This workbook analyzes mature themes in classic literature. The goal is not to promote these books but to equip students with discernment tools to recognize propaganda and social engineering when encountered in academic or cultural settings. Discussion with parents/teachers is encouraged.
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
— 2 Corinthians 2:11
Lesson 1
Understanding Social Engineering Through Literature
What is Social Engineering?
Social engineering is the deliberate manipulation of society's beliefs, values, and behaviors through various methods—including literature. Books assigned in schools are not chosen randomly; they shape how generations think about authority, morality, family, faith, and truth itself.
What Schools Teach
These are "classic" works of literary merit
They teach critical thinking
They're assigned for artistic value
Students should appreciate their cultural importance
What Discernment Reveals
Many "classics" were promoted by specific agendas
They often condition readers to accept certain worldviews
Selection is often ideological, not merely artistic
Cultural "importance" can be manufactured
Key Insight
The Rockefeller Foundation and other groups have historically funded literary initiatives to shape public consciousness. The books promoted as "essential reading" often serve specific social transformation goals—normalizing government control, breaking down family structures, and undermining faith.
The Pattern of Predictive Programming
Predictive programming uses fiction to introduce concepts that later become reality. By presenting dystopian ideas in novels, readers become psychologically prepared to accept them when implemented. Key patterns include:
Normalization: Making disturbing concepts feel familiar
Desensitization: Reducing emotional resistance through repeated exposure
Association: Linking new ideas with trusted sources (schools, professors)
Inevitability: Presenting dark futures as unavoidable
"For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known."
— Luke 12:2
Lesson 2
1984 by George Orwell: A Closer Look
1984 (Published 1949)
George Orwell (Eric Arthur Blair)
Standard Academic Interpretation
What Teachers Emphasize
A warning against totalitarianism
Critique of Soviet-style communism
Defense of individual liberty
Importance of free thought and speech
Deeper Analysis: The Hidden Function
What's Often Overlooked
Orwell's Background: He worked for the BBC's propaganda department during WWII and was connected to British intelligence (MI6)
Predictive Programming: The book introduces surveillance, thought control, and reality manipulation as inevitable—preparing minds to accept them
Hopelessness as Control: The ending offers no escape, no victory—conditioning readers to view resistance as futile
Newspeak = Language Control: Ironically, "Orwellian" became a term that actually limits how people discuss surveillance (reducing complex analysis to a single word)
"Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past."
— 1984, George Orwell
Biblical Perspective
Scripture teaches that Yahuah is the ultimate authority, not earthly governments. While 1984 presents total state control as the only possible future, believers know that every earthly kingdom will fall before the Kingdom of Yahuah. The book's worldview is entirely materialistic—there is no spiritual realm, no Elohim, no hope beyond death.
Techniques Used in 1984
Technique
Example in Book
Real-World Application
Constant Surveillance
Telescreens everywhere
Smartphones, smart TVs, social media monitoring
Reality Manipulation
Ministry of Truth rewrites history
Wikipedia editing, "fact-checkers," censorship
Language Control
Newspeak eliminates words
Political correctness, banned words, "hate speech"
Two Minutes Hate
Directed daily rage at enemies
Media cycles directing anger at designated targets
Lesson 3
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley: A Closer Look
Brave New World (Published 1932)
Aldous Huxley
Standard Academic Interpretation
What Teachers Emphasize
Warning against pleasure-driven society
Critique of consumerism and technology
Importance of authentic human experience
Dangers of genetic engineering
Deeper Analysis: The Huxley Connection
Critical Context Often Hidden
Family Background: Aldous Huxley's grandfather Thomas Huxley was "Darwin's Bulldog"—the chief promoter of evolution. His brother Julian Huxley was first director of UNESCO and a prominent eugenicist
Elite Circles: Huxley was connected to the Fabian Society, which openly advocated for gradual social transformation toward socialism
Drug Promotion: Huxley later became an advocate for psychedelic drugs (LSD, mescaline) and wrote "The Doors of Perception"—influencing the 1960s drug culture
Blueprint, Not Warning: Many elements in Brave New World read less like warnings and more like instructions for social engineers
"There will be, in the next generation or so, a pharmacological method of making people love their servitude, and producing dictatorship without tears, so to speak."
— Aldous Huxley, Speech at Berkeley, 1962
Themes That Normalize Destruction
Destruction of Family
In the "World State," family is abolished. Children are produced in factories. The words "mother" and "father" are considered obscene. This presents family destruction not as a crime against Yahuah's order but as "progress."
Sexual "Freedom" as Control
Promiscuity is mandated. Emotional bonds are forbidden. What's presented as liberation is actually the destruction of meaningful human connection—isolating individuals and making them dependent on the state.
Soma: Chemical Compliance
The drug "soma" keeps the population docile and content. Compare this to modern psychiatric medication trends, legal marijuana expansion, and the opioid crisis. Is the population being chemically managed?
Biblical Perspective
Yahuah created the family as the fundamental unit of society (Genesis 2:24). He designed marriage, parenthood, and generational blessing. Brave New World's "utopia" is actually the destruction of everything Yahuah established. The book normalizes what Scripture calls abomination.
