to use muslims and catholics as an example (though it applies to all faiths), if i am an atheist, then aside from tolerating someone elses beliefs, why should i respect something that i consider to be superstitious nonsense (i would laugh at someone who believed in fairies, so whats so different about someone believing in a man who can ressurect the dead, or an omnipotent being who controls existence)?

Same goes if im a catholic, why should i respect a muslims beliefs, if they are to me (to all intents and purposes) followers of a blasphemous cult?

Tolerance and respect are not the same thing...if you respect something, there's no need to tolerate it. Those who are tolerating other religions don't respect the faith, but are merely showing respect to the individuals who make a choice on where to place faith.

I don't necessarily respect any faiths, though I don't have to tolerate any either, as they don't bother me.

I beleive that Tolerating something is a form a respect...like

"Hey dude, I don't like what your doing, but as long as you keep your distance, go ahead and do it."

That is opposed to snuffing out something with complete force.

Full fledge respect is something else. It means you revere the religion and the people who practice it. Just a thought.

You should whatch that Southpark (The Lemmiwinks one if I'm correct)

Mr. Garrison (this is hard to beleive I know) actually gives a good speech on Tolerance.