Culture, religion and logic

Previously

…Father Michael’s eyes, once warm and inviting, now held a chilling, predatory gleam. "Towards unity, Dr. Reed. Towards a collective will that transcends the petty concerns of the individual. A will that, in time, may even shape the world beyond these mountains." Evelyn met his gaze, her heart pounding a frantic rhythm against her ribs. She had seen the truth. She had deciphered the ritual. Now, she had to find a way to expose it, to break the cycle, before Father Michael could weave his web of manufactured faith any tighter, before another soul was lost to the twisted logic of belief. The true confrontation had just begun.