Christians define theory?

This is an issue that I, too, have been concerned with. There does appear to be a general lack of understanding of what a scientific theory entails. I don't see any need to single out Christians, however.

There are several words that describe what a theory is, for example, speculation, idea based on previous observations that fit in to a pattern to come to a probable conclusion or out come. They can only be used as far as they fit into the pattern at the time they will remain as only speculations as long as they do not fit the hypothesis (or law) of the pattern of nature they are trying to prove. The most popular definition is idea or guess.

To be a valid hypothesis or theory, it must be able to be tested experimentally, so that the results either confirm or reject its validity.

Now, the Scientific Method consists of 5 basic parts:

1) Statement of the problem (origin of life, for example)

2) Forming of hypothesis (formation of possible explanation of the problem)

*the function of an hypothesis is to explain or account for the facts associated with a given problem.

3) Observing & experimenting (testing the hypothesis, so it can be either confirmed or falsified

4) Interpreting the data

5) Drawing conclusions

Evolution & Creation are not testable as theories of hypothesis.

However, they can be studied scientifically & objectively as Models.

From this framework, data can be correlated.

Since two Models of origin exist, they can be compared as to which model best fits the facts & predicitons.

Why do people like Mr Answer think that only liberals believe in evolution? Is that how retarded conservatism has become since George Bush Sr? I am a conservative, but by no means one of these new unquestioning conservatives that are willing to surrender the United States constitution.

At the risk of invoking the violation gods by answering your question with a non-answer (which I'll get around afterwards) -- superb question, which you can just tell had dozens of Christians gliding in, taking a look and going "uh-oh..." before hitting the Back button. The ones who rose to the bait seemed to prove your point.

Now, to evade the violations police - I know what a theory is but am excluded from answering by failing the "Christian" criterion. Sorry.

A theory is a reasonable answer to a hypothesis. (that's a subjective viewpoint, though. It depends on the person to determine what is "reasonable" and what is not.)

And FYI, it doesn't mean anything if I don't match the exact definition of Webster's Dictionary, word-for-word.

A theory is a proven fact, that comes once you have proved an hypothesis is true (many people doesn't understand the difference between theoty and hypothesis), is one of the purposes of the scientific method...to develope a theory.

By that definition, just like mr. answer said, the evolution can't be a theory, is a hypotesis, just like creation...none has been totally proved yet.

A theory is a scientific hypothesus that has not been completely proven by scientific fact although there are strong evidences in favor it.

How's that? ;-)

Apparently, a lot of people here think that all Christians are uneducated.

A theory is a set of conclusions based on perceived results of testing or empirical evidence. How's that for a definition without looking at a dictionary. You will notice that evolution doesn't even qualify as a theory!! From a Christian with an I.Q above 140. Praise the LORD!

Squirm, godless liberals squirm.

(P.S. to Damien below), Jousting at windmills? Or just upset at those that would dare to believe the Bible as it is written?

(BRAVO! Azar and Bath)

Give me a thumbs down. I eat them for breakfast.

Better to die for Christ than to convert to Islam at gunpoint!

Good one Rob - will they be able to do it w/o a huge cut & paste or a incorrectly spelled rant against you?!?!

We'll seeeeeeeee