the·o·ry
http://ie.thefreedictionary.com/Theory
n. pl. the·o·ries
1. A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.
2. The branch of a science or art consisting of its explanatory statements, accepted principles, and methods of analysis, as opposed to practice: a fine musician who had never studied theory.
3. A set of theorems that constitute a systematic view of a branch of mathematics.
4. Abstract reasoning; speculation: a decision based on experience rather than theory.
5. A belief or principle that guides action or assists comprehension or judgment: staked out the house on the theory that criminals usually return to the scene of the crime.
6. An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture.
The dictionary is my friend.
From yours: "Theories are the explanations that best fit the facts."
That is one of the explanations / definitions. Look at the applicability of theory as touching Darwin as it is defined in
"4. Abstract reasoning; speculation: a decision based on experience rather than theory,"
and
"6. An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture,"
because Darwin and those who promoted this theory could not and cannot prove it.
From yours: "Before you start talking about scientific theories, you need to learn what they mean. Otherwise, you sound like you want to eliminate all science, and everything built upon them. Sounds like you want to live in the Dark Ages during the Inquisition."
Nonsense. That's laughable.
"2. ... a fine musician who had never studied theory."
Darwin doesn't even qualify metaphorically for that part of the example. He was a bitter hack who turned his back on God and his theory was one of the results -- flawed, tortured, sick (as in lacking wellness) -- as was he. He knows better, now that he has taken up his place in eternity and met his Maker, but his "work" goes on, polluting the public discourse with an unproven set of assumptions, even turning people away from God. I guarantee it and some day I will have the satisfaction of seeing this come alive to you -- in the hereafter. Hopefully, before then.
Nice list from a dictionary of the English language. Definition 1 appies to scientific theories, including evolution. There are millions of facts used to construct this theory, just like all the others. It makes testable predictions. The predictions have been tested and thus far do not invalidate the theory of evolution. Just by reciting a dictionary has not demonstrated you even understand scientific theories, let alone evolution. You are doing what many creationist-types are guilty of. Deliberately misleading people as to what a scientific theory is by twisting it into what a lay person would see.
The dictionary doesn't appear to be your friend, after all. Quote mining, on the other hand....
"Darwin doesn't even qualify metaphorically for that part of the example. He was a bitter hack who turned his back on God and his theory was one of the results -- flawed, tortured, sick (as in lacking wellness) -- as was he. "
Oh, my! Isn't that special?
Oh, by the way, your slip is showing....