The discussion began, notably, with the seven panelists introducing themselves as students at Minnesota State rather than atheists, with majors ranging from biology to law enforcement. A working definition of atheism was also provided by CAA president Trista Ayers, who stressed that atheism is not a school of thought that hopes to answer questions of morality, but is rather the rejection of the notion a higher power exists.

"I think it's important to point out [from the start] that atheism is not a doctrine of morality or a means of answering questions, which is something many people seem to misunderstand," said Ayers. "Atheism is simply a lack of belief in God, nothing more. Of course there are implications that go along with a lack of belief in god, but in the strictest sense, atheism does not address these issues. We want to talk about what [atheism] means to us, how it's affected our lives and how a person without faith can still turn out OK."

A short video titled "Why Atheists Care About Religion" was shown before the questions began, which highlighted several laws and ideals throughout the United States preventing atheists from rights otherwise granted to their churchgoing peers.

For example, it is currently illegal in seven states - including the Carolinas and Texas - to serve as part of a jury or an acting member of certain state offices if a person is an affirmed atheist.

The video also pointed out a treaty signed in 1797 that was written under George Washington's presidency and approved by John Adams that stated, "the government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion." An excerpt from the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution -"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"- further supported this.

The panelists also provided their religious backgrounds. Only one of the seven was raised in a predominantly atheist household.

Questions asked by the audience ranged from atheist stances on controversial issues such as abortion to lighthearted ponderings. One audience member asked the panelists what they would ask God if given the chance.

"I would ask him, or her I guess, why he hasn't shown himself to us," said AAC member and discussion moderator Nate Mayes. "If he's God, and he's all-powerful, then why does he make us fight about whether or not he exists and who he is? Why aren't we born knowing that he made us? Why can't he just give us proof? I think all of us would switch stances right away if he'd just give us some tangible evidence."

In a more comedic response, one panel member wondered aloud how many licks it actually takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop.

Most of the questions asked, however, were of personal relevance, and pressed the panelists to consider where their life purposes lie and ways in which they've been oppressed as atheists.

"For me, religious beliefs and God as the creator of everything is just too easy," said one panel member. "It's humbling to know I don't know everything, and to think that there's so much still to learn about the world we live in that we, as people, have the ability to figure out. I've definitely lost friends because of my beliefs. It's so easy to stay with the norm and pretend you believe, but when you can do your own thing and assert your own beliefs, that's what's really gratifying."

Members of the panel, two of whom were parents, were asked how they planned to approach religion with their children when they begin questioning religion and the existence of God.

"At the moment my daughter goes to a Lutheran daycare," said Chris, a panel member and veteran Marine. "[My wife and I] are planning on keeping her there for the time being. Both of us want to expose her to as many options as possible, so when the time comes, she can choose for herself where her beliefs lie."

The two-hour discussion progressed amicably, with no disrespect displayed on either side of the debate aside from a handful of questions going over the allotted time limit of 30 seconds. By the end of the discussion the entire room seemed enlightened from comments made for and against a belief in God, with the Golden Rule ultimately emerging victorious.