Here's the problem as I see it...and it, as usual, starts with the extremists. You have some religious extremists who proselytize and attempt to push their beliefs on everyone, claiming that what they think is "correct". This, of course, brings the extreme atheists out of the woodwork, insulting anyone who believes in GOD. Now, what this accomplishes is a few things. Firstly, both groups of extremists attack everyone on the other side of their ideology, even those, of whom are the vast majority, who couldn't give a hoot about what anyone else believes and have no desire to place their beliefs on anyone else. Secondly, these non-extremists grow tired of being needlessly attacked, by the opposing extremists, sometimes forcing them to become more aggressive in order to defend themselves against unprovoked attacks. Lastly, this causes more of a divide, all cause by extremists who, with seeming little ego strength, feel the need to push their positions on others, or feel the need to degrade others positions, when, for the most part, those that they oppose could care less about imposing their beliefs on anyone else.
So, I now propose a question for atheists who seem to like to attack those of faith. I believe in GOD. I have no intention of placing my beliefs on you or anyone else. I do not want religion mixed with government in any way and will fight as strongly as you will against that happening. I am content to live my life with my beliefs and have no issue with you living yours with yours. Why do you feel the need to attack and degrade my belief system to me when I will not, in any way, attempt to place my beliefs on you?