Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Clandestine
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.
no, in a theory u believe it or you dont. theres no other conditions involved you either believe that man evolved from the great apes or they didnt, end of story (no morals or ethics involved).

a faith/religion is much more complex than that. a faith has a bunch of moral values (ethics) attached to it. like the 10 comandments is the basic foundation of the christian faith along with the idea that god created the world and man. if you believe in that religion you will follow most of them (as well as other practises by the church) and also some practises and ethics that people who do not have that faith wouldnt normally follow.

and yes im sure that most people who arent religious dont comit murder and all that as well, but thats not beacuse of the ethics or morals that would be involved in the theory of evolution. they made those choices based on what they think not because the theory of evolution told them to, and thats one difference.

another difference is that a theory is not stated as a fact, and if you listen to any religion they're not like ok we think but were not 100% sure that god created the world... they state it as a fact that god did create man and the world.

theories are not stated as a fact, and they let you set you own morals and ethics, a faith or religion tells you what they are or should be and states their views as facts.