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Not at all. I'm suggesting that it is accepted on faith based on their best interpretation of the evidence.

Evolution has been observed and it has progressed as the Theory suggests. You sort of move the discussion into the philosophical, as all knowledge is belief to one degree or another. TToE is not monolithic but multidisciplinary -- we have facts supporting other facts and so on, all of which support each other and create a consistent picture (although the details of that picture constantly change as new data are found). TToE meets all criteria of scientific theories. That is no more "faith" than geology is "faith" or studies of TTOG (Gravity) are "faith."

I didn't intend to insult people who understand TTOE, only point out that it is accepted on faith since it has not been observed. You seem to be implying that those who don't accept it don't understand it. I don't think that that is true at all.

I am afraid it is. To reject TToE because one does not like its conclusions is the same as rejecting physics because a close relative fell off a building.

But I am pleased that you meant no offense and accept your argument in the spirit intended.

TToE is not monolithic but multidisciplinary -- we have facts supporting other facts and so on, all of which support each other and create a consistent picture (although the details of that picture constantly change as new data are found).

Certainly, but wouldn't be nice to find just one piece of evidence that finally put the debate to rest? ;-)

To reject TToE because one does not like its conclusions is the same as rejecting physics because a close relative fell off a building.

That's pretty good. The same could be said about accepting TTOE despite the gaping holes simply because one does not like the alternative.

God bless.

To reject TToE because one does not like its conclusions is the same as rejecting physics because a close relative fell off a building.

Wow. A remark with no logical foundation. Evolution has zero predictive power, so its usefulness to science is the same. The sole usefulness of evolution is in evangelizing atheism to the religious.

To reject TToE because one does not like its conclusions is the same as rejecting physics because a close relative fell off a building.

Actually, I was raised on a secular, public education. Did well in school and went to a state university for a B.S. degree. Took a biomedical engineering program which included organic chemistry, mammalian physiology and biology. I was so excited to learn how life began and evolved on the earth. I didn't even know that there was a debate, only that there were questions. I remember how disappointed I was to learn that we were no closer to determining how life began on this planet than we were 50 years earlier when Stanley Miller conducted his famous experiment. I understood why speculation was presented as fact. It was because it was the best explanaition that science had. However, even I could see that science fell woefully short of being able to demonstrate either the origin of life or the evolution of species. I accepted it as fact since there were no other alternatives, but was certainly not impressed with the progress that had been made.

I would go so far as to say that those who accept TTOE as fact are the ones who don't understand it, because those who do understand it see it's flaws.

I am afraid it is. To reject the ToE because one does not like its conclusions is the same as rejecting physics because a close relative fell off a building.

Not exactly. I'm with sopater on this one. The thought that one doesn't accept the ToE is because of a lack of understanding of it doesn't wash.

I understand where scientists are coming from with it, I understand how they think that the evidence supports it, I just don't agree with their conclusions.

It's just too improbable that it could have happened without any intelligent impetus. I also do not see how science has disproved the creation of the world and life by God.

And there is the faith factor. I've found God reliable in so many areas that to trust Him in an area where there is controversy, is not a big stretch.