Keep the affection but avoid the discussions. The mind takes certain positions based on its angle of vision and then it gets fixated upon it. The narrower the viewpoint the more judgmental it becomes, the more rigidly it holds to its opinion the more intolerant it becomes. There is no way one can do anything about it unless there is an inner shift, a change of consciousness in the person oneself. It is best therefore to avoid unnecessary discussions which do not add to any understanding and instead only create more and more friction and division and pain. As a friend you have to either except him as he is or else stay quiet and let him go his own way.
Affectionately,
Alok Da