I am writing as neither a YEC nor a OEC. I am a physicist with a Ph.D. who
believes that the Bible is God's Message to mankind and is true for all
ages. It is not a science book although I am not aware of any scientific
evidence (not theories) that is clearly at odds with it. In my career, I
have seen many theories come and go. Textbooks have changed many theories.
The only ones that preserve without much evidence are those which try to
eliminate God as the source of creation.
In interpreting Genesis One, we must realize that this was written long
before the current theories were vocalized. It had to relate to the people
who received it. I think it is foolish to fight about how literal the
creation story is. Does that make me a OEC? Yet on the other hand, I
believe that God could have created the universe just as it says if had
wanted to and made left evidence to indicate the universe is old. Does that
make me a YEC/
The most important thing I think scientists can do in this regard is to
love and respect each other. That must be very difficult because there is
little to indicate that the OEC and YEC camps practice that. Both camps
must recognize that their positions are tenuous at best.
The enemies (if that is the proper word) are not fellow believers, but
humanists who teach there is no God. Perhaps another enemy are those
theologians who feel they must expound scientific theories outside their
area of expertise. Maybe only God knows how to prevent that.