Critique of Religion | God is Power

 The God of Power in Orwell's 1984

Introduction

In George Orwell’s 1984, the concept of God is replaced by an omnipresent and omnipotent force: power. The Party successfully eliminates traditional religious beliefs and replaces them with an ideology where authority is absolute. Orwell presents a world where having power is equivalent to having God, and Big Brother becomes a god-like figure who is accepted without question. to get task information visit teachers blog 




The Party’s Control: Power as the New God

In a theological sense, God is often seen as the ultimate authority, a divine force governing the universe. However, in Orwell’s dystopian world, the Party assumes this role, demonstrating that political ideology has successfully replaced theological belief. The phrase “God is power” is a fundamental principle of the Party, highlighting that control over people’s lives is the ultimate source of authority.

Big Brother, the Party’s symbol, is not just an individual but a collective force that embodies the will of the ruling class. Unlike individuals who are mortal, the Party is eternal, ensuring its dominance over society. This belief forces citizens to surrender their individuality and merge with the Party’s ideology, making them robotic extensions of its rule.

Power Over Reality and Thought

One of the most striking aspects of Orwell’s vision is how power controls not just laws and governance but also reality itself. The Party dictates:

  • Matter – The tangible world is shaped by the Party’s will.

  • External Reality – What is true or false is determined by the Party.

  • Mind and Emotions – Independent thought and emotions are suppressed.

Even language is manipulated through Newspeak, ensuring that people lack the words to think rebellious thoughts. Freedom of speech does not exist; instead, language itself is recreated to fit the Party’s ideology.

The Worship of Big Brother

Orwell’s 1984 portrays Big Brother as a god-like entity who must be revered. His presence is everywhere—on posters, telescreens, and even in people’s minds. The Party conditions individuals to accept his authority without question, replacing faith in religion with loyalty to the state. This manipulation ensures that power is not just exercised but worshipped.

Conclusion

Orwell’s 1984 demonstrates how power, when absolute, can become a form of godliness. The Party does not just seek control over actions but also over thoughts, reality, and belief systems. By replacing religious faith with political loyalty, the Party cements its position as the ultimate authority. In this dystopian world, “God is power” is not just a phrase—it is the terrifying truth of totalitarian rule.



The Intersection of Religion and Politics in Orwell's 1984

Introduction George Orwell’s 1984 is often analyzed for its critique of totalitarianism, surveillance, and the control of truth. However, another compelling layer within the novel is its exploration of religious symbolism and its connection to political power. Orwell uses religious imagery and concepts to highlight how authoritarian regimes, such as Big Brother’s Party, manipulate belief systems to maintain control. This blog delves into how 1984 intertwines religion, politics, and ideological subjugation.

Religion as a Political Tool The Party in 1984 mirrors organized religion in its approach to obedience, confession, and ultimate devotion. Big Brother assumes the role of a god-like figure—omniscient, omnipotent, and always watching. This is reminiscent of the Abrahamic religions, particularly in the concept of a divine being that monitors and judges every action. The phrase “Big Brother is watching you” echoes religious texts that emphasize divine surveillance and judgment.

Similarly, Room 101 functions as a form of purgatory and inferno, where the soul (Winston) must pass through suffering before ultimate submission. Winston’s journey mirrors that of a sinner being purified through suffering, only to emerge completely devoted to the Party—just as a penitent might emerge fully devoted to faith after confession and absolution.

Political Confessions and Sacramental Experience Confession plays a crucial role in both totalitarian regimes and religious traditions. Just as Catholicism emphasizes the sacrament of confession, the Party in 1984 forces citizens to confess their “sins” (thoughtcrimes) against Big Brother. O’Brien takes on the role of an inquisitor, guiding Winston through self-betrayal and submission, much like a priest leading a penitent to renounce their past sins.

This process is also seen in the re-education and brainwashing that occurs within the Ministry of Love. The suffering Winston endures is akin to religious penance, but instead of achieving salvation, he achieves complete loyalty to Big Brother. The phrase “He loved Big Brother” at the end of the novel mirrors religious transformation—where one abandons self-doubt and embraces faith.

Celibacy, Marriage, and Devotion to the Party Religious institutions often regulate human relationships, dictating celibacy or marriage as acts of devotion. Similarly, in 1984, the Party controls personal relationships, outlawing love and passion except when used for procreation. Julia and Winston’s illicit relationship represents a rebellion not just against the Party’s control but against its attempt to dictate spiritual and emotional life.

By eradicating personal attachment, the Party ensures that citizens’ ultimate devotion is to Big Brother, not to each other. This reflects religious orders where monks and nuns dedicate their lives to faith, abstaining from personal relationships to focus solely on divine worship.

Winston’s Crisis of Faith Winston’s struggle throughout the novel can be seen as a crisis of faith. He initially believes in the possibility of resistance, much like a religious reformer seeking truth in a corrupt system. However, O’Brien dismantles Winston’s beliefs, leading him to renounce his own mind in favor of the Party’s doctrine. This is starkly reflected in the chilling quote:

“I believed in God. But I loved God. I hated Him just as I hated Big Brother.”

This duality of love and hate captures the paradox of forced devotion—whether to a religious institution or an authoritarian regime. Winston’s final acceptance of Big Brother signifies a loss of independent thought, akin to an individual surrendering to dogma after prolonged spiritual turmoil.

Conclusion Orwell’s 1984 presents a dystopian vision where politics and religion intertwine to enforce absolute obedience. The Party’s tactics—surveillance, confession, suffering, and ultimate submission—closely mirror religious experiences, showing how totalitarian control mimics divine authority. Winston’s journey from rebellion to acceptance serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind faith, whether in religious or political institutions. In the end, 1984 warns us that when belief is dictated rather than chosen, true freedom ceases to exist.


REFERENCES 

DoE-MKBU. (2023a, February 21). Critique of Religion | 1984 | George Orwell [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh41QghkCUA

DoE-MKBU. (2023, February 21). God is Power | 1984 | George Orwell [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj29I_MU3cA

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