Banter is an important part of communication - are you good at it?

Good question and in some circles with me the answer is yes. Some conversations deteriorate because one side usually knows more about the topic than the other. With some people who are experts in their field and I have only a surface knowledge of their expertise then the conversation whittles away. That is what happens to Christians, the source of their faith is the Bible and when you get into deep conversations with other denominations, other religions, atheists, etc. and you do not have a good understanding of God's word then the banter/debate deteriorates quickly.