I'm agnostic, but pretty much as close to atheist as an agnostic can get. But there are some (a handful) of Christians that I really respect and admire. This guy, Father Rod Bower, is one of them.
I have friends and acquaintances around the world who followtheir god, under whatever religious banner they choose - me being agnostic does not prevent friendship,rather the opposite.
Almost every religion is based on a moral and social code and there are massive overlaps of moral values between these religions and my own views - the basics like not killing, not stealing, helping others, etc.- and some religious ideas I disbelieve like sex, particularly homosexuality, or with a neighbours wife is a sin.
My friends and I often talk directly, or by messaging, about moral and philosophical questions and debate possible actions that could be taken to improve parts of the world. They, for the most part, agree that it is not necessary to follow a god to be a 'good' person, as I have come to accept that the teaching of moral values to children can not always be left to parents and is easier for society in general to instill such values if there is a standard bearer / religion to follow. Our only difference is that they are certain a supreme being exists and I do not - but lacking evidence either way I acknowledge there may be (in the same way that we have not yet found a goatherder on the moon - but there may be one)
It is judgmental, chauvinistic and frankly stupid, to cut out of your life any person simply because they hold religious views ... better to talk, acknowledge the differences and celebrate the points of agreement.
I am an atheist and I respect and like a lot of people of all faiths. I admire very few people...
I like Reverend Dr. Barber from the poor peoples campaign. He seems to act like a Christian instead of claiming to be one. Many of my friends are religious and I do respect them but feel their belief in a deity is misguided.
[poorpeoplescampaign.org]
Most of my friends are practicing Christians, I respect and love them all even though I think they are misguided in their belief.