What is the validity of the claim that the theologians (mutakallimun) played a role in refuting the people of zandaqah (heresy) during the Abbasid era?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, I am a student studying in one of the colleges, and in a course we have, it is stated that those who defended Islam in the Abbasid era and refuted the people of zandaqah and atheism were the theologians (mutakallimun). The professor of the course agreed with this statement, so I discussed it with him, but he did not respond to my discussion. What is the correct position on this?

Answer:
It is not established that the theologians (mutakallimun) refuted the people of misguidance; rather, they are the people of misguidance. The theologians (mutakallimun) are the people of misguidance. Those who refuted them were the people of the Sunnah and the community, and the scholars of the people of the Sunnah and the community are those who refuted the people of misguidance, including the theologians (mutakallimun) and others. Yes. As for exalting and glorifying these people with such words, this is falsification and whitewashing of the people of misguidance. Yes.