Do you believe Religion promotes intolerance and bigotry? If so, why?

It is the people that are leading the religious groups that promote intolerance and bigotry. Many reasons for it: they know they have to keep demonstrating their righteousness to their followers, and these days it sells good. That is very important and the second main reason. The ones that take the most extremist fundamentalist position get the media coverage and lure their followers/donators in, for their own financial benefit, or fame, or political power. Religion is big business and in these uncertain times you can cash in tremendously as long as you keep the controversy alive. Atheists are much less likely to be member of an organized "group", but some shout out intolerant phrases too, maybe because they are in reality not so sure yet, and want to justify themselves not only to others but also to themselves. Call it a defense mechanism if you like.