You obviously missed my own point. A small, untested theory should not be used (excuse the choice of words if you want) as 'Biblical Truth'. Usually such theories are the tools of sensationalists to push some sort of agenda.My point is you can't call it BS just because it's a theory and not a fact.
There was a belief that too many dumb people were having children. Some well respected scientists (not particularly many, but the ones certain people found useful). People were sterilized on a few crackpot theories to keep the species pure in America. Which eventually became a tool to deal with people not liked by those with the authority. The people could believe what they wanted to believe, but that does not make it right.
Even the theory of Gravity and mathematical theorems under go constant and evaluations. So those work as poor examples to compare to a few overly quoted reports that we're all going to die, we should panic and do 'X' action. In some of these cases, it'd be roll over and die.
The end of the world theories often have the backing of notes written on a napkin. They're nothing new. Y2k also had all of this happen as well.
Oddly enough, I actually enjoy documentaries about off the wall theories. But I don't stock my bomb shelter with Spam expecting the end of the world after watching them.
We have plenty of disasters across this globe. Even a lone volcano can bring about very much end of the world looking potential like Mount Tambora's Year Without Summer. Half a dozen ways that "Science has Proven(c)" is the end of the world on the same date appears over doing it (sounds like something you'd check on snopes first). It's kind of like 'well, it seems like a prime guessing time... maybe someone will come up with the particular disaster of the year!'
If the western United States erupts into a super volcano that destroys all life as we know it, I'll admit I'm wrong for doubting it. The scientists not looking for a tv spot tend to point out, everything is fine and dandy.
