Do Young Earth Creationists believe the evidence for YEC is unmistakably conclusive if studied diligently, unbiasedly, sincerely, and open-mindedly?

Young Earth Creationism postulates two main theses: - **Creationism/Intelligent Design**: the thesis that the universe was created by a divine entity. - **Young Earth**: the thesis that the Earth is approximately 6000 years old. Now, let's imagine we compile the strongest arguments and evidence for competing secular theories, such as [Common Descent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_descent) , [Abiogenesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abiogenesis) , and the widely accepted old-Earth model supported by mainstream [geology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geology) and [cosmology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmology) . Similarly, suppose we gather the most compelling arguments and evidence for competing theistic views, like [Theistic Evolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theistic_evolution) and [Old Earth Creationism (OEC)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Earth_creationism) . Suppose we also collect the best peer-reviewed papers and books from respected apologists for each position, essentially creating a comprehensive library of material for each view. Now, imagine X, an unbiased, sincere, honest, open-minded, and neutral truth seeker with plenty of time on their hands. They are about to dive into studying all this material in detail, even if it means dedicating an entire decade to study, with many hours devoted each day. Is it the position of Young Earth Creationism that X should inevitably conclude that YEC is true? If so, does this imply that anyone who disagrees with YEC, whether theist or non-theist, has not diligently, honestly, sincerely, and open-mindedly studied the evidence and arguments hard enough? --- *Bonus* This question intrigues me, especially in light of public declarations by Christian apologists who have relinquished their former Young Earth Creationist beliefs, such as the following: > A few weeks ago, astrophysicist Dr. Luke Barnes (Western Sydney University) published an excellent article in Premier Christianity Magazine, in which he gives his story of changing his mind about the age of the Universe, revising his view from being a young earth creationist to embrace an old earth. I resonated with much of Barnes’ story, since my own intellectual development on this topic has followed a similar trajectory. More than a decade ago, as an undergraduate student, I too would have identified as a young earth creationist. However, the more I have come to understand of science and epistemology, the more implausible young earth creationism has seemed to me. I now see the antiquity of our earth, and indeed our cosmos, as being supported by an avalanche of data, spanning multiple scientific disciplines. While I do not doubt the sincerity of young earth advocates — and am often quite inspired by their piety — it is my considered opinion that young earth creationism has, regrettably, done more damage than good to the public perception of Christianity. > > Source: https://jonathanmclatchie.com/a-response-to-jim-masons-defense-of-young-earth-creationism-in-premier-christianity-magazine/ > I sometimes describe myself as a “disappointed young-earther.” By that I mean I started out holding to the young-earth position, but the shortcomings of most of the YEC arguments and the shenanigans of certain YEC proponents forced me to the old-earth position. > > ... > > As you can probably tell, my decision to move from YEC to OEC was motivated strongly (but not exclusively) by a reevaluation of the empirical evidence. However, I recognize that everyone approaches the empirical evidence with presuppositions. Facts are not self-interpreting nor do facts “just speak for themselves.” The question before me—indeed, before all of us—is how, when, and how much should the empirical evidence cause me to adjust or change my operating presuppositions. What should I do since the scientific data seems to clash strongly with my presuppositions? > > Source: https://peacefulscience.org/prints/confessions-disappointed-young-earther/