If Only You Could Be More Tolerant

In my experience, atheists tend to be some of the most tolerant people. Even of others’ beliefs. Not all atheists are tolerant, and lately some atheists have been quite vocal about their views. But as I am reading some of the more popular literature from atheists I am seeing more concern about the future and wellbeing of humanity rather than of what beliefs are. There has been some eye-opening facts that make me cringe about some of the practices religions allow, which leads me to be concerned about religion continuing. Concern for humans as individuals, though, has been the most common theme.
The most intolerant people I have ever met have been religious, especially if you are not of their religion, or of their particular sect, but especially if you are agnostic or atheist. I think if theists kept their personal beliefs to themselves, enjoying their own beliefs in their own ways, without trying to convert or destroy anyone who did not believe the same way, atheists wouldn’t have too much of an issue with religion. But religions have to be destructive of other beliefs to survive.
Atheism does not need to destroy religion. Atheists are more likely to try to show a theist what reality is, and to appeal to reason and logic. If a person wishes to continue to believe something in spite of evidence to the contrary, most atheists will walk away with a sense of loss for a life and a mind. On the other hand, a theist will attempt to destroy an atheist if they refuse to believe in something that contradicts reality. Destruction is not the goal, acceptance of reality is.
As an atheist, I am free to study any religion: learning about the nature of humanity, learning about what helps some cope with reality, learning some of the best and worst of humanity’s history. I can do so without a preconceived bias. All religions are equal to me; none are superior to any other. If only those who believe their religion to be the best could be so tolerant, how many wars and atrocities would have been avoided? How many deaths avoided?
The religious leaders teach tolerance, but the doctrines are inconsistent and conflicting making them easy to use to advance the “church’s” agenda (whatever that agenda may be).
Bottom line: if you find out someone is of a different “belief” or philosophy than yourself, take some time to learn about it before making judgments, then attempt to accept the person for who they are, as they are. If this is not possible, then walk away, don’t try to “convert” them or change them, unless they express an interest. Some people are looking for the truth, in their religion, in their philosophy, in their lives. Some people may need religion, let them have it. Others need science, facts, logic, reason and the truth. To some, the truth is their religion. Reality and truth are the only “religion” I need.