1) It sharpens our understanding and awareness of the problems that come up, either directly or in the course of discussion, so that we can learn more about the truth of our convictions. If Christianity is true--and I am convinced that it is--then what is, is, for God's glory and pleasure. Sometimes whatever it is has been perverted and made wicked, but ultimately it serves the Purpose of Everything; so we can glean knowledge. This knowledge is that which will help us better a) serve and love others in society and/or b) win souls to Christ.
2) It seems to help with the skills needed for the discussion. When in a discussion with someone who vehemently disagrees with you at a level this fundamental, it is often easy to become emotional. We cannot allow ourselves to feel anger or animosity towards the other person--they share the Image of God. Though they might challenge us intellectually, we cannot let ourselves get discouraged if we don't quite know how to respond. Sometimes, we just need to stop right there. Just make sure we promise to return to the point. Nothing out there is off limits for the Christian to defend or refute.
On this second point, I offer a little tip: sometimes, it is a good tactic to follow into their line of questioning. Say they say something like, "If pandas are designed, their thumbs are not that well thought out! If God makes imperfect creatures, He must not be Perfect." We might initially consider saying something like, "You know, but it takes Intelligence to observe that." Now, to follow into their line of questioning, we would instead say this, "You're right. That is not the ideal way to make a thumb on a panda. But that is ignoring the vast amount of Design that we observe throughout the Universe. You are straining a gnat and swallowing a camel!" (Major points for the line from Jesus!) Sometimes just agreeing with their thrust will allow their point to fall harmlessly to the floor.
This way we are not on the defensive. We 'offend in love'. I believe this is a good rudder for the Christian thinker as it is not offensive or personal, but it is putting us back on the offense. This tactic is especially helpful when dealing with a Scriptural reference. Usually, the skeptic believes himself to be the first person ever to see some (apparent) 'contradiction' in the Text.
I am reminded of Paul's words to the Corinthians:
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor. 2:14 (ESV)The Natural Man who reads the Bible is like a near-sighted person who wants to enjoy the Mona Lisa. His problem is that he must move up ever soooooo closely just to see a part of her in clear focus. He does not realize that the Whole must be taken in at the same time for True Understanding.
Further, we must remember that it is not we who ultimately save anyone. God Himself must come between them and us and arouse their hearts to understanding. We have a wonderful privilege to be in the middle of the harvest, so let us not slow down--we can press on and 'contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.' (Jude).
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