Why don't atheists realize that evolution is a THEORY, not a fact?

Question

Why don't atheists realize that evolution is a THEORY, not a fact?

Answer 1

Scientists have discovered a wealth of evidence concerning human evolution, and this evidence comes in many forms. Thousands of human fossils enable researchers and students to study the changes that occurred in brain and body size, locomotion, diet, and other aspects regarding the way of life of early human species over the past 6 million years. Millions of stone tools, figurines and paintings, footprints, and other traces of human behavior in the prehistoric record tell about where and how early humans lived and when certain technological innovations were invented.

Answer 2

Evolution is not science nor a fact. For it to be science, it has to be re-producible! NO ONE has EVER seen ANY evolution taking place in real time. NO scientist has EVER reproduced ANY evolutionary "fact".



For evolution to be true, it HAS to be happening TODAY.



Does ANYBODY see any ---- Noooooo. Because it's fake, false, it's not real.



Simple.

Answer 3

They are stuck in their own head! Very few people can understand two sides of an argument! They want to explain to you why its not a theory, because they don't explore the other side they don't see it as a theory its all they know!

Answer 4

Evolution is a *scientific* theory, which means that it is backed up with a myriad of evidence. A scientific theory is basically fact with the years of constant study that was done on it. I would look up the fossil record and ring species if you wanted to learn more.

Answer 5

So is believing in the bible and God! You are going off what people believed during them times, which also meant you would believe that miracles could be performed with needing any medical attention.

Answer 6

so is atomic theory. It's just because it's kind of hard to witness in motion

Answer 7

As a Creationist, I have to say that when someone uses this argument against Macroevolution it actually bothers me because it displays how ignorant they are in regards to what the word "theory", in the context of a supposed scientific theory like the Theory of Evolution, means.



Just because the word "theory" is in the title of the Theory of Evolution, does not in & of itself prove that something, in this case the Theory of Evolution, to be false. If one is going to subscribe to this way of thinking then to be consistent they must also agree that since the Theory of Gravity is also a theory then that must not supposedly be true either.



If you want to defend Creationism, like any Christian should, then bring it on. But, only attempt to defend Creationism as long as you can offer decent arguments that aren't based upon a misunderstanding of the word that is in the title of the theory in which one is in opposition to.

Answer 8

And why don't you know what scientific theory actually is?

Answer 9

It is both.

Answer 10

Theory in the scientific sense is basically something that's so well backed by evidence, it's pretty much fact.



It doesn't mean just a hunch like it might in other contexts.

Answer 11

I am Christian

Answer 12

Why don't you realize the meaning of a "scientific theory" after it has no doubt been explained to you many times?



Scientists speak of "atomic theory", "germ theory" and the "theory of gravity". This does not mean they doubt the existence of atoms, pathogens or gravity. A "theory" in scientific vernacular is many facts and a well established explanation that accounts for those facts.



Not that you will care - I have had this conversation enough times to know that facts don't actually matter to people like you - but biological evolution has been observed. Here are some examples: http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/speciation.html

Answer 13

Why? Because you are using the word "theory" incorrectly. A theory is an explanation for how a process works. For example, to understand how electronic devices work one needs a schematic, which illustrates how the components are interconnected, and a "theory of operation," which explains how the components work together to achieve the desired results. Only children and ignorant adults believe a "THEORY" amounts to an educated guess, or a hunch. The only facts more reliable than those found in a theory can be found in well-established physical laws. The proper term for what you evidently imagine a theory means is an hypothesis. (...derived from hypothetical.)

Answer 14

Because for many of them, this theory helps them to "disprove" the notion of a God in their mind. Yet still for others it is simply what they have been taught. As Christians we know the spiritual ramifications and origins of this as we know that satan is the god of this world and he wars against the knowledge of God.

Answer 15

that's because it is a theory and a fact. your looking for the word hypothesis... maybe?????

Answer 16

Yawn don't believe any real Christian believes that unless they have been totally brain washed.

Answer 17

You should look up the meaning of a scientific theory. Not the definition of just "theory".

Answer 18

because they are dumb and need mental help

Answer 19

Evolution was a Theory way back in the 19th century which has since been PROVEN BEYOND A SHADOW OF DOUBT!

Answer 20

Because Theories are often presented As Facts, as though daring others to dispute it.

Answer 21

.The "theory" of gravity is "just a theory" - try stepping off a roof.

