When you ask questions, it allows people to express their viewpoint.
People love to give their opinions.
When you ask a question, don't respond with your own answer. Then you won't end up on some rabbit trail. The minute the other person says he's going to reincarnate or fizzle when he dies, you are going to want to jump in and respond. It's so nonthreatening. Try that on people at work and watch what happens.