I may understand if he was trying to convert his own children, although I doubt he'd have to do that; surely the initial indoctrination will be sufficient.
However, we are talking about adults with as much right to their beliefs as he has to his. Perhaps the atheists should be worried that he's living in a delusional state, wasting his current and only life away on false hopes of something greater afterwards. That sounds like the exact respect out of deep concern you describe, although I believe it would be equally disrespectful.
Of course he does! The issue is not whether he has the right to his beliefs, but rather are his beliefs right? And what are the consequences if they aren't?
In this case, the consequences involve the immortal soul.
Perhaps the atheists should be worried that he's living in a delusional state, wasting his current and only life away on false hopes of something greater afterwards. That sounds like the exact respect out of deep concern you describe...
It would, except the atheist tries to lead the believer to a life of utter hopelessness, moral fog, and eternal nothingness. None of which are true. The Christian wants to lead the atheist to a new life now and for eternity.