Atheist were the most intelligent and the most superior class according to them. But because of their high intellects they cause them to lose their own life because of losing their purpose and values. Yes, we can conclude that it is almost a religion because in the course of time they become many. I am not against them, anyways, we have to respect each others belief.
No. We should NOT respect other people's beliefs. Respect other people because they are people.
It is heard now and again, that in WW2 when common American and German soldiers were in the trenches, not far from each other, that they often talked and joked with each other. They respected each other as people and as soldiers. But they were ready to kill each other at any moment, because they didn't respect the beliefs of the other.