Critique of Religion & God is Power :

"God is Power" :

Summary :

In George Orwell's novel 1984, the phrase "God is Power" in that video shows how the Party twists religious ideas to stay in control. The Party presents itself as an all-powerful force, demanding complete loyalty from everyone. By doing this, it removes personal beliefs and makes people worship Big Brother, the Party’s leader. They explore the relationship between divinity and authority, analyzing how the ruling Party in "1984" uses the notion of an all-powerful entity to control and manipulate society. The video sheds light on the intertwining of religious symbolism and totalitarian power in Orwell's dystopian world.​

Orwell, who was not religious, uses this idea to show how dictatorships can use religion to keep their power. The Party takes the place of religion, leaving no space for personal faith or independent thinking. This forces people to obey without question.

The novel warns about the dangers of letting governments control religious beliefs. It shows how this can lead to complete control over people’s lives, both in public and private.

"Critique of Religion" :

Summary :

This in-depth examination of George Orwell’s novel 1984 explores the role of religion—particularly Catholicism—as a key perspective for interpreting the narrative. While the novel is widely regarded as a political satire, the speaker suggests that it also serves as a sharp critique of organized religion. The analysis begins by drawing connections between the structure of Orwell’s totalitarian society and religious institutions, with a particular focus on Catholicism.

It compares the three superstates—Oceania, Eurasia, and East Asia—to the Abrahamic faiths, emphasizing their structural and ideological similarities. Elements such as confession, rigid hierarchies, and the ever-present authority of Big Brother are examined for their symbolic parallels to religious doctrine.

The speaker argues that Orwell’s skepticism toward organized religion, shaped by his personal experiences and political ideology, is evident in 1984, where religion is depicted as reinforcing oppressive regimes. The discussion also extends to Orwell’s broader body of work, highlighting his persistent critique of religious institutions and their influence on society.

References :

“God Is Power | 1984 | George Orwell.” YouTube, 21 Feb. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj29I_MU3cA.

DoE-MKBU. “Critique of Religion | 1984 | George Orwell.” YouTube, 21 Feb. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh41QghkCUA.