Lesson 4
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: A Closer Look
The Catcher in the Rye (Published 1951)
J.D. Salinger
Standard Academic Interpretation
What Teachers Emphasize
Coming-of-age narrative
Critique of "phoniness" in society
Teenage alienation and identity
Protecting childhood innocence
Disturbing Patterns
What Requires Examination
Association with Violence: This book was found in the possession of Mark David Chapman (John Lennon's killer), John Hinckley Jr. (Reagan assassination attempt), and Robert John Bardo (Rebecca Schaeffer's killer)
MK-Ultra Era: Published during the height of CIA mind control programs. Salinger himself worked in military intelligence during WWII
Promotion Despite Controversy: Despite massive parent complaints and bans, the book remained required reading in schools for decades
Nihilistic Worldview: The protagonist has no faith, no purpose, no hope—only cynicism and alienation
Analyzing Holden Caulfield
Character Trait
How It's Presented
Potential Effect on Readers
Rejection of Authority
As authentic and admirable
Normalizes rebellion, disrespect
Cynicism/Nihilism
As sophisticated insight
Undermines faith, hope, purpose
Alienation
As superior awareness
Encourages isolation, disconnection
Profanity/Crudeness
As "realistic" teen voice
Normalizes coarse speech
Mental Instability
As romantic struggle
Glamorizes psychological problems
Biblical Perspective
Scripture calls young people to honor parents and authorities (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-3), to seek wisdom rather than cynicism (Proverbs 1:7), and to find identity in Yahuah rather than alienation from society. Holden Caulfield embodies the opposite of biblical youth—and is presented as a hero.
Why This Book for Teenagers?
Consider: Of all possible books, why is one featuring depression, alienation, rejection of authority, and nihilism specifically assigned to adolescents—the most impressionable and identity-forming years? Who benefits from a generation identifying with Holden Caulfield?
Lesson 5
Common Patterns Across "Required Reading"
Recurring Themes in Assigned Literature
When we examine multiple "classics" assigned in schools, clear patterns emerge:
Theme
Examples
Effect on Students
Authority is corrupt/oppressive
1984, Fahrenheit 451, The Giver, Handmaid's Tale
Distrust of all authority, including parents and Scripture
Religion is dangerous/oppressive
Scarlet Letter, Crucible, Handmaid's Tale
Associate faith with persecution, view believers as dangerous
Family is dysfunctional/restrictive
Catcher in the Rye, Great Gatsby, many modern selections
View family as problem, not foundation
Traditional morality is "phony"
Catcher in the Rye, Lord of the Flies
Moral relativism, rejection of absolute truth
Death/hopelessness glorified
Romeo and Juliet (suicide), Of Mice and Men, The Great Gatsby
Desensitization, normalization of despair
Individual rebellion as heroic
Most protagonists in assigned reading
Encourage rebellion against parents, tradition, faith
Notice What's Missing
Books celebrating strong families
Books with genuinely faithful protagonists
Books where traditional values lead to good outcomes
Books with hope rooted in Elohim
Books where authority figures are genuinely good
Books celebrating biblical marriage and parenthood
The selection process is not neutral. It systematically excludes certain worldviews while promoting others.
The Fabian Strategy
Gradual Transformation
The Fabian Society's symbol was originally a wolf in sheep's clothing. Their strategy: transform society gradually through education, media, and culture rather than violent revolution. Literature is a key tool in this gradual transformation—changing values one generation at a time.
Lesson 6
Developing Discernment: A Biblical Framework
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
The 7-Point Discernment Test
Use these questions when evaluating any literature:
1. Source Analysis
2. Worldview Analysis
3. Authority Analysis
4. Family Analysis
5. Moral Analysis
6. Emotional Manipulation
7. Predictive Programming
Lesson 7
Alternative Literature: What Should We Read?
Characteristics of Edifying Literature
Books Worth Reading
Acknowledge the Creator and His sovereignty
Portray family as a blessing, not a burden
Show virtue rewarded and vice punished
Offer genuine hope based on truth
Respect legitimate authority while opposing tyranny
Strengthen faith rather than undermine it
Present moral absolutes, not relativism
Recommended Reading List
Category
Titles
Why It's Valuable
Allegory
Pilgrim's Progress (John Bunyan)
The Christian journey; perseverance in faith
Apologetics Fiction
Space Trilogy, Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis)
Biblical worldview through imaginative literature
Historical Fiction
The Hiding Place (Corrie ten Boom)
Faith under persecution; forgiveness; hope
Biography
George Müller, Hudson Taylor, Gladys Aylward
Real examples of faith in action
Reformation Era
Foxe's Book of Martyrs
Understanding persecution; faith unto death
Adventure
Robinson Crusoe (original version)
Providence; repentance; Sabbath-keeping
Original vs. Adapted Versions
Many classic works have been edited to remove Christian content. Robinson Crusoe originally featured extensive spiritual reflection and Sabbath observance—often removed in modern editions. Always seek original or unabridged versions when possible.
Scripture: The Ultimate Literature
The Bible itself contains the greatest literature ever written:
Poetry: Psalms, Song of Solomon, Lamentations
Wisdom Literature: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job
Historical Narrative: Genesis through Esther
Prophecy: Isaiah, Daniel, Revelation
Biography: The Gospels, Acts
Letters: Epistles of Paul, Peter, John
Lesson 8
Final Project: Becoming a Discerning Reader
Comprehensive Analysis Assignment
Choose one book commonly assigned in schools (not covered in this workbook) and complete a full discernment analysis.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."