Jerome, both "deluded" and "bigots" are used with obvious disparaging meaning. If you said that you believe faith-based convictions are doubtful, I would never take it as intolerance, but as your opinion, to be respected. If I say that leftwing ideals are utopias, hence delusions, with a certain tone, how do you think sincere lefties would feel ? This is a point where I could be reminded that this is a progressive blog, and I could reply that what I'm saying is factual and can be argumented. This is a very sensitive line, which is why I don't think heavy labels (deluded, ie, well, a bit mad) should be used easily.

Also, I note your formulation, "we do not take your beliefs seriously".
For one, there are faithful progressive, as you must be aware. Second, they don't come here to shout out loud their faith or to question it, and they don't need "we"'s opinion on the matter, whoever the "we" is. They usually argument their opinions rationally, in specific debates (eg. pope's words on condom use). No wonder they feel aggressed when they are met with mocking or insulting attitudes. Fifth, if by "we" you mean ET as a whole, then you should really call it what it is, put it upfront that this is a secular (if you don't like atheist) site, and that the faithful should stay out, because they will soon be taken into derision one way or another. If you're not prepared or willing to tolerate religious people who are not militant about their personal faith, just say so.

Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last! (Martin Luther King)