Is atheism a scientific perspective?

[Whateverist]

There is no direct link between atheism and science.

The application of scientific thinking often results in atheism. But not all atheists are scientifically minded.

This was my response as well, though it seems not to have been posted before I shut it down this morning.

There is no link as Rob says and in fact some atheists claim to be spiritual, etc.  But it is quite fair to point out that every mainstream xtian sect embraces empirical claims not based on observation or measurement.  In other words, xtians start off committed to empirical claims for which they do not consult science.  And yet empirical claims are precisely those which make up the domain of science.  That isn't to say such a xtian couldn't be a good scientist in regard to other questions but when it comes to the origins of the universe, the development of life on earth or the relationship between consciousness and the human brain xtians are not good scientists. Instead they seek to cherry pick evidence that supports the empirical beliefs their religion commits them to.