PUT Graham Crews and Bill Hick in a room and you would expect a stormy clash but the worst-case scenario is there will be a civilised exchange of opinions.
Mr Crews is the Gymea Anglican Church pastor and Mr Hick, of Engadine, is an atheist.
And rather than start a heated battle, the friends respect each other's differing beliefs.
Earlier this month they were at a public forum organised by the church, which brought almost 1000 religious and non-religious people together.
The topic "Christian faith is blind to history, science and reason" was debated by media commentator and atheist Peter FitzSimons and Bible teacher Al Stewart.
Mr Crews said the debate's aim was to promote greater tolerance and understanding.
"It was the first such debate in Sutherland Shire and there was a fair mix of church and non-churchgoers," Mr Crews said.
"It's better for believers and non-believers to talk rather than throw hand grenades from a distance."
Topics discussed were "why aren't more prayers answered if God is real" and "why does God allow suffering?"
Mr Crews, a former history teacher, does not doubt his beliefs, but said churches needed to offer the opportunity for people to question their faith.
"A high percentage of Australians still have no religion and it's certainly growing," he said.
"But at the same time people are saying there must be more to life. Churches have to be aware of that.
"We have an online forum where people can ask questions, rather than just go along with tradition. It's about shaking hands and saying that everyone is entitled to their beliefs."
Australians with no religion are among the fastest growing population groups. In the 2006 census, 18.7 per cent of people said they had no religion — up 25.7 per cent since 1996; 63.9 per cent said they were Christian.
Mr Hick said it was all about choice.
"If you believe in a higher being and you express it, well, it's up to the individual," Mr Hick said. "People have tried to convert me. I don't like that idea because I don't preach my atheism to anyone."