Right, it is a waste of time to talk to people with agendas, not openly considering or trying to understand other points of view, or trying to find some common ground, not behaving charitably. Call it lack of maturity, lack of analytical skills, lack of respect for people. If you want to do debate right:
1 - Do it respectfully and articulately, like Michael Brown on his Line of Fire
2 - Do it intelligently and congenially, like Are Miracles for Today? Zondervan - several points and counterpoints are done, gentlemanly, where you really can learn something.
Yes, many people are in judgmental-mode, and even if you clearly explained YOUR BELIEFS, they still would believe that you must be trying to deceive them with "redefining" (i.e., twisting) religious terms. They are judging your motives, WHICH IS GOD'S JOB -- it's on the accusers to answer to God on that one.
Appreciate you sticking up for the objective FACTS about people and do the FINE ARTICULATION and CONTEXT that helps the FAIRMINDED to get the real story. Consider that there are people out there that genuinely want to know the 2nd side of the story, not just what the loud-mouthed accusers are blasting.
I remember when prosperity was coming out as a young Christian in the late 70's. My Campus Crusade director "warned me" about those "dangerous" teachings. But I am the type of person that NEVER trusted people badmouthing others beliefs - I will investigate both sides myself, thank you. This has served me well over the years, as the truth and/or the "healthy-core" is often "somewhere in the middle" of considering both sides (as my municipal judge friend says in my blog). Same story with WoF later.