Most atheists on this board and most atheist public figures are pretty disrespectful of religion and religious people. I don't think it's really much of a stereotype. It's inaccurate to say "all" atheists are like that, but in my experience, it's accurate to say many or most are, in fact, disrespectful towards religion and religious people or even theism in general. In fact, even the atheists in my personal life who are, on the surface, respectful, really believe pretty offensive things about theists and religion in general.
Consequently, while people may place all the blame of theists not wanting to elect atheists on the theists, claiming that we are just intolerant and bigoted, a great deal of the blame is on many atheists just like the blame for why many atheists can't stand religion is on bigoted religious people. If you want people to elect you, then don't say stuff like "imaginary friend" and call theists small minded or stuck in the dark ages.
I don't completely disagree. Mud slings in both directions.
That said. When we articulate our experiences or opinions, we do so as "natural beings". In other words, we can't think or act in supernatural ways. Every facet of our lives are linked to things that we see, touch, taste, smell, or hear. This means that we live in an empirical existence.
We use "moral principles" (rules or guidelines of ethics) in the form of laws to maintain a sense of order in societies of mixed moral value beliefs. Usually laws are created by actually taking in consideration moral values from all walks of life - and then examining the most fundamentally non-discriminatory facet of all of various moral values - in order to create a law that is HOPEFULLY without prejudice against a particular set of moral values held by a particular group or society. That can be difficult at times.
With or without religious morals - humanity knows that if there is no law against cold blooded murder...or aggravated theft, or violating persons rights...etc...those things could comprise our species. It's just common sense. Most laws of our most fundamental laws are created out of the need to circumvent the damaging of the general welfare of our human species.
A VERY SERIOUS HUMAN DILEMMA
Most of our problems revolve around human beings (natural beings) attempting to use a specific set of moral values (a regimented or structured philosophy) to create moral principles (laws) used control empirical behaviors. Humanity is pitched in every direction by every religion created, that wants the world to follow only their moral doctrines that define the moral standards for every single human being.
So I believe that when posts are made that are attempts to impose a moral value, which is clearly a product of a "religion", then sparks will fly. And I'm not just talking about sparks by an agnostic or atheist, but among various members of different types of faith.
As I've stated many times before. All the atheist that I know have a profound respect for life. And equally important they are strong proponents of laws that are non-discriminatory, which exist for the purpose of preserving the greater welfare of all of humanity...our planet.
Okay, that's my stump speech for my candidacy for President of the United States of America. Thank you...