"Likewise I'm sure it never happens in matters people consider of great import to their religion. "
On the contrary, it applies to all people. Religious people definitely exhibit this behavior.
My observation from these threads is that scientists consider themselves immune from such influences, and that's where I believe they deceive themselves.
You seem to be conflating scientists with science. The very reason such checks as peer review are built into science is because scientists do recognized their own fallibility and tendencies to bias. It is the adherence to the modern methodology (which is slightly modified for each group within science) which prevents mistakes from exiting long term. Modern science is basically adversarial where scientists spend time showing how others are wrong and expecting the same treatment in return. Many scientists will actually be thankful when errors are pointed out.