprehend. There is exactly ONE way to prove unicorns, flying fire breathing dragons, leprechauns, Tinker Belle, Peter Pan, Marry Poppins, god, whatever "does not exist", and that is by a SEARCH of the entire infinity of the cosmos, each and every star system (approximately 10^22 within 13.5 billion light years of us), each and every planet (even if 1 in 1,000,000 system have planets, that still means 10^16 planets), leaving no stone unturned, and then FAIL to find the object of the search. Leave even ONE stone unturned negates the search by leaving open the possibility what you seek MAY be under that last stone! The reason WHY you must search the entire universe is simple, your claim that god is not of the earth, which means everything else where this god of yours COULD be, yes? Possible, yes, in theory. Impossible in practice. If you know of another way to prove a "does not exist" claim, by all means, let us know, and you will make headlines worldwide, win a Pulitzer, and be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize! And THAT is why anyone claiming there is no god is a stupid flocking idiot and you can tell them I said so. I do NOT argue with idiots.

The argument/debate/discussion so far:

Religion: "there is a god", "god made everything".

Atheist: "I see no reason why I should believe you. Show me evidence that proves your claims are true".

Atheist: "does 'god made everything' include extraterrestrials"?

So, you tell ME, what is there in this brief synopsis to argue about?

Unsubstantiated claims made by ANYONE are subject to challenge.

Arguing and debate? Yes.

Discussion and dialogue? No.

A debate is a formal contest of argumentation in which two opposing people or teams defend and attack a given proposition. This form of verbal battle assumes there will be a winner and a loser.

A dialogue, on the other hand, is a conversation, an exchange of ideas or opinions. All parties learn and grow and can come away as winners.

Christians should witness their faith in dialogue not debate.

With love in Christ.

The only flaw in your reasoning is that atheism has nothing to prove

Unsubstantiated claims made by ANYONE are subject to challenge.

Please repeat the part about the sides not being able to prove anything. Atheists have, for a long time, given plenty reasons for god being a lie. I know Christians did too, but Atheists easily backfired the reasons. christians just go off from what their fake bible says, and think if it's in their book then it must be true, despite all evidence against it. To be fair Christians do need to wake up and realize the facts. You Christians can give me hate if you want but it is the truth. Please do not be mad at this, it is just the truth.

Yes, the arguing is pointless.

Well, sure, but why you don't let me make it a law that *everyone* should behave in a way according to the will of Gods as I understand them? You're infringing on my religious rights! Halp! Halp! I'm being oppressed!

Not when the result could be deterring people from killing in the name of god.