Do you feel powerless, and have you given up hope in a political process that continually seems to fail you?

Are you exasperated that so many people seem to be sleepwalking, as our country is being dragged back into the Dark Ages?

Are you facing persecution because of the color of your skin? Desire for bodily autonomy, gender identity, or sexual orientation? Or perhaps for a general nonconformance to a white patriarchal Christian ethos?

Do you consider yourself religious, but are ashamed to be associated with the unhinged actions of others making that claim?

If so, the “Four Words to Start a Rebellion” podcast series is definitely for you.

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, hoping for a different outcome that never seems to arrive.

But there is one path that has not been pursued in earnest by any previous generation. It is the boldest and likely the most dangerous, yet represents the single greatest opportunity we have to create a world where reason triumphs over racism; where the value of human beings is not measured by caste or coin; and where rules of law are not divined by men masquerading as messiahs.

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. There is no time to waste, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Frankly, the odds are not in our favor.

But here’s the kicker. There is a path. And it is ridiculously straightforward. Notice I didn’t say easy. But even acknowledging that this path exists and taking those all-important first few steps, will bring hope. Whether we achieve victory in our lifetimes I couldn’t say, but I am completely confident that we can plant those seeds of rebellion and give future generations the best chance at a better life.

The path we must follow leads us to confront the greatest weapon ever unleashed on the world. It has been used to justify some of the worst crimes against humanity and is unmatched in its power, persuasiveness, and brutality.

That weapon is Religion.

All things being equal, I believe each generation is more inclined to challenge and reject the biases, and irrational assumptions of previous generations. Unfortunately, all things are not equal.

We see how the long-lasting effects of slavery and segregation have become so ingrained in our institutions, that even today we still struggle to excise it from our systems and culture. We see it in the generational indoctrination that persists like an undetected virus, replacing learning and reason with a preconceived, insidious narrative. We see how easily wealth and power can influence legislation and policy at every level of government, from school boards to the halls of congress, all the way to the Supreme Court. We see how that same wealth and power can be used to convince electorates of even the most logic-defying conspiracy theories, and big lies.

As it stands, it seems half the world has evolved to value cooperation and the other half has evolved to value confrontation. We collectively seem to be held prisoner in a competition between those who see the world as a non-zero-sum game and those who see it as a winner take all.

Yes, all things being equal, I believe cooperation would ultimately prove more effective than conflict in producing societies that are more sustainable, just, and equitable. But all things are far from being equal.

Our Supreme Court has a conservative majority that bases its rulings on a Christian interpretation of the Constitution and will influence the judiciary for a generation. The presumptive Republican nominee for president considers himself above the rule of law, and apparently the Supreme Court agrees with him.

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

Rebellion is more than a catchphrase. 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.

I cannot offer assurances of a victory, but I can assure you that your efforts will not be in vain. We will be on this journey together and there is joy in that. There is joy in the fight.

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

Peter Tchoryk

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