Sub-text of the religions is, if, for whatever reason, you don't agree/believe/ or are unaware of /with our theology, you can go to hell. and all other beliefs/religions are barking up the wrong tree. and We are right you are wrong. and we have the moral right/duty to impose our theology upon your society. and In the case of young earth creationists we deny the very EXISTENCE of your cultural history. and This an expression of un-yielding love...
Atheists that secretly pray would not be shunned or ostracised by family and friends in the same brutal, cruel, vindictive way that the "fallen" are in religious circles.
I don't think that a "lapsed atheist" has ever been told that they are no longer part of the family and should be shunned by their spouse,kids,siblings etc etc...
Its this "us and them" mindset that has lot of wreckage in its wake. In the secular community it is seen as being corrosive, destructive and, contrary to the greater good, whereas in religious circles it promotes a high handed myopic world view that is valued as spiritual enlightenment that should be shared with all and sundry, whether they like it or not.
