An excuse for hate

Why do people use religion as an excuse to hate people? I try to accept everybody the way that they are, and not have any preconceived notions about them. I don't that somewho who is gay is innately evil. I don't think they are going to be cast away to hell and I don't think they need to live a life hidden away and lying about who they are or whatthey are. X religion believes that they are better than Y religion. They believe that their god is better than whatever the other believes in. Why can't people just accept that we all believe different things and we cn all be ok with that. Whatever people need to believe in order to get through the day works for them, it doesn't or shouldn't affect your belief. I do not feel threatened by people who have religious beliefs, and just becasue I am an atheist doesn't mean that I am going to try to convert you into not believing. If I ask questions, it just means I am curious. I like to try to understand why people believe what they believe. I try not to judge them though, and I am honest when I say I try... because sometimes it happens, sometimes I just wonder why, or how or sometimes I am confused or baffled. I think it is more me not understanding and being baffled rather than judging. It may be the same thing, I don't know. It isn't a conscience decision.