A scientific theory is defined as:
A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.
Since the evolution meets all the criteria to be considered a valid scientific theory and intelligent design and religion do not why is there so much confusion?
Evolution predicts based on fact and phenomena be it fossils or DNA. It is well founded and accepted by the vast majority of the scientific community (99%) and by the majority of the people living in developed nations (80-85%). Only in the U.S. is there such doubt.
Intelligent design is not science, predicts nothing and does not meet the criteria to be considered a theory.
2006-09-27 12:04:12 · 10 answers · asked by trouthunter 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Bravo, and thank you.
2006-09-27 12:06:26 · answer #1 · answered by reverenceofme 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You've touched on one of the most frustrating things about discussing evolution and intelligent design/creationism. I've posted similar definitions trying to explain this very thing. It's not exactly brain surgery; any decently educated person should not have trouble grasping the concept that scientific theory and religious faith comparisons are ludicrous. You can't even say it's apples and oranges - at least those two things are both fruit. My efforts were met either by silence or by robotic tripe repeated a thousand times by religious fanatics. Honestly, I think their brains have atrophied. I wish you better luck than I have had :).
P.S. Please no more emails from the fundies trying to tell me that intelligent design and creationism are two different things. Intelligent design is nothing but a pig dressed up in a pretty dress thinking it's fooling everyone.
2006-09-27 19:15:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Actually evolution has been elevated from "theory" to "fact," but that enters a whole new semantic debate in which I don't want to argue with you, since we're on the same side of the matter.
It's because certain groups (particularly pentacostals or born-againers, or people who have been "saved!") are typically under-educated and stubborn. Funny thing is, most of the same people that are crying out for relgion in schools could not tell you what happened at the Council of Nicea in 325CE (VERY important event for Christianity) when the Bible was compiled, or anything about the 300-year debates that went on before the Holy Trinity was decided on. They are as uneducated about their blind faith as they are about science.
2006-09-27 19:09:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's not only accepted by the vast majority of the scientific community, it's also accepted by at least 10,000 clergy in an extraordinary letter called The Clergy Project. I could cut and paste, but it's really easier to go to:
http://www.butler.edu/clergyproject/religion_science_collaboration.htm
2006-09-27 19:14:34 · answer #4 · answered by irenaadler 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thank you. A scientific theory is not "JUST A THEORY".
For example, the "Theory of Gravity". Nobody calls gravity a "fact"; its a theory. So if you want to say "evolution is just a theory", I guess gravity is just baloney to you too, so why don't you try jumping off a mountain and seeing just how much of a theory gravity is.
2006-09-27 19:10:16 · answer #5 · answered by need help! 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
What makes you think science will not lie to you, I never heard any scientist say god never existed, it's never been made public that god never existed so you can close down all the churches, because science has poven religion as a myth,
2006-09-27 19:09:34 · answer #6 · answered by man of ape 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because if they actually took the time to understand their pathetic belief system would fall apart and they'd have to face the reality that life is short and they've done nothing worth while.
2006-09-27 19:12:34 · answer #7 · answered by el bastard sanchez 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is a good definition, but it doesn't reflect the diversity of scientific practices. Not all scientific theories are testable or subject to falsification.
Theoretical Physics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theoretical_physics
What idiot would give a thumbs down for citing Stephen Hawking's scientific field?
2006-09-27 19:07:18 · answer #8 · answered by Aspurtaime Dog Sneeze 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
it is because of people believeing in their "faith" in a religion. They don't even read the theory because of their "faith". Thats why so many people say "It says we came from monkeys". They don't even try to understand it. They just throw holy water on it, say its demonic, and goes against their religion.
2006-09-27 19:09:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
And have you considered the odds on evolution actually happening , The only thing that proves man came from apes are dumb questions like yours , you would have to have the brain of an ape to actually admit you don't believe that something that's created dos not need a creator
2006-09-27 19:12:02 · answer #10 · answered by Terry S 5 · 0⤊ 6⤋