Introduction
Customers in search of one (or several) items will go to a shopping mall, a marketplace wherein they may end up acquiring various items from different businesses. It is often the case that the different businesses are actually selling the same product and thus the need to compete with each other in order to make sales.
Although crude and lacking elegance, this example reflects the relationship between self-appointed representatives of religions. It not only involves refutations of opposing doctrinal positions, but it can get very emotional. While most recently an Iraqi Christian named Salwan Momika in Sweden had at least two incidents in which the Qur'an was targeted (even outside a Stockholm mosque during Eid services), perhaps not as well-known are the actions of an American Christian figure David Wood, who has made his career by producing video content critical of Islam, who actually ate pages from the Qur'an during a livestream interview with another critic best known by his nickname Apostate Prophet (or AP). It seems to me that the reason behind such ridiculous actions is that of generating business, more so than any other motivation.
Debate
As an academic exercise, it is fascinating both as a spectator and a participant to engage in a debate. In some settings, students will be made to defend positions they themselves do not agree with. This is useful in the development of communication skills, critical thinking, understanding the topic better, and much more.
However, in a religious context, while it can function in ways as noted above, it often proves to be counterproductive. Parties may lie, make strawman arguments, or deliberately seek to provoke their opponent via personal insults, as a means to "win". It becomes little more than entertainment, each side seeking applause (and money) from their audience (both in person and online). Evidence for this is easily observable in places such as the United Kingdom's famous "Speakers Corner". Most of the participants have YOUTUBE channels, PATREON accounts which solicit donations to "continue the cause".
Moreover, religious debates are more than about theology, they are about identity and often intersecting with current political conflicts, thus, producing emotional outbursts which actually makes people blind to the argument advanced by the other party.
Dialogue
Discussion is a much better way to go in understanding the religious teachings of others. Dialogue should take place in a calm environment. Laymen interested in a particular topic should attend discussions in which qualified, recognized scholars or authorities have the opportunity to present their arguments and engage in addressing questions.
Islamic guidelines
Undoubtedly Islam presents itself as the completed picture of God's truth, and views particular doctrines held by other faith traditions as erroneous, nonetheless it has guidelines therein that are realistic and respectful.
Among those teachings is that the acceptance of religion be a conscious choice (Q 2:255, 18:29), that items deemed sacrosanct are not to be ridiculed (Q 6:108), that it be presented in a rational fashion, demonstrating wisdom (Q 16:125).
Religious differences, even within the same religious community, are a part of life, and need not lead to enmity or conflict. They can be passionately discussed, and it is possible to benefit from such a discussion, but if those discussions, or any discussions for that matter, degenerate to a very low point, it is better to withdraw from them (Q 4:140, 25:63 and also see 2:83). Ultimately, it is on Judgement Day that God himself will state the truth on all the issues we disagree about (Q 6:164).
