Mrrzy your point is:

"Atheists ARE a part of the general population. If that were more clearly understood, then their perspective wouldn't BE interpreted as some form of hostility. That is EXACTLY the point."

The general population can be defined as being predominantly religious. If atheists were a part of the general population and not isolated by the religious then there would be no problem. Of course the problem is how do you define the "general population"? Is this the majority of people living in the US?

As long as religious people feel that their views are not being accepted by atheists, there will continue to be hostile reactions because they will feel attacked by those who don't agree with them.

Basically, the problem is one of intolerance for views that don't match your own.
I have no problem accepting the fact that religious people believe a certain way and I don't have to share their belief. But I don't think that the majority of Americans or perhaps any other countries are atheists. Therefore the general population as I understand it are religious.

I fervently wish that intolerance by religious people was not directed toward atheists but unfortunately this isn't the reality.

i believe in tolerance. If someone wants to believe something that doesn't hurt others or impinge upon their civil rights, then that's OK by me.