Why should we respect his conviction in his own beliefs? If that is an argument then shouldn’t we respect the guys who strap on a suicide vest and blow themselves and dozens of other innocents. Their beliefs are no less sincere.
There are far too many people out there convinced of the righteousness of their own beliefs and damn everyone else. Their version of God is frankly f@@@@ing horrible. No empathy. My way or the highway. When the rapture arrives it will be them only.