In Brave New World science, religion and political power take on different meanings than what we are used to today. In the World State, science is feared because it requires original ideas and independent thought, which threaten the stability that is so important to maintaining the lives of the citizens. At the same time it is science that directly effects the religion that is embraced by the citizens. Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, thinks that belief in God and prayer is only necessary when old age and discomfort are effecting an individual. In the World State, those things are no longer existent due to scientific advances, making God and religion, as we know it, unnecessary.
He also says that soma is “Christianity without tears” (Huxley 238).
What he means is that soma provides all of the attributes that are thought to make a good Christian, such as patience and kindness, without requiring years of internal conflict and self-denial. Soma is taken in the Solidarity Service much like communion is taken in Christian services. Religion becomes a mixture of sexual orgy and soma, with no belief or knowledge of any God or religious traditions that are so vital to society today. It was science that led to these changes, therefore making science vital to the religion of the World State. Political Power in the World State is held by a small group of people.
There are no elections or representatives chosen by the people. The position of the World Controller is occupied by the highest of the classes, which were determined at fertilization. Mustapha Mond is like a God to the citizens of the World State. He makes the rules they live by, but he can break these rules without punishment.
A World Without Religion – Personal Essay
Each religion has its own set of rules and regulations that each person has to strictly follow. But there are plenty of hypocrites that do not follow the rules in a serious manner. For example, Mormons, the ones that go to church every Sunday then go home and drink beer are defiantly in this category. Another example is Jewish believers, they cannot consume pork, but I am positive that they all do ...
He can judge whether or not a person is thinking too independently, and if so, he can send them to an island, away from main society. Mustapha Mond watches over the citizens of the World State the way we believe God watches over us. Science, religion and political power go hand in hand in the World State. There can’t be one without the other and they all serve to create the Brave New World.
