Revlgking wrote:

"evil people, including evil theists and atheists, will use anything to justify their actions."

Yes. But it's much easier to raise allies if you claim supernatural support. I can't imagine anything atheists might be able to use as a substitute.

Regarding the Bible and Holy War. Tell me again of the noble deeds Joshua and his partners in genocide justified by claiming their god commanded them to do it. Perfect alibi. Mind you there's a great deal of evidence it never actually happened anyway.