See also Dawkins, Pharyngula, etc.
I am aware of such people. They do scientists and science a grave disservice by their actions. Because, unfortunately, the general public sees those people and assumes that they represent the majority of scientists, when in reality, they represent only themselves and their beliefs (and I count atheism as a belief). Whether you are devoutly Catholic, or devoutly atheist, science cannot validate your beliefs. That's not what it's for.
Most people have never seen scientists in their natural habitat--where we represent all religions--where, for example, a new intern was coming to our lab, and we did our best to accommodate her religious need to pray several times a day (we ended up making an arrangement with a Muslim scientist who also needed to pray several times a day). As far as I can tell, the only thing that sets scientists apart from other people as far as beliefs, lifestyles, etc., is that we chose science for a career instead of something else, like accounting or firefighting.
As far as I can tell, the only thing that sets scientists apart from other people as far as beliefs, lifestyles, etc., is that we chose science for a career instead of something else, like accounting or firefighting.
Intellectual pride sets them apart as well. The closest thing to an intellectually humble scientist I have ever seen (and surely they broke the mold when they made him) was Richard Feynman.
Cheers!