This happens widely, but is dishonest.
Atheism is non-science just as theism is.
Also, it is important for scientists to consider the history and philosophy of science, not just science itself. To the extent that God is assumed to have operated via secondary, material means, in accord with natural law, theists and atheists may make identical predictions for anything science can detect. Much if not most of the impetus behind and support for Christian opposition to the scientific mainstream has been reaction to such claims of support for atheism. To some extent, I see ID and young-earth approaches as succumbing to the second temptation of Christ. Rather, miracles were an aid to belief, serving a specific purpose.