In article .com,
"Dave" wrote:
From Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th edition.
Theory: a formulation of apparent relationships or underlying
principles of certain observed phenomena which has been verified to
some degree.
OK, this seems to fit well. And I'll concede that proof is not the
right word in my previous post. Fact would be more like it. I don't
doubt that there's enough data for some degree of verification, but
that doesn't rise to the level of fact.

An explanation can never be a fact -- by definition, an explanation in science
is a theory (when accepted).

Gravity is a fact. The explanation for it is a theory.
Evolution is a fact. The explanation for it is a theory.

Let's remember that
professional scientists are as human as the rest of us, and as
vulnerable to consensus and predjudice. And no diversion was intended.
While one truth does not drive out another, one may certainly have more
relevance and more demonstrable effect. Untill I see more factual
(empirical if you like) evidence, I won't rush to bark up the wrong
tree. Best Wishes............Dave