Answer 22

Scientists are perfectly aware of what evolution is. The problem (well, one of many problems) is that science deniers don't have a CLUE what a scientific theory actually is, and then project their own ignorance onto those that know far, far more than them.

Answer 23

Like gravity is a theory.

Answer 24

In the American vernacular, "theory" often means "imperfect fact"--part of a hierarchy of confidence running downhill from fact to theory to hypothesis to guess. Thus the power of the creationist argument: evolution is "only" a theory and intense debate now rages about many aspects of the theory. If evolution is worse than a fact, and scientists can't even make up their minds about the theory, then what confidence can we have in it? Indeed, President Reagan echoed this argument before an evangelical group in Dallas when he said (in what I devoutly hope was campaign rhetoric): "Well, it is a theory. It is a scientific theory only, and it has in recent years been challenged in the world of science--that is, not believed in the scientific community to be as infallible as it once was."



Well evolution is a theory. It is also a fact. And facts and theories are different things, not rungs in a hierarchy of increasing certainty. Facts are the world's data. Theories are structures of ideas that explain and interpret facts. Facts don't go away when scientists debate rival theories to explain them. Einstein's theory of gravitation replaced Newton's in this century, but apples didn't suspend themselves in midair, pending the outcome. And humans evolved from ape-like ancestors whether they did so by Darwin's proposed mechanism or by some other yet to be discovered.



Moreover, "fact" doesn't mean "absolute certainty"; there ain't no such animal in an exciting and complex world. The final proofs of logic and mathematics flow deductively from stated premises and achieve certainty only because they are not about the empirical world. Evolutionists make no claim for perpetual truth, though creationists often do (and then attack us falsely for a style of argument that they themselves favor). In science "fact" can only mean "confirmed to such a degree that it would be perverse to withhold provisional consent." I suppose that apples might start to rise tomorrow, but the possibility does not merit equal time in physics classrooms.



Evolutionists have been very clear about this distinction of fact and theory from the very beginning, if only because we have always acknowledged how far we are from completely understanding the mechanisms (theory) by which evolution (fact) occurred. Darwin continually emphasized the difference between his two great and separate accomplishments: establishing the fact of evolution, and proposing a theory--natural selection--to explain the mechanism of evolution.



- Stephen J. Gould, " Evolution as Fact and Theory"; Discover, May 1981

Answer 25

How true

Answer 26

Oooo

Answer 27

We do. We just gravitate towards it as it has proof, unlike creationism.

Answer 28

What do you expect? They still believe in the theory of spontaneous generation.

Answer 29

Atheists do not believe in gods. That's it. Atheism has nothing to do with science and vice versa.



Evolution is science and is accepted by theists and atheists alike, including all the mainstream Christian religions, because the evidence for it is overwhelming.



Evolution is a fact, it has been observed in the wild and in the laboratory. The Theory of Evolution is the model that explains how evolution works just as the Theory of Gravity is the model that explains how gravity works. The models might be wrong but that does not alter the facts of evolution or gravity.



The model proposed for gravity by Newton was found to be wrong by Einstein and his Theory of General Relativity corrected it. The Newtonian model is fine for sending spacecraft off into the Solar System but it breaks down at the quantum level. The current Theory of Evolution might be wrong, in which case it will be changed but that does not change the fact of evolution.

Answer 30

Evolution is a fact.

The theory of evolution is a theory.

Answer 31

Why do people buy into evolution? Most of them because it's what they've been taught. Now if science is about facts then why don't they look into the counter arguments? If someone is unwilling to look into counter-arguments then you have to say it is nothing more than a dogmatic belief system. I've looked into it myself and there are far too many problems with evolution for me to simply take it as fact.

Answer 32

Wow. So many people here saying that evolution is based on facts. Is it? Or can many of those facts be disputed and make the theory less believable? There are many online resources to help shed some light on the problems with evolution and it is not as factual as what some may say. One particular resource is "Dissenting from Darwin." Now if the evolution theory were so infallible and concretely supported by evidence and proof as many here are saying then why are so many scientists abandoning it? Never mind the fact that most still do. Why are there those that are leaving the flock? Theories are debunked all the time and have been throughout the history of science. So what makes the people who have brought us evolution hold so strongly to it, in light of all of the problems regarding it?

That's the question you should ask yourself.

Answer 33

because if they accepted the fact that evolution is a THEORY, then they'd have to accept the Bible version of Creation, and they choose not to believe Truth. It's a personal choice.

