[brytlea]

In common usage a theory is often viewed as little more than a guess or a hypothesis. But in science and generally in academic usage, a theory is much more than that. A theory is an established paradigm that explains all or much of the data we have and offers valid predictions that can be tested. In science, a theory can never be proven true, because we can never assume we know all there is to know. Instead, theories remain standing until they are disproven, at which point they are thrown out altogether or modified to fit the additional data. http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Theory

A scientific theory is not the same as say my theory about something. It is a bit more. I happen to believe the Bible is true, but if you're going to talk to a scientific person, and you say something like, "Evolution is only a theory.", they will immediately assume you know nothing about science, and stop listening to you. It's right up there with the old, "If humans evolved from chimpanzees, why are there still chimpanzees?" Heck, dogs clearly are most closely related to wolves, but there are still wolves.

susie

[Coyoteman]

Heck, dogs clearly are most closely related to wolves, but there are still wolves.

I'm descended from Europeans. Why are there still Europeans?

(Your post was a good addition to what I posted on theory.)

[kerryusama04]

When I said "theory", I was referring to the scientific method, which is pretty much irrelevant when discussing evolution, global warming, or ethanol.

[Rightwing Conspiratr1]

"If humans evolved from chimpanzees, why are there still chimpanzees?"

The question is what did chimpanzees evolve from?

[OmahaFields]

but if you're going to talk to a scientific person, and you say something like, "Evolution is only a theory.", they will immediately assume you know nothing about science, and stop listening to you.

A good assumption. That statement would never be made by one that knew anything about science unless he were an anti-evolution fanatic pushing an agenda with false implications.