Journal of Literary Prose and Society

Religion and Technology: Reinterpreting Marx’s Opium of the People

2026-05-13T04:21:48+00:00

This study aims to analyze the relevance of Karl Marx’s concept of religion as the “opium of the people” in the context of contemporary technological development. The research is motivated by the ambivalent role of religion in modern society, where the advancement of science and technology simultaneously strengthens rationality while also generating existential crises and a loss of meaning. This study employs a qualitative approach with a library research method, focusing on critical analysis of Marx’s philosophical texts and their relevance to current social phenomena. The findings indicate that religion possesses an ambivalent function: it serves as a source of psychological comfort and existential stability, yet it can also function as an ideological mechanism that obscures social reality and hinders transformation. In the digital era, the “opium” function of religion finds its parallel in technology, which similarly operates as a means of escaping human suffering. Nevertheless, this study argues that religion cannot be reduced to mere illusion, as it continues to play a significant role as a source of values, reflection, and social transformation.

Comparison of Elementary School, High School, and Teenage Students' Receptions to Modern Indonesian Literature in East Nusa Tenggara

2026-01-08T04:55:54+00:00

Background: The development of literacy education in Indonesia highlights the need to understand how readers from diverse age groups engage with literary texts, particularly in culturally rich regions such as East Nusa Tenggara. Objective: This study analyzes readers' reception of modern Indonesian literature among three age groups in East Nusa Tenggara: elementary school students, senior high school students, and general youth. Methods: A descriptive qualitative approach was employed using Likert-scale questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and participatory observation. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data underwent thematic coding with triangulation validation. Results: Reception develops according to age and social context. Elementary school students emphasize moral values such as honesty and learning motivation. Senior high school students engage more critically with narrative conflict and character development. General youth readers offer reflective interpretations centered on cultural values and local identity. The honesty aspect obtained the highest Likert mean (M = 4.30), followed by learning motivation (M = 4.21) and empathy (M = 4.18). Implications: Modern Indonesian literature serves as an adaptive medium for fostering literacy, character development, and cultural identity across age groups. Literary integration in educational contexts should consider readers' developmental characteristics to maximize its educational and cultural impact.

The Role of Change Leadership in Developing a Local Community-Based Spirit of Literacy in the Cirebon Reading Community

2026-04-20T03:21:52+00:00

Literacy is an important foundation for human resource development and social development. However, various local literacy communities face sustainability challenges due to limited resources and member participation dynamics. This study aims to analyze the role of change leadership in fostering a spirit of local community-based literacy in the Cirebon Reading Grow Reading Community. This study used a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation studies. Research informants included community activists, core administrators, and active members. Data analysis was conducted using an interactive analysis model that included data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Its validity was tested through triangulation of sources and techniques. The results show that change leadership plays a crucial role in building a shared literacy vision, encouraging literacy program adaptation, empowering members, and managing resistance to change. This change leadership impacts increased member participation, consistency of literacy activities, and the formation of collective literacy awareness. This study concludes that change leadership is a key factor in maintaining the sustainability and strengthening of local community-based literacy movements.