Monday, October 11, 2010

Evolution: “Just a Theory” or Not a Theory at All?

There was a time when Christians would say that “evolution is just a theory.” Then the evolutionists decided to use a different definition for the word “theory.” The definition of the word used by those who said “evolution is just a theory” is found here, as follows: “A proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact.” Now the evolutionists have decided instead to use the following definition:  “A theory in technical use is a more or less verified or established explanation accounting for known facts or phenomena.”

Changing the commonly accepted definition has enabled evolutionists to stick their fingers in the eyes of creationists and essentially say, “Thanks for recognizing the scientific nature of evolution.” This is, of course, only playing with words, because no one who ever said “evolution is just a theory” actually meant to recognize evolution as even remotely scientifically valid.

I have often in the past told my classes that we need to stop making any statements about evolution being only a theory and put it in its proper place. Based on what is now being used as the definition of a theory, evolution is, at best, not a theory but only a hypothesis, and not a very good one at that. According to the same dictionary webpage, a hypothesis is “a conjecture put forth as a possible explanation of phenomena or relations, which serves as a basis of argument or experimentation to reach the truth.” Evolution is a “conjecture.” It is certainly nothing more than that.

I can live with that definition, but I even wonder if maybe calling evolution a “hypothesis” is giving it far too much credit. In reality, it would be more appropriate to just call it “a stupid idea."

Someone has written a brief article on this exact topic, and I am glad they did. It is on the “Answers in Genesis website and is entitled “Evolution: Not Even a Theory.” If you would like to read it, please click here.

5 comments:

  1. Strange how sitting in a Bible study on Wednesday nights, I hear a Christian state that the Muslim faith is 10,000 years old, and another about fosils found that are millions of years old, and the list goes on. When confronted with the fact that the world has only been in existance for 6,000-8,000 years, they look at you with the expression..."what planet have you been living on."

    Preachers don't preach it...teachers in the church don't teach it...and therefore most Christians don't even have reason to think about it. Sad...very sad.

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  2. covnitkepr1:

    You really hit the nail on the head. Amen!

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  3. Ron,

    When I first started teaching I taught science. This was before they tried to keep everyone in lock step. I did a unit on Fact and Theory back when a theory was just a theory. It gave me a chance to explain to the kids that neither creation nor evolution is a fact. It lead to some interesting discussions.

    I am now teaching world history and much happier. Since I cover Islam, Feudalism and the Reformation I get a lot more chances to discuss important issues. Today as we were reviewing the Byzantine Empire we had long discussions about what Christians believe. If they ask, I can answer. I try to get them to ask.

    I will check back. It looks like you are posting about once a week.

    Grace and peace.

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  4. Ron,

    I am going to sign on as a follower and let the machine tell me when you post again. No pressure. We all have our own timelines. You will pop up and surprise me again someday.

    Grace and Peace.

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  5. Great Post. Evolution is a stupid premise. Christianity is forever. May God Bless You.

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