Why do religions feel they need protection from criticism?

I don't know that they do. As a religious person, though, I need enough peace, love and acceptance to function and thrive, just like anybody else.

Because they cannot stand the truth.

Those who truly believe in God and their religion they do not care what others think.

it's funny, isn't it? I can criticize political ideas, I can criticize scientific ideas, but the moment I criticize somebody else's religious ideas, I'm called hateful.

I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm not sure you do either.

Protection from atheists' criticism of my religion? Pffffft! Like gnats.

"There is something feeble and a little contemptible about a man who cannot face the perils of life without the help of comfortable myths. Almost inevitably some part of him is aware that they are myths and that he believes them only because they are comforting. But he dare not face this thought! Moreover, since he is aware, however dimly, that his opinions are not rational, he becomes furious when they are disputed."~ Bertrand Russell "Human Society in Ethics and Politics"

I imagine that a lot of religious people have a "shell" of some description to preserve their own personal view of reality.

People believing in other religions, atheists wandering around without getting struck by lightning and people saying "I don't think your religion is right" all threaten the carefully built reality within their shell.

Weaker religious people will keep within their shell and deny anything else has currency. The braver and brighter ones will go beyond their shell to meet the challenge. But they are in the minority, certainly on here.

Because they can't refute it.

It is so just because they say it is, how dare you question a christian! That is a very prevalent attitude here, and I've run into it numerous times over the years. Usually when someone was trying to cheat at business.

It is a protection mechanism for most, protecting them in their minds, from having to admit they are wrong.

They will lose members rapidly if anyone within a church starts thinking critically.

Blackmail by atheists