I got into something like this recently where it started out as a personal conversation and, had it not been abruptly distracted, could have escalated into a full scale argument I'm sure. It began as a friendly conversation I was having with someone on just personal info which led into religion and spirituality. My beliefs in this area and hers differed, and I did speak my mind about the way I feel things are, and she hers. The difficulty came when it was pointed out several times that I agreeing with what she was saying and that I was told that I wasn't listening or agreeing on the way that things are "supposed to be". I was willing to agree to disagree, but apparently she felt it her duty to point out that my difference of opinion was considered by her to be an error in judgment/facts. As antiquated as I felt her thinking might be (and I also could have very well brought forth the argument of whether she had come to the conclusions on her own or if it was something that was ingrained or force-fed what she'd never took the time to look at), I decided to be respectful of what she believed and that she was intelligent enough of a person to consider what I had put forth as my personal truth. We must have done something right because we are still friendly with one another and I don't feel the energy between us has changed much.

So I say it can be a good thing though needs to be handled carefully. I think it's best when you present your view and let the other party take in the information, and do with it what they will (accept/reject/partially consume/integrate/whatever). If you decide to debate it, do it respectfully.