Answer 34

Atheists know, because the majority are educated and follow evidence, that evolution is both. It is a theory and a fact.



I would love to know how many times ignorant people will pose this question. It is clear that you do not know the difference between the word 'theory' in vernacular English and the term 'theory' in the scientific lexicon. If you want to end your ignorance on this one point, but I doubt you do, read the following. It is a no more than a single Web page. It is not intended to convince you evolution is true (that would be too much to expect) but it will prevent you from looking foolish when you claim evolution is only a theory. Here is the link: http://notjustatheory.com/

Answer 35

Actually it is both.



Fact: Evolution DID happen.



Theory: HOW did evolution happen.



WHY EVOLUTION IS A FACT, IT REALLY HAPPEBED

The thing is, evolution works so damn well to accurately describe how b biology works. So well that:



The worldwide scientific research community from over the past 150 years has discovered that no known hypothesis other than universal common descent can account scientifically for the unity, diversity, and patterns of terrestrial life. This hypothesis has been verified and corroborated so extensively that it is currently accepted as fact by the overwhelming majority of professional researchers in the biological and geological sciences (AAAS 1990; AAAS 2006; GSA 2009; NAS 2005; NCSE 2012; Working Group 2001). No alternate explanations compete scientifically with common descent, primarily for four main reasons: (1) so many of the predictions of common descent have been confirmed from independent areas of science, (2) no significant contradictory evidence has yet been found, (3) competing possibilities have been contradicted by enormous amounts of scientific data, and (4) many other explanations are untestable, though they may be trivially consistent with biological data.

Answer 36

Because it's more believable than ONE guy created literally EVERYTHING and that there's a devil.

Answer 37

Evolution is most likely real, as there are so many facts backing it (ex. analogous, homologous, and vestigial structures (*in order* bats' wings and birds' wings, why whales and human's have similar bone characteristics, and the human appendix). Most people can and do agree that evolution is real, as we obviously see bacteria and other organisms change in their environment. What the true "theory" that atheists and theists argue is that humans evolved from apes. While some view this as the hypothesis, they are wrong; science doesn't argue that humans come directly from apes, but both humans and apes share a direct, ape-like ancestor. With similar bodily structures and tracing back, we must be open minded as to why so many atheists (and theists!) believe in the evolution theory. (Which I believe to be true, not that you were asking.) That being said, it is not the only theory, and others must also be open minded and accept the possibility that they could be wrong. (We must also keep in mind that sometimes stubbornness causes people to deny God.) Whether we agree, disagree, or have no opinion, it is important to listen to all sides before we solidify our opinions.

Answer 38

why do fools believe sky gods are real?

Answer 39

Liberal nut jobs push evolution as a tool to bring down religion.

All totalitarians erase religion and a nations traditions and history

Before they take over and put a iron boot on your nations throat

And put a dictator in place. Hitler, Stalin, Castro and Mao all

Did the same thing. Eliminate all other gods and demanded

Everyone worship them as their god. Bow to them or die.

This is the goal of the democrat party.

Answer 40

The existence of a god or dods is also a theory. We are all free to believe what we want to believe

Answer 41

When they grow up they’ll start to use their head alittle more.

Answer 42

Gravity is also a theory.

Answer 43

Because they are blinded from god of this world, Satan the Devil.

Answer 44

Evolution is a fact, one that comes with strong evidence.



Although we all came out of Africa, those who moved north lost their darker skin pigmentation due to the reduction in sunlight.



As a result of the Romans introducing the heal to footwear 2000 years ago white people have shorter hamstrings than areas where the heel on a shoe had not evolved.



Evolution is provable fact

Answer 45

Why don't fundies read something intelligent. Gravity is a theory, proved by the facts, just like evolution.

Answer 46

It is a fact

Answer 47

Yeah. Like gravity!



Anyway, what has evolution got to do with not-believing-in-gods? It's only a small group of inbred, Christian delusionists in America and a few hardline Islamist who don't understand evolution. everybody else understands it just fine.

Answer 48

You seem to not know that there is a difference between a colloquial theory (a guess) and a scientific theory (a collection of facts).



You are right... evolution is a scientific theory. Which means it is not a fact, but many facts that all come together to support the same conclusion.



A scientific theory is better than a fact.

Answer 49

Creationism is a fairy tale story, lol



The theory of evolution is based on observable facts.

Answer 50

Evolution is a "theory" in the same way that gravity is a "theory".



You, uh, you don't think that gravity is fake too, do you?

