Bravo for writing this, Ada. Yes, atheists aren't just neutral, or live and let live, about their religion. And yes, their's is a religion, too. They always dredge up the Crusades, or how some mean person treated them in church.

They paint with a broad brush and are intolerant of those who don't believe as they do.

But you know what I really think the reason is? It's because Jesus is truth and light, and the evil one from the beginning of time has stirred up hostility to those who follow Jesus. (Also to Jesus himself). The evil one will also stir the hearts of Christians to hatred, if he can, and this is why Christians must resist hatred, intolerance, racism, revenge, and all those other negative characteristics.

If someone hates me for my faith, I don't hate them back. I pray for them.