the problem with online discussions (as we have so evidently seen) is that they tend to spiral out of control.people behind a computer think they have a license to write whatever comes to mind without thinking about how the stuff may affect others.
a religious or for that matter any controversial discusion is best held face to face.in online discussions choice of words is very important because they are the only clue about how a person expresses him /herself. in face to face lots of things such as body language,tone of voice gestures all come into play and can often allievate misunderstandings before they happen.
plus you dont really know who you are talking to.
part of the reason i think why so many religious arguements have turned personal.
do it right - the first time!