Why do so many people still try to rebuke evolution by saying that it is "only a theory"?

Question

We're all entitled to believe what makes the most sense to us, but let's make it perfectly clear that in science, a theory is something that exists with considerable proof to back it up.

So...if you want to argue against evolution, in favor of creationism, or whatever, please don't do so by saying that it is "only a theory," okay?

I always have to add details when I ask questions like this.

Let me point out that I never said that I didn't believe in God, and I also never said that I believe in all of evolution. Also, let me once again emphasize that a theory is something that exists with CONSIDERABLE PROOF TO BACK IT UP. It is not just a guess.

Paulywog: Young and naive? You really like making assumptions, don't you?

Let me emphasize that I never said that I believe in all of evolution, or even reject creationism. I am just tired of people trying to argue against something by saying it is only a theory, as if that discredits it.

And yes, in science, a theory DOES have evidence to back it up. If it didn't, it would be a hypothesis.

Answer 1

ONLY a theory? hehe! Then those people don't even understand the terminology they're using. Yes a theory is a proven hypothesis (versus disproven). Only when someone can disprove it will it lose it's status. So evolution is a theory. :)

Answer 2

There are less facts with evolution than there are theories within it.

Evolution Fact- Things change over time. No argument, we all know this

Evolution Theory- Birds evolved from lizards. This is only a theory within evolution since there is no proof behind it.

Gravity Fact- We are somehow held to the earth, never an argument, we all know this.

Gravity Theory- We are pushed to the Earth by atmospheric pressure, which is what scientists used to think.

Gravity Theory- Now scientists believe we are held to the Earth by centripetal force. Most likely true though this view could possibly change.

Since there is no proof or substantial evidence that we all started as single cell organisms or birds were once lizards, these things should only be taught as an idea, not a fact.

Answer 3

Usually because they don't know what is meant by a scientific theory. If they could understand that little of science is PROVEN, but much of it is heavily supported by EVIDENCE, and that evidence carries an idea from a hypothesis to a theory. They think everything has to be a LAW, like Pythagorus's Law, which is something that can never, ever be broken. Well, Newton was overturned by Einstein, Einstein was overturned by quantum mechanics, relativity and quantum theory don't mesh together (though we benefit from them every time we use a computer), and scientists like Hawking MIGHT be able to unify them one day. Until someone overturns his idea, that is.

I think also they like the idea of laws because they can talk about God's law. Trouble is, God's laws aren't laws either, in the scientific sense. God's "laws" can be broken. You can't break the law which dictates the constancy of the speed of light (so far as we know; if that proves wrong, there goes another "law"). So they aren't in possession of any more laws that the scientists. And a good deal less evidence for the theory of God than there is for the theory of evolution. It would be nice if they just got some education.

Answer 4

Well, you are a little confused on that. Evolution is not even a theory yet. Many speak of it as a fact, even though the dots are not connected yet.
BTW, in science, a theory does not have considerable proof to back it up. If it did , then it would be called a fact.

Answer 5

Here is the scientific theoreticians worst scenario, there is
a super force, can create planets, so HE makes them with
the best data and with people that are tradtitionally old family
and very experienced to inhabit this new creation designed to
not contain, crime, evil, mishaps, also nearly 100% good for all
of humanity. How would he chose the inhabitants? Science
is similar to creation theories in this way, traditions, history,
peace, materials, supplies, resources, farms, all must be
planned ahead. So the question is God the person who does
this job?

Answer 6

Considerable EVIDENCE dude. Proof only exists in logic and math.

In short, you *can't use Occum's razor for philosophy and theology because the entire idea of science is based on advances in understanding and effectiveness, not on the absolute value of truth.*

Point: Evolution needs to be taught in school because it's science, but that doesn't mean there's a 100% chance its right. Just that for all practical intents and purposes it is.

Answer 7

Look up the word theory again in your dictionary, then let me pose this to you . . . . . Evolution exists as the only explanation because why? Creation has just as much of this "proof" you say evolution does, as well as much belief.

Why is it difficult to believe in God but not difficult to believe we came from animals, the big bang theory, etc.

Lets be real, spirits are something you can at least feel, like the wind. Human beings evolved from some floating thing in the sea to apes? Who is being unrealistic, Evolutionists or Creationists?

Answer 8

Because a theory is missing some form of generally accepted evidence that can't be proven invalid.

Evolution's primary weakness is that it is built on another theory, "natural selection", which those who support evolution will claim is a law but in fact the reality is the law of "natural succession".

Natural selection in terms of evolution claims that species conform to their surroundings through gene selection and species of an ecosystem change due to gene mutations that alter the species.

Natural succession is the observation that as an environment is altered, species migrate to and from one environment to another to adapt and other species become extinct because they no longer have a niche to be filled. This concept and not selection is the only one that is observed in the natural world.

Species can change size, color, etc., but until they change to the extent that they are no longer physically similar in appearance, especially in terms of reproductive organs they are still of the same species. In this manner all dogs are of the same species, and technically all of Darwin's finches are the same species.

Answer 9

That's the short explanation for why many of us Christians don't believe in most forms of evolution. It IS just a theory, and an unprovable one at that!
I do believe in SOME evolution, but I do NOT buy into the idea that we evolved from some other organism or species.

Answer 10

It is a theory, but creationists refuse to acknowledge any evidence which contradicts their beliefs. I personally believe it is more impressive for God to have made universe through the Big Bang, evolution, etc.

Answer 11

Sorry, but saying evolution *IS* only a theory is a pretty valid way of describing it. While a theory may have evidence to support it, that doesn't make it fact. In order for a theory to be accepted as fact by the mainstream population, it must be uncontested by not just the community that spawned it, but by the majority of everyday people in the world. Evolution is more-or-less accepted by the majority of scientists, but HARDLY accepted by the majority of people.

(For the record, I believe in evolutionary theory, but I also understand how average people think.)