Brave New World: Religion July 03, 1998
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             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 God and the cross have been replaced by Ford and the symbol T, the founder of the age of machines.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 attitu
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