Why don't you learn what a theory says before judging it?

Question

When creationists, especially young earthers, come here, they try to bash mainstream, well-accepted scientific theories, but they discredit themselves by posing questions that demonstrate a clear lack of understanding of the theory. This is not true of all Theists; I recognize that many believe in these theories, and this question does not address them so much. I'm talking about the people who trash these theories, despite knowing full-well that they have never actually studied them to see if their criticisms are valid (and, in all the years I've been here, they never are; even a cursory understanding of the theory would reveal why). I have my more cynical ideas about why this is true, but for the sake of trying not to be too judgmental, I would like to hear their defense.

Why don't you learn what a theory says before passing judgment on it? Is there any harm in questioning what other creationists say and coming to your own conclusions? Even if you are certain they must be wrong because they make a literal reading of Genesis difficult (if not impossible), would there be anything bad about learning what the theory says in order to understand whether or not common criticisms have not already been addressed?

Again, I have my reasons for why this really happens (message me for details, or just look at some of my previous answers), but I want to hear your side of things. Why don't you first study the theories you criticize? Why don't you find out what the proponents really do say? Why not take the step that makes your argument at least credible?

Anonymous · Answer

Why do you care?  I believe the theory of evolution is the best current explantion we have and if not all true, at least mostly true.  (Note that the old Darwinia tree-like structure has already been replaced by things like horizontal gene transfers.)

None the less. I doubt know which annoys me more.  A person who calls a theory a fact, or a yound earth creationist.  The YEC person at least has made a decision to accept their religion over scientific knowledge.  The person not able to distinguish between a theory and a fact, claims to accept science, but is also ignorant of science.

Here is a quick question.  Without looking it up, how many could tell you what Boyle's law is.

I have used Boyle's law frequently in my professional and personal life. I have yet to use the common ancestory of all life. Not once.

This debate is not about scientific knowledge. It is about religion.  I cannot count how many claim the evolution shows that God doesn't exist.  Talk about not understanding science!

So what is this really about for you?  You the guardian and protector of science?  I work in a highly scientific field, you would think I would have heard your name mentioned.  Fact is that scientists continue to do what we do, without without detractors.  I work for pharma.  We have many people against pharma.  They tend to come around when they need medicine.

Torchwood,
I read you site and have one critique.

A law is not under a theory, they are different things.  In general, however, a law is more defensible.  Take energy can neither be created nor destroyed.  It is ENTIRELY falsifiable. ALL OF IT.  Take the thoery of evolution, not entirely falsifiable at all.

Here is a better explanation of the difference between laws and theories:
http://science.kennesaw.edu/~rmatson/3380theory.html

Daken · Answer

What's even sadder is that often they don't even know what a scientific theory is.

Frizby · Answer

Why do atheists believe that if one understands the evolution theory one would not reject it..

Let me explain this to you so you understand, the evolution theory is one of the easiest theories to understand, its like child's play..

But, when you can understand what Creation is you will absolutely realise how adolescent it is for anyone to accept the evolution theory..

I can understand why people accept the evolution theory when they don't know a thing about Creation but, once your eyes are opened to Creation the evolution theory becomes obsolete and irrelevant..

right is right, left is wrong · Answer

glad to see you recognize Theory instead of Fact. Tell you what? I will say Evolution is real and a fact IF you can show me one instance where an animal or plant, completely evolved into another species. Not talking about adapting to environment, which God created in them, but turning from one thing to a completely different thing. Will be waiting. In the meantime, read my sources which are truth and fact

NDMA · Answer

I have, in great detail, which is why I question them!

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Why don't you learn what a theory says before judging it?

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