There is absolutely no reason to respect religious beliefs, in the same way that you wouldn't respect any grand claim that has zero evidence to back it up. The only reason people do respect them is either because they are religious themselves, because of societal norms/tradition, because of "safety in numbers", or because they're told that it's good to respect them, but none of those are good reasons to do it.
Take the claim, examine the evidence, come to a conclusion - just like you would with any other claim. Religion deserves no special "exemption status" in that respect.
Happy Christmas BTW.
