Many popular books assigned in schools contain hidden agendas that promote ideas contrary to Scripture. This workbook helps you recognize and reject these deceptions.
The Purpose of Dystopian Fiction
Dystopian novels (dark, oppressive future societies) are often used to:
Normalize government control over individual lives
Present traditional values (family, religion) as oppressive
Promote rebellion against authority as heroic
Desensitize readers to violence and moral compromise
Program acceptance of a "new world order"
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." - 2 Corinthians 2:11
Books Analyzed in This Workbook:
The Giver by Lois Lowry - Collectivism, euthanasia, anti-family
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Violence, rebellion, survival ethics
Divergent by Veronica Roth - Identity confusion, rebellion against order
1What is Dystopian Programming?
Defining Terms
Dystopia: An imaginary society characterized by oppression, suffering, and injustice - the opposite of utopia.
Programming: Using entertainment to gradually shift beliefs, values, and expectations without the audience realizing it.
Predictive Programming: Introducing concepts in fiction so they seem familiar and acceptable when implemented in reality.
How Programming Works
Present a "flawed" society - often a caricature of traditional values
Create a sympathetic hero - usually young, rebellious, "awakened"
Make rebellion heroic - fighting against "oppressive" systems
Blur moral lines - hero must compromise ethics to survive
Offer a "new" solution - usually collectivist or humanist
Biblical Perspective
Scripture warns about deception through appealing messages:
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit" (Colossians 2:8)
"For such are false apostles... transformed as the ministers of righteousness" (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
Satan's lies are often mixed with truth to make them believable
Think About It
1. Why might entertainment be more effective than direct teaching for changing beliefs?
2. What does "predictive programming" prepare people to accept?
2The Giver - EXPOSED
The Giver
by Lois Lowry (1993) - Newbery Medal Winner
Summary: In a "perfect" community without pain, color, or choice, 12-year-old Jonas is selected to receive memories of the past from "The Giver." He discovers the community's dark secrets, including the killing of babies and the elderly.
Surface Appeal
The book appears to criticize totalitarianism and celebrate individuality. Many Christians initially approve it. But look deeper...
Hidden Agendas in The Giver
1. NORMALIZATION OF EUTHANASIA
Babies who don't meet standards are "released" (killed)
Elderly are "released" when no longer useful
The book presents this matter-of-factly, desensitizing readers
By the end, readers accept "release" as part of the story
2. DESTRUCTION OF THE FAMILY
Children are raised by "Birthmothers" then assigned to "family units"
Parents don't choose their children; the state assigns them
There is no real love - just "comfort" and "contentment"
Prepares readers to accept state control of families
3. ELIMINATION OF FAITH
No religion exists in the community
"Sameness" eliminates spiritual longing
Memories of religious ceremonies are seen as primitive past
Secular "community" replaces worship
4. COLLECTIVISM
Individual choice is eliminated "for the good of all"
Career, spouse, children all assigned by committee
Sameness = equality = "peace"
Mirrors socialist/communist ideals
What Scripture Says
The Giver's Community
Biblical Truth
Kill the weak and elderly
"You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13)
State controls families
"Be fruitful and multiply" - family is Yahuah's design (Genesis 1:28)
Eliminate religion
"Fear Elohim, and keep His commandments" (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Sameness for peace
True peace comes from Yahusha alone (John 14:27)
"The book makes you think critically about society!" - Common defense
Response: Does it? Or does it normalize ideas that should horrify us (killing babies, state-controlled families) by presenting them as "understandable" choices?
Analysis Questions
1. How does The Giver desensitize readers to euthanasia?
2. Why is the destruction of family dangerous to society?
3. What is wrong with the "Sameness" philosophy?
4. How does this book contradict Scripture?
Family Discussion
3The Hunger Games - EXPOSED
The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins (2008)
Summary: In post-apocalyptic Panem, the Capitol forces each district to send two "tributes" (children) to fight to the death on live TV. Katniss Everdeen volunteers to save her sister and becomes a symbol of rebellion.
Why It's Popular
Strong female protagonist, survival story, rebellion against tyranny. But consider what readers are absorbing...
Hidden Agendas in The Hunger Games
1. DESENSITIZATION TO VIOLENCE
Children killing children for entertainment
Graphic descriptions of murder and death
Violence presented as necessary for survival
By book 3, readers are accustomed to mass death
2. MORAL RELATIVISM
Katniss lies, manipulates, and kills to survive
"Good" characters use the same tactics as "bad"
The ends justify the means
No absolute right or wrong - only survival
3. REVOLUTION AS SOLUTION
Violent overthrow of government is heroic
Old order must be completely destroyed
Mirrors Marxist revolution ideology
New government proves just as corrupt (teaching nihilism)
4. TRAUMA-BASED MIND CONTROL
The Games are designed to traumatize and control
Readers experience vicarious trauma
Normalizes government using trauma for control
PTSD portrayed as inevitable, not overcome by faith
What Scripture Says
The Hunger Games
Biblical Truth
Kill to survive
"Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44)
Ends justify means
"Abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thess. 5:22)
Violent revolution
"Vengeance is mine; I will repay" (Romans 12:19)
Hopelessness
"In this world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33)
Key Question: Would a loving Elohim want children reading detailed descriptions of children murdering each other? Does this pass Philippians 4:8?
Analysis Questions
1. How does The Hunger Games desensitize readers to violence?
2. What is wrong with "the ends justify the means" morality?
3. Why is violent revolution not the biblical solution?
4. Does this book pass the Philippians 4:8 test? Explain.
Family Discussion
4Divergent - EXPOSED
Divergent
by Veronica Roth (2011)
Summary: In future Chicago, society is divided into five "factions" based on virtues. At 16, teens choose a faction. Tris discovers she's "Divergent" - doesn't fit one category - which makes her dangerous to the system.