Divine Qualities: Submission

Q. Is there a way to answer atheists who rely on the rules of argument when they refute the existence of God? Atheists say that theists resort to:
Ad hominem, Straw Man, Red Herring etc
when trying to prove God's existence.
(Editor's note: The dictionary defines these terms as follows:
ad hominem --- appealing to feelings or prejudices rather than intellect; being an attack on an opponent's character rather than by an answer to the contentions made.

Q. Your answer in Digest 245A is convincing when it comes to material fears. But I would like to know the following:

1. In my school and home, I was taught not to sin and that God punishes those who sin. Can you kindly define "sin"?