Answer 51

Atheists are so busy pushing evolution off on Christians here on this site but they often call it the fact. Why are they so intent on converting us to their evolutionary dogma? I believe the fact of the matter is, that many on here are either militant humanists and/or satanists who are intent on drawing Christians away from our faith. Another fact of the matter is that most of the people who are the leaders in the evolutionary world are naturalist's and that's a tad bit different than a straight-up atheist ( as far as I know). So if you want to actually say that evolution has nothing to do with atheism I'll say okay. Then it has everything to do with naturalism. Biased interpretation of the facts by people who hate God and many people fall for it hook, line & sinker.

Answer 52

Youtube has several Creation Stories from several ancient cultures.

How many of them does any Christian even LOOK at, before boldly declaring that the ancient Hebrew story deserves to be called the Least Silly of the bunch?



Scientists call evolution a theory.

Scientists call gravity a theory.

Do you know why scientists have applied the same word to both?



If you wish to claim that neither the fossil record not ring species are testable, repeatable proof of evolution, that's FINE with me. As long as you stand ready to provide testable, repeatable proof of the validity of whichever ancient Creation Story you consider to be the proper one.





And you Down Thumbers: Please note that I referred to the Creation Stories as STORIES, not MYTHS.

Rather than thumb down my answer, please post a comment with links to testable evidence of the validity of your favorite Creation Story.

Answer 53

When will religious people realize that their religion is a theory, not a fact?

Answer 54

It's a f***ing fact . Science is fact.

Answer 55

Because it is a fact, it has been observed to exist, but the theory we have to explain it is a theory, but it has a huge amount of supporting evidence. When will morons realize this?

Answer 56

attention?

Answer 57

They are stuck in their own head! Very few people can understand two sides of an argument! They want to explain to you why its not a theory, because they don't explore the other side they don't see it as a theory its all they know!.

Answer 58

Evolution must be true in order for all of the species on earth to exist in the varieties they do after a global flood. You couldn't possibly fit as many species as there are on the ark and therefore out of necessity for the Christian belief system rapid evolution must take place. So really you should believe in evolution either way.

Answer 59

In science and technivkle language

Theory means proven with repeated results that show an extreme high probability that the theory is correct.

Hypothesis is question.

And the gays I've been sleeping with all know that they chose, all have extreme perverse ideas, all want to convince others to do naughty things, and we all enjoy ruining other couples.

Answer 60

After I learned that there was a common ancestor to us, that was like part ape part human, that kinda killed it for me.

Answer 61

In the context of science, theory=as damn close as we can get to certainty.

Answer 62

Why don't theists realise that evolution has absolutely nothing to do with atheism?



& the following might interest you:



A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment. Such fact-supported theories are not "guesses" but reliable accounts of the real world.

Answer 63

For the same reason that many adherents of any of the world s many religions don t realise that their religions are based on belief rather than fact.

Answer 64

If it won't be inconvenient for you then please provide evidence to prove that evolution is not fact.

Answer 65

Wow hey thats a good point you bring up

Answer 66

Why don't some of the Christians on here realize that large numbers of Christians accept that evolution is fact? Including the current Pope and the Roman Catholic church.



It is not an atheist exclusive.



And has been pointed out by other commenters: Atheism is simply the denial of the existence of any gods as there is no proof that they exist - nothing more.

Answer 67

you lot are experts at theories

Answer 68

Evolution is a fact. The theory explains the facts.

Answer 69

Tim Minchin said it best. "If we're lucky, maybe creationists will realize gravity is just a theory... Then float the **** away."

Answer 70

Realization comes with understanding. Understanding comes with knowledge. Knowledge comes from those who teach. Atheists skipped too many classes.

Answer 71

Why can't the religiously afflicted realize what a THEORY is?

Answer 72

Blinded by satan from the truth of our origins. The vast majority of the world is chosen to reject Christ and so they have fallen for deception.

Answer 73

Anything to reject God.

Answer 74

A theory is not just some sort of educated guess, it is the graduation point of a hypothesis after rigorous testing time after time. It is FACT that leaves room for further expansion. People love to throw out the it s only a theory argument when they just don t understand what a theory is. Also even if evolution were to be dis proven today it still wouldn t be evidence for a "god".

Answer 75

Why don't jesus junkies realize that the idea of a god is RETARDED, not a fact?

Answer 76

Because a theory supported by all sciences is proof enough when the alternative is that an all-seeing deity got bored one day and created everything lmao. Why would you even ask that? Faith without fact is foolishness.

