I've rewritten this comment several times. It's hard to strike a good balance in intellectual conversations about topics that are central to people's core iden

I've rewritten this comment several times. It's hard to strike a good balance in intellectual conversations about topics that are central to people's core identities. If too much deference is given to belief, then conversations will inevitably end up lopsided, where it's impossible to disagree with any point without being charged with bigotry and intolerance. On the other hand, it's all too easy to burn the bridges that might allow a believer to join a discussion. And finally, there are some aspects of some beliefs that are antithetical to free inquiry, so it becomes especially hard to discuss such in a dispassionate way.