Quote Originally Posted by Canadian_Cron
I disagree... religion is a faith not a theory... a theory and faith are similar but not the same. you follow a faith, its more like a lifestyle, its not a theory. you'll never see people that believe in evolution or gravity for example saying things like don't steal, commit murder, commit adultery, partake in magic tricks, fortune telling, sex before marriage, masturbation etc.

believing in a theory doesn't have conditions, beliving in a faith does.
Here are just a few definitions of 'theory':

1. a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena: Einstein's theory of relativity.

2. a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact.

3. a belief, policy, or procedure proposed as the basis of a specific action:

4. an ideal or hypothetical set of principles, or circumstances - often used in the phrase "in theory..."

Used in this fashion, many atheists would probably consider organized religion a theory, as opposed to a faith. One definition of faith is simply - confidence or trust in a person or thing. So, with that in mind, I'll still stand by my statement.

As for your deductive reasoning about evolutionists, I'm sure there are plenty of them who say 'don't steal, commit murder, commit adultery, partake in magic tricks, fortune telling, sex before marriage, masturbation etc'. This has more to do with standard morals and ethics, than it does with the teaching of a religion alone. Well, except for the sex before marriage/masturbation part. That's predominantly a Christian set of morals, I believe. But, even then, I'm sure there are plenty of folks who abstain from sex before marriage so that they'll savor the experience more when it finally does happen. :wtf:

And there are plenty of conditions necessary for one to believe in a theory. Even though parts of it may not be backed up by actual fact, it still has to be compelling enough for someone to believe that it may be true. I'd say that the concept of eternity and divine salvation are pretty compelling to most people...even though they cannot be properly explained, and are difficult to grasp. You're right that 'theory' and 'faith' have separate definitions, but in this case, they can still coexist in the same sentence!

It may just be that there are more conditions necessary for a person to believe in a faith...however much sense that makes.