On my site, they are PITAs. ;)

<i>I let them debate to their hearts' content and I'll only step in if they go off-topic or start attacking each other.</i>

On the big community I used to run, the owner instituted a ban against topical debates such as religion, politics and especially ethics/morality. The site was family friendly and a forum based AD&D site, there was absolutely no need to turn it into a debating ring, so we didn't. Worked out best in the long run.

Same for the WoW guild forum I administer now, we ask our members to be considerate of each other and avoid religious/topical debates.

I think a good debate, if controlled, can add some atmosphere to a site. We have had some child abuse debates that really turned out informative and helped some people see both sides of the debate, good and bad. It all depends on the subject and how far you are willing to let it go.

I set up a members only area for the hot topics and removed those threads from the 'new search' function..

So you really have to WANT to get into it all to visit those sub forums.. and casual visitors and lurkers aren't freaked out by seeing the off topic heavy thread titles..

Something along those lines, yes haha.

I don't care at all, I let them go at it if they want.

As long as they don't break standard flaming rules and stuff like that, don't bother me any at all. It's never got to that point either.

With a religious site the worst one's are actually when people of different churches or whatever, start acting up, then it gets intense. Or the infamous atheist vs. religion, or controversial topics like homosexuality come up.

Pssh, people are used to it by now though and kind of get the vibe. I just like people to allow the chance to speak there minds, we allow attacking idea's and perspectives, truly challenging people, but not attacking the person that made those statements, and yes there is a fine line.

<a href="http://www.irishrepublican.net" target="_blank">www.irishrepublican.net</a> > All about politics.
You can imagine how tough it is.

I got some great mods that watch over the forum and if anything gets out of line, they know what to do. I personally allow them to post all they want as long as it doesn't get personal. Surprisingly the problems don't come from that area though.