Re: "Oh, and if you have any thoughts on how I can go about freely debating subjects like politics, religion and philosophy without breaching the forum rules on pushing an agenda I'd appreciate your guidance."
I don't think the forum rules are as tight as they may seem to be. I was right about the technical glitch; your one post got caught in the spam filter and was subsequently freed up.
If you post in the Fireplace board, you should have freedom to bring up just about any subject (doesn't have to be poly). Just don't be blatantly hostile or insulting and you'll be fine. I doubt that posting in favor of atheism would be a problem.