Brave New World: Religion Essay, Research Paper

English

Brave New World: Religion

The Basis of Religion

Thesis: Man’s need for answers to questions that cannot be solved through

known applications of science and technology has resulted in the widespread

belief in religion.

I. Purpose

Elimination of stress

Addiction to soma

1. Rioting addicts

2. Religious fanatics

II Characteristics

Rituals

Sacrifices

Offerings

B. Gods

Interpreters

Pope

Dali Lama

Mustapha Mond

D. Writings

III. Function

Explaining unknown

Philosophy

Supernatural

Providing aid

Sanctioning conduct

Morals

Traditions

Delegating decisions

The Basis of Religion

In the novel “Brave New World” civilized society lives in a world of science and

technology. Major changes have occurred during the future; Utopia now revolves a

religion of

drugs and sex. God and the cross have been replaced by Ford and the symbol T, the

founder of the

age of machines. Instead of Sunday church, members now attend solidarity services

where

morals and tradition are not learned, but rather faith is taught in the belief of

hallucinations

produced by a substance known as “soma.” Soma has effectively replaced the belief

in a higher

being by its elimination of problems and stress resulting in a lack of imagination ,

creativity, or “soul.”

Yet religion can still be found in today’s society because of man’s continuing need for

answers to

questions that cannot be solved by science or technology.

Religion can be regarded as the beliefs and patterns of behavior by which humans try

to

deal with problems and stress that cannot be solved through practical applications of

science or

technology. “Brave New World” deals with stress by its elimination of problems

through the use of

soma. As shown in the novel, the people have been addicted to soma as to the point

of rioting when

their supply is threatened. Their attitude can be related to religious fanatics who

accomplish violent

actions in the right of their religion. Present day society turns to lesser forms of

expression through

weekly attendance to their place of worship in hopes of a stress-free life. To overcome

these

limitations, society turns to the manipulation of supernatural beings and powers.

Consisting of various rituals, prayers, songs, dances, offerings, and sacrifices, people

try

to manipulate supernatural beings to their advantage. Recipients of riches, power,

and glory have

often praised their Savior. These beings may be Gods and Goddesses or even

ancestral spirits. In

all societies there are certain individuals especially skilled at dealing with these

beings and powers

who assist other members of society in their ritual activities. A great amount of power

can be

delegated to these individuals such as the Pope or the Dali Lama. “Brave New

World” has its own

religious interpreter in the seven world controllers. Mustapha Mond controls the

thoughts,

emotions and happiness of the people under his control. By interpreting the collection

of

writings revealed by the higher being, high priests or priestesses can provide the

answers to man’s

questions

Religion has a number of advantages to society. Many citizens of the world often

ponder

many questions ranging from classroom philosophy to ghosts and goblins. Religion

reduces anxiety

by explaining the unknown and making it understandable, as well as provide comfort

in the belief

that supernatural aid is available in times of crises. Religion teaches morals and

traditions, notions

of right and wrong. By setting precedents for acceptable behavior, peace and

harmony may be

achieved. The burden of responsibility is lifted from the shoulders of mankind by

transferring the

weight of decision making from individuals to higher beings.

In contrast to “Brave New World” present day society may seem crude and low to

mighty

science and technology, yet followers around the world continue practicing their faith.

By believing

in the Almighty during their time on earth, churchgoers hope to achieve everlasting

glory and

paradise in the afterlife. This can be seen in the direct relationship of the increase of

religious

activities in older age groups. Man refuses to believe that their time in history can be

so

insignificant as to be numbered in years. To escape the fear of death, man’s dreams,

hopes, and

aspirations are held in faith and the belief of religion.