Every generation has its challenges. But the youngest generations inheriting the world today, face trials across the spectrum of existential threats, including some that could make the planet itself uninhabitable. From social injustices to genocide. From environmental disasters to climate crisis. From terrorism to nuclear war.

It is no wonder why so many young people today disengage from the political process altogether. We seem to be trying the same things over and over again, hoping for a different outcome.

All things being equal, I believe each generation is more inclined to challenge and reject the biases and irrational beliefs of previous generations. Unfortunately, all things are not equal, and the playing field is far from level.

We see how persistently biases are transmitted across generations, whether through deliberate teaching and indoctrination, or through the subtle reinforcement of false narratives disguised as tradition and culture.  We see how wealth and power can tip the scales by embracing these false narratives, convincing voters of even the most logic-defying conspiracy theories and big lies.

This is where we stand today. Logic and reason have been undermined and dismissed as woke ideologies of the far left. Unchallengeable, deeply held beliefs that have no basis in fact are used to sway legislation and policy at every level of government, from school boards to the halls of congress, all the way to the Supreme Court.

Humanity seems to be trapped in a prisoner’s dilemma. Our world is divided between those who see the potential of cooperation in creating positive-sum outcomes, and those who believe success is only achieved through a winner-take-all, scorched-Earth approach.

Think I’m exaggerating? We have a president who openly professes king-like authority in persecuting those who attempt to hold him accountable to the rule of law, and we have a Supreme Court majority that apparently agrees with him. It is this same majority that justifies its rulings based on a weaponized Christian interpretation of the Constitution. Rulings that will affect the lives of every single American for a generation, and maybe more.

If this stirs your soul, the “Four Words to Start a Rebellion” podcast series, is made for you.

Rebellion is more than a call to action. It’s a state of mind. A state of being that allows us to recognize the harsh reality of our situation yet remain focused on what we need to do in this moment.

Scientific Rebellion is about taking direct non-violent, and immediate action to prevent The Handmaid’s Tale from becoming prophecy. Half measures won’t cut it.

We need inclusive churches to lead the way in challenging every institution that weaponizes religion. We need all those who value critical thinking to rise up and challenge unfounded beliefs that are being masqueraded as absolute truth. We need all those who recognize the difference between faith and fact to hold those in power accountable for oppressing the most vulnerable among us in the name of a warrior Jesus.

It’s been some four hundred years since the Scientific Revolution and yet here we are today, still defending ourselves from weaponized supernatural speculation. That should scare us all. It’s time to move forward in our evolution and embrace critical thinking as a species. Though we will surely face the unmerciful fury of organized religion, we will be on this journey together, and there is joy in that. There is joy in the fight.

Are you ready?

Let’s give them something they’ve never seen before.

This is Peter Tchoryk. Sign up on this site to receive updates on the Scientific Rebellion. If podcasts are your thing, please check out our Scientific Rebel podcasts.