Answer 77

A scientific theory is basically fact with the years of constant study that was done on it.

Answer 78

Hence the THEORY of EVOLUTION

Answer 79

so is atomic theory. It's just because it's kind of hard to witness in motion

Answer 80

The theory of evolution ismt regarded as a fact. Just as the best explaination for the amount of animals and species there are. It has evidence that is basically undeniable, which the Bible doesnt. And the church actually teaches, along with pope francis, that Genesis is theologically true, so like a fable in a way but also say that The Big bang and evolution theories are both the best theories to follow, so long as God caused them.

There are more than this one theory, just like the Big Bang theory overtook the steady state theory.

Answer 81

Don't Christians realise that their God is giving millions of African babies AIDS? Or that their God is a rapist? Or that their sole religion is based on a book written by some drunken pagans?

Answer 82

Sigh.



You obviously do not understand what a theory is in scientific parlance. It is not some pie-in-the-sky speculation as it is in ordinary discourse. A scientific theory is something that fits ALL of the available evidence as observed and studied by experts.



Gravity is a theory, dear, but I bet you tend to believe in it.



We have reams of evidence for evolution. There is simply no doubt about it.

Answer 83

so is gravity

Answer 84

How come YOU'VE never learned what the word "theory" means?

Answer 85

Maybe they do not like to come back as a monkey again.

That's the fact.

Answer 86

Fossils were formed when minerals (silica, especially) penetrated the tissues of plants and animals - under extreme pressure - turning them to stone; the result of being buried in mud under miles of water for a year.



Reptiles never stop growing as long as they live and the lifespan of some animals can be determined by the size of their fangs, horns, tusks or antlers. Trees and some grasses also never stop growing until they die.



Fish float, rot, or get eaten when they die. They do NOT turn into fossils. But fish fossils are found at high altitudes all over the world.



The only reason why fossils even exist is because of the world wide flood; 5000 years ago everything lived about ten times longer because the atmosphere was like a hyperbaric chamber. We know this from air samples extracted from fossilized sap. Science proves the Bible correct.

Answer 87

The more educated you are, the more you realize that evolution is a conclusion to a theory. Which means it was thought to be real until it was proven to be just that: real ! Ask yourself this, which makes more sense, Geneses or evolution? Go back and read Geneses again before answering!

Answer 88

Evolution is a fact of life and all on earth and cosmos are evolving by the second.

Answer 89

Evolution is both fact and theory. Its a fact it occurred and continues to occur. The theory part is the mechanisms and processes of evolution.

Answer 90

Why don't Christians realize that a science education is vastly more important than any RE, then they would know the meaning of THEORY?

Answer 91

So it is a theory. What's your point? The earth is flat?

Answer 92

It's a sign of the last days and how the devil will deceive people. Make no mistake about it. The devil seeks your destruction eternally and if he has to use something like evolution.......



2 Corinthians 4:4



whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.



https://youtu.be/JmVxRl5bc4Y

Answer 93

They have not evolved or is that evilved enough to know the truth from a lie. A theory is a theory is a theory, just made up stories and NO FACTS But only LIES from satan for his evil purpose to kill all mankind and take over the evil world. YHVH God will NOT allow this and satan's evil machinations will come to nought, but people will still think that a theory is fact.

Answer 94

Look, honey. I'm a strong believer in Jesus Christ. I have a very strong faith in our lord, and I love my faith. But think. You're saying that evolutionist are the crazy ones for believing in a theory, which has yet to be proven wrong, and is backed up with scientific fact, and has been studied, and discussed, thousands of times over, when we're literally the ones who blindly believe in something and take it as truth while backing it up with "Faith is believing without seeing." And I'm not saying that's wrong, I really like that saying, and I don't care if we have no proof of god being real, because I like my faith, and it brings me much comfort. But c'mon man, you don't see the irony in that question? I believe in evolution, I believe in the big bang. And believe it or not, it does not conflict with my faith, maybe God just saw the potential all this nothingness had and started a reaction that would take result in what we have today. And maybe when we became sentient god then chose to present himself to us. Of course, that's just my speculation, no one knows what true and not. I'm just saying the irony in your question is killing me Jeez.

Answer 95

There are multiple lines of evidence that prove evolution is a fact and is occurring, now. Evolution theory is a Scientific Theory, meaning it is based on multiple hypotheses that have been well-tested and not yet proven false. We have actually made predictions based on evolutionary theory, and those predictions have been verified. You should be thankful that we can do so, because evolutionary theory guides our advances in medicine, agriculture, and a number of other human endeavors. Without it, we would still be in the dark ages.

