Arguing w/ Religious Friends

[abaris]

What is the best way to argue with religious friends and even try to dissuade them of their religion without losing them as a friend or overly offending them? What are your top 5 arguments against religion and strategies for debating religion? I need to watch some more debates with Sam Harris and Dawkins.

Three questions in return:

Why do you have to argue with them? Are they pestering you or is it the other way round?

Why do you need top arguments that are outside of your own reasoning?

And why ... see question #2. You know, Harris and Dawkins aren't god. Personally I find it rather tiresome that some people do feel the need to idolize them instead of using their own damned grey mass between the ears.

Personally I never argued with friends or family over religion. But, assuming you're an American, I live in a totally different society where religion is hardly ever on the agenda.