I find proselytism highly disrespectful, yet it's common to Islam, Christianity, and historically Judaism. So I wouldn't say respect is fundamental to religion.
I'm willing to give the commentators the benefit of the doubt though and assume they meant no disrespect. They'd probably be puzzled that anyone would find offense. Likely just a lack of exposure to other world views.
If you truly believe that an all-powerful, provenly vengeful supreme being wants you to personally spread his word to other people, it'd be a pretty bad idea to disobey.
I'm willing to give the commentators the benefit of the doubt though and assume they meant no disrespect. They'd probably be puzzled that anyone would find offense. Likely just a lack of exposure to other world views.