Dana Shamsaddin Muhammed Sharif
Continuing Education Center, Tishk International University
Abstract
The current paper explores theological and sociopolitical outlooks on religion within both the conceptual framework of “Utopia” and the specific context of Thomas More’s literary work “Utopia”. The analysis defines “utopia as a philosophical concept that envisions a perfect society, establishing a foundation for understanding how religion functions within such an ideal state. The study further concentrates on Utopia, More’s distinct work of English literature, evaluating the religious structure of its society, the roles played by various religious groups, and the conduct of religious ceremonies by the Utopians. Therefore, the study investigates how religion is portrayed in Utopia, drawing on interpretations from various religious scholars. Among the key highlights are the three functions of utopias like, change, criticism, and compensation. Additionally, the article studies how different religious utopias have been conceptualized both before and after More’s work, including the Garden of Eden, the Millennium, Paradise Lost, and the contemporary vision of the New Jerusalem.
Keywords: Utopia, Religion, Thomas More, Ideal state, Religious groups, Atheism