Starfire, don't you think that you could say that it is a waste of time to discuss or debate anything?
I am not trying to convert, or to be converted, but I may change my mind about something, or become more open to ideas.
By discussing, and researching the information behind our discussions, we are learning. Don't you think that opening one's minds to the ideas of others, researching facts, and debating them is educational?
And religion is a major political factor in the world, so I don't think that we can just ignore it. Perhaps more discussion will lead to better understanding, and a more peaceful world?
I cannot understand why anyone would think that religious discussion is pointless. I am happy to discuss almost anything of interest ~ and religion is interesting.
But maybe your post deserves a thread of its own, where others can give their opinions on the subject.

Here is the new thread:
Religious / Supernatural Discussion 'futile'?
http://www.wineintro.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/389691#Post389691