Evolutionist
From RationalWiki
The term "evolutionist" is a common anti-science slur typically used by moronic proponents of pseudosciences, creationism and intelligent design. Both "evolutionist" and "evolutionism" refer to scientists and others who accept that the evidence-based theory of evolution is the best explanation for the development of life on the earth. Often, the term just gets thrown around to refer to anyone else they're disagreeing with at the time, such as atheists or libruls. Some creationists even argue that "evolutionism" is a secular religion to compound this stupidity. All in all, this represents mainly a bunch of...
[edit] Bullshit
When used in this way it is an attempt to color the argument and imply that evolution is just another belief system or worldview ("ism") as opposed to a scientific theory. This idea of acceptance of evolution being a worldview is quite common, particularly amongst people attempting to have schools "teach the controversy". It is exceptionally typical of the misinformation deliberately generated by proponents of the Wedge Document.
One can only assume that the creationist is saying, in effect: "Your beliefs are just a stupid as mine are, so you might as well believe what I believe." They rarely ever seem to understand that, by their very nature, scientific ideas cannot be beliefs. Science is based on an interpretation of facts, and by definition theories are never beliefs. We may accept evolution, but it would not be science if we believed evolution.
Furthermore, even if it were a belief system, "evolutionism" would have the minor benefit of being based on physical reality, rather than an old book which claims to be true. Hmmm... one of those just seems to be a bit more rational. Thus, the implication of "equally ridiculous beliefs," even if it weren't basically flawed, still wouldn't hold in face of the evidence.
[edit] See also
