If you are making a logical argument, there are many errors of thinking that can creep in. It may be unintentional, or it may be deliberate deception. Either way, if your argument hinges on one of these fallacies, it is invalid. You haven't demonstrated anything to be true. Each of them has a name (sometimes several names) to help identify them. This can be useful when pointing out these errors to people. I find that the same person may make the same mistake over and over, so pointing out the type of mistake they are making will hopefully cause them to correct their thinking. Unfortunately, some people take no notice and continue to use the error. At this point, there is not much you can do. I've created a list of the most common errors you are likely to see particular in regard to theism and atheism, how they may come up, and why they are errors.Highlighting these errors is an important method for finding fault with an opposing argument.

 

Some of these are more just dishonest practices, but the same sort of principle applies. I've put these all together because they are the kind of thing you will see time and again when listening to theists. You may find alternative names for these fallacies elsewhere, I don't intend these titles to be definitive. This is only meant as a basic introduction to this topic, giving my personal interpretation which I hope will be useful. If you want more detailed information, please click on the green arrow beside each example below to view the wikipedia article (not available on all mobile devices).