It's funny, because yet again you find yourself in the position to define who is and is not an atheist. Hey guys we don't need a dictionary to dictate how I personally define my beliefs, just ask this guy.
Again, no answers, just reflections
*Edit, I'm sorry my bad, there was a response in there. Good that you know History. So you have plenty of examples of religion being abused by people to do evil. So now you're asking me for examples, except this whole thing started with an example straight out of the box.
Well if we find one we have proof of advanced life elsewhere in the universe. That's the most important thing. Reaching out will take millions of years.