"If you could reason with religious people, there would be no religious people."

• House M.D.

Robin, I'm a little surprised to read you saying that topics on which it's difficult to stay on track should be skirted. As far as I'm concerned, 'What are your religious views?' is the first question on the Basic Rationality test. I know that encouraging compartmentalisation isn't your goal by any means, but it sounds to me as though it would be the primary effect.

I can also see a need for a place for people to gather who want to be rational about all topics.

Now you're talking. No topics should be off-limits!