Answer 96

god is a theory too.

Answer 97

it;s yes

Answer 98

Welcome the Creationist Moron Convention.

Answer 99

Evolution is observable in small animals with a short life and quick gestation. Changes can be observed in species such as fruit flies over a 2 month period. You need to take your head out of the closed environment in which you keep it and look around you, it's a big wonderful World out there, if only you use the eyes and senses given to you. I suspect that you may be trying to push a creationist agenda, well that's OK, but remember that if you believe in God who created all, then he also created the evolutionary process. Deny Evolution and deny your faith.

Answer 100

It pretty much is a fact. A theory has to have strong evidence to become a fact. We use “in theory” wrong in conversation, because we are hypothetically thinking of a ways something to work... SCIENTIFIC theory, the correct way, means just what I first said. There’s so much evidence that it is fact. And in theory evolution is a theory creating a fact because there is so much evidence from skulls, weapons and my ultimate favorite... HUMANS THIS DAY HAVING NEANDERTHAL DNA. Meaning we’ve mated with them!

Answer 101

Yes what Lexington said.

Answer 102

They are stuck in their own head! Very few people can understand two sides of an argument! They want to explain to you why its not a theory, because they don't explore the other side they don't see it as a theory its all they know!

Answer 103

We do realize evolution is a theory, just a well supported theory. Do you think calling it a theory would somehow scare us? It's a lot more reliable to me because I've seen a ton of evidence, it isn't valid just because Charles Darwin wrote it in a book one day. It's valid because people have challenged the theory and the scientific models keep adding to it's validity.

However, should the god hypothesis one day be proven with hard evidence for a creator, I will reconsider what I believe to be the truth. Can you say the same?

Answer 104

Evolution

Answer 105

https://www.google.com.au/search?num=20&client=opera&hs=OJN&q=scientific+definition+of+theory&oq=sciedefinition+of+theory&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i7i30k1l5j0i8i7i30k1l5.5471.6279.0.8349.4.4.0.0.0.0.616.993.3-1j0j1.2.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..2.2.993...0i13k1.0.30CmhFxbfVQ

Yes it is a theory, read the definition of theory

Should have focused on real school more than sunday school



"A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment. Such fact-supported theories are not "guesses" but reliable accounts of the real world."

Answer 106

scopolamine. I think that anything is only theory if you don't already know the answer/s.

Answer 107

I once tried to persuade an American atheist conference that the slogan, “In God We Trust”, on banknotes was a cosmetic trivium. We should stop bellyaching about it and concentrate our fire on more substantive issues such as the tax free status of churches. I was kicked around the room by the admirable Edwin Kagin, unfortunately now dead. It really matters, he said, not only because it’s unconstitutional but because many Americans, ignorant of history (the phrase was added as late as 1957) actually point to “In God We Trust” as evidence that America was founded in Christianity.



Our habit of referring to the “theory” of evolution is similarly used to mislead. Huge numbers of people are bamboozled by the phrase “Only a Theory.” This essay is designed to remove confusion by abandoning the word theory altogether, when talking to creationists.



Today the dominant reply to the creationist “only a theory” bleat is to explain that the meaning of “theory” in science is different from everyday usage, which is synonymous with “hypothesis”. In The Greatest Show on Earth I quoted two definitions from the Oxford English Dictionary:

Answer 108

There is an awful lot of EVIDENCE for that 'theory'. Where is YOUR evidence for the whole made out of dirt and a rib theory?

Answer 109

You might want to look up what it takes for something to become a theory before dismissing it.

Why don't Christians realize that creationism is a superstition, not even a hypothesis?

Answer 110

Evolution is a myth, not a theory.

Answer 111

Atheists are not smart enough to know this.

They believe in something without any evidence at all.

Whereas God, has tons of evidence.

Ron Wyatt found a lot of it, thus proving, the bible is true, and only a fool would dispute it.

Answer 112

So invisible Jewish man in the sky is a fact????

Answer 113

Well, I was an agnostic before reading this. Congratulations! You’ve turned me into an atheist!

Answer 114

How humanity was created should be known because God wishes to be respected.

Answer 115

True - There’s a big difference between theory and fact.

