Is religion a theory?

Question

I know evolution is a theory, what about religion? And if they are both theories then why don't people choose the one that has more evidence to back it?

Answer 1

I am not sure if English is your first language but it is apparent that I must answer this by using definitions of the two words here.

Religion is belief or a system of beliefs in a deity or deities with dogma (doctrine)

The term theory as used in science and correctly applied to the concept of biologic evolution, is impossible to be correctly applied to religion.

It reveals an abysmal lack of science literacy that the basic definitions of scientific terminology appear to be so widely misunderstood. It also reveals a lack when one does not understand that if something is completely outside the bounds of scientific method, it isn't science. Please read the following, copied from the link below:
In popular usage, a theory is just a vague and fuzzy sort of fact and a hypothesis is often used as a fancy synonym to `guess'. But to a scientist a theory is a conceptual framework that explains existing observations and predicts new ones. For instance, suppose you see the Sun rise. This is an existing observation which is explained by the theory of gravity proposed by Newton. This theory, in addition to explaining why we see the Sun move across the sky, also explains many other phenomena such as the path followed by the Sun as it moves (as seen from Earth) across the sky, the phases of the Moon, the phases of Venus, the tides, just to mention a few. You can today make a calculation and predict the position of the Sun, the phases of the Moon and Venus, the hour of maximal tide, all 200 years from now. The same theory is used to guide spacecraft all over the Solar System.

A hypothesis is a working assumption. Typically, a scientist devises a hypothesis and then sees if it ``holds water'' by testing it against available data (obtained from previous experiments and observations). If the hypothesis does hold water, the scientist declares it to be a theory.

What is the ``scientific method''?
The scientific method is the best way yet discovered for winnowing the truth from lies and delusion. The simple version looks something like this:


1. Observe some aspect of the universe.
2. Invent a tentative description, called a hypothesis, that is consistent with what you have observed.
3. Use the hypothesis to make predictions.
4. Test those predictions by experiments or further observations and modify the hypothesis in the light of your results.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until there are no discrepancies between theory and experiment and/or observation.

When consistency is obtained the hypothesis becomes a theory and provides a coherent set of propositions which explain a class of phenomena. A theory is then a framework within which observations are explained and predictions are made.




Now back to my own words.
The theory of evolution is a cornerstone of modern medicine and biology. Germ theory is also another factual theory that was not known by the ancients. Gravitational theory is another theory that we know to be real.

I have a religion. I am Jewish. I have faith in God and understand the difference between religion and science. Scientific method doesn't address the issue of an omnipotent creator at this point in time since we have no objective data to apply to scientific method to either prove or disprove an omnipotent creator.

Scientific method CAN prove or disprove aspects of dogma in religions if and when we have evidence to put forth through the scientific method! One day if we have physical evidence to either support or negate an omnipotent Creator..it will move from the realm of FAITH and religion to science. Until that time they are different methods of seeking knowledge. Scientific method is the best method man has yet devised to use objective data to test to determine what is or isn't real and to learn about processes of the universe.

Religion seeks to answer questions about the universe, but more about the why's and WHO"s ...it is based on SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE and reliance on the subjective reports of others as well ( doctrine) Subjective experience CAN be real, or delusion. It simply cannot be applied to scientific method. Religion is a method of seeking knowledge of our purpose for existence and connection to something beyond our mortal existence.

I hope I have helped to clear up your misunderstanding on the word theory as used with evolution.

Answer 2

Religion is a philosophy, a way of living.

Evolution is a theory, a story made up to explain something and then evidence gathered to support that theory.

btw, did you know evolution is thought as a fact in schools when it is still regarded as nothing more than a theory, and one that has been disapproved by many already.

Answer 3

Evolution is a science; Religion is an Institution of "faith"-belief system.

Neither is correct, yet each is correct in it's own right; in other words, groups will produce "evidence" to support the group idea of "reality"; religions cannot get to one page. This is obvious in the different religious sects as there is no Single religion, but many.

As Darwinism deals with "how the body came to be"...

Religiouns deal with "how the spirit came to be"...

There is only the fight they each wish to choose as there is no true confliction here. Each wishes to outgun the other and in this we find each is missing the learning of the "Self"; the true nature of reality.

Answer 4

well, in science, a theory is something that is subjected to test to see if it holds up to its end of the bargain. But in religion, you can't test it. Everything is based on faith. And even the Bible itself said "you cannot test God". So religion isn't a theory from a science-point of view simply because you can't apply the same treatment that you give to evolution to creationism.

Answer 5

Religion is a belief and so is the theory of evolution..it is not based on testable, observable, operational science..it's what's called historical science and is based on suppositions and guesses with no factual support. No one has ever observed lower life forms evolving into higher life forms with additional DNA, it does not happen today, beneficial additional DNA information is never added to the genetic makeup of a creature or plant due to mutation nor is there any evidence in the fossil record of evolution from lower to higher life forms happening...there are zero transitional fossils whereas there should be millions of them like half-reptile--half-bird and so on. It's merely a belief in materialism or naturalism....that life started and evolved with no need of an intelligent designer or creator which is a false belief if you understand real science. Real science and laws of nature/genetics actually prove that a creator was necessary to create life... in the wide variety of life forms and the matter we see in the past and today. Matter had to come from somewhere before the supposed "Big Bang" so where did it come from? It had to be created....and it's impossible for life to begin by itself from non-living matter. What caused the first cell membrane to be formed without which, the cell would be destroyed. How did DNA evolve? DNA is an intelligent code for all life forms...it's statisically impossible for it to have happened by random chance. The compexity and compactness of DNA speaks to an intelligent designer.
Creationism and evolution both look at the same evidence, the same facts but come away with two different explanations based on the worldview of the observers. Neither religion or evolution can be tested or observed, only believed. Only one can be true.

Answer 6

Evolution is a "scientific theory".

Religion is not a scientific theory, more like a guess.

One requires supporting evidence the other does not.
Religion would qualify as a failed hypothesis, in scientific terms..

Answer 7

No. I would suggest researching the meaning of the word theory. Perhaps also evidence since they are closely connected.

Answer 8

Religion uses fear which is more motivational. It was created for you to behave more nicely. I wouldnt call it a theory but a law invented for good intentions but have catastrophic consequences. eg: Crusades, Al qaeda etc. People dont want to beleive in evolution because its more complicated, however the idea of two people appearing with a magic wand is more interesting than the stages of evolution.

Answer 9

Religion is not a theory it's more of a fairytale or campfire story that was taken way to far and now confuses people away from reality. And evolution is fact.

Answer 10

evolution is a scientific theory. the word 'theory' in science has a very specific meaning.

religion is not a theory, scientific or otherwise.

both science and religion are fields of human endeavor.