Well, in my defense I did say it was a "budding friendship". However, I literally have never had a positive experience discussing religion or politics, except

Well, in my defense I did say it was a "budding friendship". However, I literally have never had a positive experience discussing religion or politics, except with people with whom I already agree. I have a personal rule to never do so, and I've even attempted to apply that to the Internet and failed on several occasions. Yet, I regret having tried in each case.