A meta-analysis of 55 independent studies published in Personality and Social Psychology Review finds that religious devotion has a positive correlation to racist sentiment. John Shook is not surprised:
Let's read that conclusion again: "Only religious agnostics were racially tolerant." Why would religious agnostics be more humanistic and less racist? Religious agnostics would be people who combine a religious/spiritual attitude in living life with a humble admission that they don't know if their approach is the only right way. Religious agnostics are pluralistic -- they have no problem admiring how different people can enjoy different religious paths. And it is precisely this lack of dogmatism which permits humanistic values to shine through.
(Hat tip: Dan Savage)