Why do religious people desperately want to class Atheism as a religion?

[Crossless2.0]

Sure, but that's not because we're atheists or because there's an atheist doctrine.

I know there is no atheist doctrine. 

But for whatever reason, most atheists seem to have very similar sets of ideals: politically liberal/left wing, thinks religion is harmful, pro choice, believes in climate change, anti death penalty, animal lover, environmentally conscious, Bernie fan, etc etc. 

...Nothing wrong with that. Just an observation I've made.

I take it you haven't had the "pleasure" of meeting very many of Ayn Rand's fanboys then.