Answer 116

Evolution is a very slow process, my friend! The fact that you're not 4ft tall, have a tail-bone, not covered in thick hair head to toe and have a big but dumb head, is your proof that evolution is fact.

I'm pretty sure that you and people like you, have no problem believing there is a magic man in the sky, the earth is flat and there is heaven and hell.

I really feel sorry for you... ... there's no cure for stupid.

Answer 117

Well lets hear your theory, you got anything better???

Answer 118

Nobody has ever re-produce gravity either. Every few days some Jesus freak suddenly stumbles on the greatest argument for 'God did it' ever and posts the same gibberish, codswallop and blather that we've seen a thousand times. Dude, just look up the word 'theory' in the bleedin' dictionary...the answer is out there.

Answer 119

Idk

Answer 120

We do!

We just don't share that fact with people like you.

Answer 121

Because it's more believable than any other theory

Religion is also a theory

Answer 122

Why don't the God-deluded realise the creationism is a THEORY, not a fact. To paraphrase from "T. Lee", the 1st-responding village idiot, creationism is not science nor a fact. NO ONE has ever seen ANY creationism taking place in real time. NO God-deluded has EVER reproduced ANY creationist "fact."

Does ANYBODY see any ------------- Noooooo. Because it's fake. false, it's not real.

Answer 123

So many greatest scientists are theists.

Answer 124

I'm going to assume that when you say "theory" you mean "speculation", that is not what 'theory' means in scientific terms. A theory is more than a hypothosis, but less than a law. The only reason it isn't considered a law is for two main reasons. (1) There is much political and social opposition to science already (mainly from anti-evolutionists) Publicly confirming that evolution is true would outrage many people and cause them to throw out science entirely. (2) Evolution has and does take hundreds of millions of years, humans have only been around a couple hundred thousand, and modern technology a hundred years. At this point, the only thing preventing it (under the scientific method) from being considered a law is time. Because to actually WATCH it occur is pretty much impossible, since it takes Billions of years. This so called 'theory' however, has so much more proof, evidence, and overall rationality then any religion.

Answer 125

Here's a better question; Why don't Christians learn what the word "theory"actually means? A theory is the explanation of HOW something works. You've heard of the "Theory of Gravity" right? Gravity exists. The theory of gravity is our current explanation of how it works. Evolution is a fact. It happens. Exactly HOW evolution works is explained by a theory. That theory has improved, or rather evolved, over time.

Here's the actual definition of a scientific theory:

A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment. Such fact-supported theories are not "guesses" but reliable accounts of the real world."

See? A theory is based on FACTS.

Answer 126

It’s not a theory, it’s a fact

Answer 127

Well, since you put it that way....I won't shave the palms of my hands anymore.

Answer 128

Why don't blue-faced anonymous twits and other creationists ever learn that anyone who says something "is a theory not a fact" concerning a matter of science is a total ignoramus who knows nothing about scientific terminology.



Scientific theories are well established EXPLANATIONS of aspects of nature and must be supported by evidence and be able to predict what will be found in further investigation.



The theory of evolution fits that requirement quite well, thank you, despite your abysmal ignorance of that fact.



The theory of evolution is an explanation of how evolution occurs. Both the theory of evolution and evolution itself are both well supported by a massive amount of evidence, and several predictions derived from the theory of evolution have been verified.



And neither the theory of evolution nor evolution itself has anything to do with atheists or atheism, other than the fact that atheists tend to follow the evidence when arriving at conclusions.



Unlike certain blue-faced anonymous twits who mindlessly believe in ancient myth and superstition.

Answer 129

For the same reason as religious people - we know Evolution is fact, and has been for rather a long time.



It seems you know little about both Science, AND Religion. So, what do you know?

Answer 130

Evolution is a Theory but the thing is that it is backed by so much science that it really isnt doubted in the scientific community. A Theory of a deity however doesn't have evidence that neither supports nor anti supports it.

Answer 131

Why do you lack education and any sign of Christianity!



Evolution is A FACT!!!!!!! As a scientific theory it explains how all the FACTS fit together and contains many scientific LAWS!!!!!!!!!!!



Which extremist sect or cult indoctrinated you to believe that God was not clever enough to use the big bang, evolution and science as his tools?



Pope Francis says the theories of evolution and the Big Bang are real and God is not “a magician with a magic wand” putting an end to the “pseudo theories” of creationism and intelligent design! So the Catholic Church, Church of England and mainstream churches all accept the big bang and evolution!



