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.
Good question. Which holders of the ultimate truth are we supposed to believe? Followers of Christ, Allah, Zeuss, Osiris or the Invisible Pink Unicorn? Each says that if we follow the other then we're damned.
Remember, a Christian rejects 10,000 gods while holding one as true. An athiest simply rejects one more god. We're a lot more alike than you think.
It would, except the atheist tries to lead the believer to a life of utter hopelessness, moral fog, and eternal nothingness.
Then how is it I have hope, clear moral vision and no fear of death? False hope for eternal life is dangerous.