Theists Vs. Athesists

Here in the US, or even the world, we as people learn to accept and embrace one simple concept: we're different. Not only looks or languages, but rather, our personal beliefs.

Or lack thereof.

To consider it for a moment, there are truckloads of issues and standards of which we have become tolerant in others.

Vegetarian?
That's cool, man, we'll take the meat out of your dish.

Gay?
Fine with me; I respect your life choice.

Atheist?
...Leave.

Why is it that of all the things that we can handle in the world, atheism is completely and totally, in the full sense of the word, unacceptable? Is it because the meaning of the word "atheist" is misunderstood? Frankly, atheism is simply the opposite of theism. Some people seem to immediately interpret the meaning as "worships Satan", where in reality, an atheist doesn't believe in Satan. It is the definite disbelief in gods, deities, or other religious standards.

It seems to comes down to something bigger than misunderstanding the word. People understand atheism, and it's from said comprehension that hatred and fear spawns. It's almost as though the world is purposely living in denial and pushing away all who disagree. Could it be that the religious public as a whole is living in willful ignorance?

I can (and do) respect the belief in the presence of a god or greater being; it's not my intention to disclose my preferred theories. But when does it end? Somehow, despite the leaps and bounds achieved by modern science, it is honestly accepted that God is every bit as much of a truth as "this table is solid". It is, without doubt, a fact.

With all due respect, that is simply not true.

There is a line between respecting those beliefs and blatantly lying, and that is a line that I refuse to blur. There's nothing factual about religion. The entire basis of religion is blind faith. If you are questioning any piece of religious aspects, and there is undoubtedly plenty to question, your fellow believers will reassure you that you simply must believe. You must know within yourself that it is all real and true.