A reflection on science, GMO skepticism, and intellectual freedom
Not long ago, I posted a video on my YouTube channel discussing the dangers of GMO foods. It wasn’t meant to incite, offend, or declare war on modern agriculture. It was simply meant to invite discussion and reflection — to consider some of the data, the concerns, and the lived experiences of people who’ve taken a closer look at what’s in our food.
But in a comment, someone told me in their own words a long paragraph basically telling me I was wrong and that I should just….
“Trust the science.”
As if science is a god that I have to bow down and worship.
I’m not anti-science — far from it. But if you have a open mind, and really think about it, you may want to consider how unscientific that response actually was.
Since when did science become something you blindly accept and trust without question?
Since when did science become a tradition — unquestionable, unchallengeable, beyond debate?
I was under the impression that science was not a faith system. It’s a method. A process. A way of asking certain questions, testing ideas, reviewing results, revising theories, and yes — even admitting when we get it wrong. It’s a journey, not a destination.
But increasingly, in some circles, it seems science has been elevated to the status of religion. And that really bothers me!
Consider Catholicism back in the dark ages. Dogmas. Heretics. And worst of all, inquisitions — silencing those who dare to question the mainstream narrative.
Let’s be clear: there’s a difference between informed skepticism and willful ignorance. Not all who dare to question are “deniers.” And not all who warn are conspiracy theorists, which in some cases, is unfortunately and overly used against honest at heart folks who just have questions. Some of us simply want to know: “What’s in our food?” “Who benefits?” “Where’s the long-term data?” And — the most basic question of all — “Is it safe?”
These aren’t unreasonable questions.
So when did asking them become such a big deal?
Science, at its best, is humble.
It welcomes scrutiny. It invites dissent. It thrives in open inquiry.
So if someone says, “I’m not sure about GMOs,” or “I have concerns about the long-term effects,” maybe the right response isn’t to lecture, scoff, scold, or accuse us of this, that and the other.
Maybe the right response is to ask, “Why?”
To listen. To research. To be curious.
After all, isn’t that what science is really about?