You contradict yourself in the highlighted parts: first you say we should accept beliefs that are widely accepted, then that it’s a failing to hang on to widely accepted beliefs.
If we lived in ancient Rome, would we believe in Zeus because lots of others do? Probably. Would we think cult leaders who ended up on the wrong side of the law were crazy? Probably.
If we were leaders in Galilee would we try to keep the occupying forces quiet? Probably. If we were the occupying forces would we try to keep the occupied people quiet? Probably.
And of course, the $64,000 question: if we were trying to found a new religion, would we want there to be legends of martyrs?
I think it’s not possible for an atheist to reach out to God - I’m a Zeus atheist, so it would be impossible for me to reach out to Zeus. Leading by example in how we lead our lives might be a better bet.
