Do creationists REALLY believe "it's only a theory" is a valid argument against evolution - or are they just hoping to fool the ignorant?

Generally speaking, if a creationist is scientifically-ignorant enough to use it, they are ignorant enough to think it's valid.

Ironically enough, the websites that they tend to consider as authorities in arguing against "mainstream atheistic evolutionary science" strongly advise them NOT to use it. Precisely because they know it isn't valid at all.

Six of one, and a half-dozen of the other.

Thanks for your answer, Agnostic. ;-)

"It's only a theory" is a logically valid rebuttal against anyone errantly claiming something to be a fact which is not technically a fact.

Nevertheless, phrasing the argument this way is explicitly discouraged by informed creationists.

For example;

https://creation.com/arguments-we-think-creationis...

In general creationists aren't trying to fool anyone. So, if they pose an argument, it's likely they stand behind it. But atheists often think they are tripping up creationists by saying things like "a scientific theory is an indisputable proven fact." And this only shows that the atheist is even more ignorant about science than the creationist.

Evolution is BOTH a theory and a fact. It's a fact that evolution happens. The theory explains the facts. Creationists are just too uneducated in biology. Most do not have a college education. And those that do are from unaccredited bible "colleges". Or colleges that have fake religious based accreditation. And those who do go to real accredited schools don't have science degrees. They don't fool anyone with their stupidity.

Evolution is 100% impossible.

Any who follow don't know science, just science fiction.

They do expect you to believe it, because they reason they can't be the only ones that gullible.

-Corvus Blackthorne

It's a dismissive statement.

I've heard atheists dismiss the valid things religion has to offer as well.

It's a habit both sides get into.

Argument won't win hearts. Love wins hearts. If you argue with a loved one, you kill that love. Love becomes a burden.

Semantics aside, we just don't have enough faith to believe in evolution.