Hello Jazzns,
You have made some excellent points and I have decided that what I perceive to be your fundamental position is correct.
But in living our lives, we do have to deal with human nature. Be it right or wrong, and it is frequently wrong. Human nature is that you will be lumped in with all Christians who are in turn lumped in with Pat Robertson. There are some very old and valid reasons why we stereotype. I learned a few of them in a college course on prejudice and racism. (I was going to provide an example, but it is not needed.)
When conversations of this nature begin, there is a strong predisposition to start on an antagonistic path. As someone who has grown more and more to dislike religious belief and behavior, I am subject to an incredible prejudice by almost all Christians. (So to with Muslims and most religious people) If everyone could immediately detect the religious position of other people, I and all who believe as I do would have a very difficult time in life.
This does indeed fit for the general case, but there are individuals that do not fit that case.
Now I would like you to answer a question. Are there any atheists who you seek out to, shall we say, share the experience of life? If you knew (and you may well, this is rhetoric) of atheists that liked many of the things you like and did not actively seek to argue religion, would you seek their friendship? Could you treat them as equals? It is easy for anyone to answer these sorts of questions in the affirmative, but I respectfully ask for some serious introspection.
As for me, I will admit to having a hard time with that.
Truth fears no question.
bkelly