Ah, the rites of passage!
The new convert, whether to Christianity, atheism or whatever, approaches their new found beliefs with a zeal that can simply take your breath away. Done with mucking about in their indecision, they feel liberated and ready to meet all comers. Some of these new converts will villify all who disagree with them. Why? Because they truly want to make a difference and be seen as "extreme" in their beliefs.
Not-so-new converts, will often take one of the newbies under their wing just to help them with their transition. I am sure that if they were able to see this scene, they would have shaken their head in amusement and would have tried to defuse the situation without ruining the new convert's joy.
The point to remember here, is that this applies to ANY new convert for any belief system.
BTW, I agree with Michel... too many people have this stereotype of a Christian or "Fundy" in their heads. They have met too many to remember alright. Ask for a name, and many times none can be given. Why??? Go re-read the part about the new convert villifying everyone that doesn't agree with them.