You know, I am not a religious man in any way, I rather believe in science. However, the older I grow, the more I can understand why people like to seek help in this thing called faith. I don't visit the church on my own, unless I need to attend to some kind of ceremony like a baptism or a wedding or such, so only once every blue moon. Last time I went there was two months ago. And you know what, it actually felt pretty good. What I experienced there was a warm welcome, like I am a part of a big community and everyone appreciates me and each and everyone of us is awesome and an amazing human being. Call me crazy but I enjoyed being showered with warmth and hospitality. Who wouldn't?
However, that doesn't mean I would take the bible at face value, of course not. I think faith has a different meaning than what is preached in church, it is rather this community thing. You're never alone if you are a part of something. Faith can show you what its like to be liked, even if it's just some holy ghost. A faithful person may find soothing reassurance in difficult times, simply by believing that everything is going to be fine. Now you will object and say that atheists can do the exact same thing, of course, and yes they can tackle difficult struggles by believing in themselves as well. The magic word is believing. We all know that the mind is a powerful tool and that it can have massive effects on one's well-being and success. If you are a positive thinker, you will find satisfaction much more easily. Now if atheists find this positivity in science or if believers find this positivity in their community, it doesn't matter. It's the same thing.
So all in all, let people do whatever they want. If atheists want to have a little respect, then they should accept that their way of thinking is cool and all but that other people may have a different way of thinking.
Where I draw the line, though, is fundamental believing. JWeinCom already listed terrible actions in the name of faith. All of this, of course, is unacceptable.