Lord Carey the former Archbishop of Canterbury put it rather well – “Creationism is the fruit of a fundamentalist approach to scripture, ignoring scholarship and critical learning, and confusing different understandings of truth”!



Christian Fundamentalist is a complete contradiction in terms!



CHRISTIAN – A follower or believer in Jesus.



FUNDAMENTALIST One who believes the Bible is literally true and must be followed exactly.



Therefore they are followers of the bible and not Jesus making them non Christians!



But worse is to follow it also makes them ideologists.



IDEOLOGY An idea that is false or held for the wrong reasons but is believed with such conviction as to be irrefutable.



So Christians have a loving and forgiving god and fundamentalist - well - Just are not Christians!

Answer 132

So much ignorance spread by our misguided insecure masses. It is the theory of Evolution, just as there is the Atomic theory. There is more evidence supporting Evolution than the Atomic theory which has the atomic bomb. It would take me at least a couple pages to explain the theory fully but here's short: there are 6 postulates comprising the theory, I'm just gonna skip to the one bad guys f'ed up. Natural Selection-Survival of the "fittest",,Natural Selection acts on a population not an individual. Next most mixed up one: we didn't evolve from apes. Apes have been evolving to..skip some more: none of these postulates can be applied to present time humans because of too many unknown variables and time factor involved to observe changes in progeny. Evolutionary changes is best observed in fast F1 generation producing species such as insects or if high environmental pressures such as the Galopogos Islands where Darwin noticed the finches.

Answer 133

The world system is contrary to God and always will be until Christ returns. The bible says that in the last days God will place the world under a strong delusion to believe a lie. They refuse to believe in God, so God will allow them to sink into confusion and eventually utter moral depravity. We already see it happening today and don't think it will get any better until Jesus comes back. Be ready church! Be ready for Jesus!

Answer 134

Because they reject God our Savior and evolution is based on the rejection of God or supernatural forces in our world. Don't forget that Satan is the god of this world and we know that his goal is to eradicate Christians and Jews from this world. This will set up the kingdom of the Antichrist and the mark of the beast and make this world ready for God's judgement.

Answer 135

because atheist want to be anti-religion but they're more religious than denominational folk. Evolution is evident to an extent and its totally okay to be believe in God and creation but also evolution

Answer 136

A scientific "Theory" is as good as it gets. Don't let the casual everyday usage of the word fool you. In science, a "Theory" is actually better than a "Law". A "Law" will describe observed and agreed upon processes, but a "Theory" will describe and explain "Why" it happens.

Answer 137

This is like saying to a christian why dont you just realise there is no evidence for God he is just a theory made up by a bunch of people probably high on weed as most people were back in that time.

Answer 138

So is creationism. All you base your beliefs on is a book that was written thousands of years ago by people who would have thought that a "Tickle me Elmo" doll was a miracle (or the work of the devil). Why can't you accept that you have no proof that God even exists. Blind faith is not proof.

Answer 139

Any excuse to avoid God.

Answer 140

Evolution is so slow a process that nobody can actually verify this as a fact. That is like a dog witnessing growth of a human baby to adulthood. Theory of evolution is a scientific theory and has been established after adequate research.

Answer 141

Multiple types of evidence support the theory of evolution:

Homologous structures provide evidence for common ancestry, while analogous structures show that similar selective pressures can produce similar adaptations (beneficial features).

Similarities and differences among biological molecules (e.g., in the DNA sequence of genes) can be used to determine species' relatedness.

Biogeographical patterns provide clues about how species are related to each other.

The fossil record, though incomplete, provides information about what species existed at particular times of Earth’s history.

Some populations, like those of microbes and some insects, evolve over relatively short time periods and can observed directly.



However evolution can also just be a theory, we never know.

Answer 142

Why don't you realise that evolution is proven by biologists, not atheists.

Answer 143

In science a theory is a proven fact

Answer 144

Sigh. In order to ask that question, and not embarrass yourself, you have to know the difference between a "theory" and a "scientific theory". Since you lack the capacity to google it, but attempt to use the word anyway, I'll give you a hint: they are not the same thing.



And this is why the non-religious world is embarrassed for you and your scientific illiteracy. If you can't tell the difference between a theory and a scientific theory, what are the odds that you actually understand evolution? -Very slim.



PS. I must have come across ten individuals who believed that evolution was "not true". I'm yet to meet one of them who actually understands what evolution is.

Answer 145

Wrong evolution is 11 theories some of which are quite factual. Look them up.