Before I discuss anything complex with another person (politics, religion, etc.), I check to see if they're an idiot. Do they think for themselves or parrot a standard position? Can they explain how they came to a conclusion? When they say "I think . . . ", did they? It doesn't matter they subject; either they think or they don't.

If a person doesn't think (many don't), you're not arguing with them, but with a set of recordings.