Sir Thomas Moore - Utopia

[B. W.]

Here is some ancient reading - Thomas Moore's book - Utopia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utopia_(book)

To begin this topic - how has or had this writing influenced modern Political thought as we see today from the modern Left in seeking to bring about an Utopian ideal?
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[Seraph]

I don't think you can say that a single book influenced most people on one side of the political spectrum or that Liberals have a vision of a Utopia. Both sides of the political spectrum have a diverse population of people who hold different beliefs and are influenced by different sources, who happen to be like minded on many issues. I strongly disagree with the idea that one side or the other is a unified coalition of people trying to achieve a single (usually sinister and exaggerated) goal.

Otherwise, I could ask how this writer might've influenced the modern Right's vision of an ideal utopia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayn_Rand

[Murray]

My utopia would be.... well..... Heaven

[B. W.]

I was thinking on how Moore explained the use of religion - those that worship the stars, moon, sun, various planets, etc -- this infusion and blending of all religions together and those that oppose this were called atheist. This diverse utopian religion would win over the atheist through means of discourse – debate.

Remember during the ancient Pax Roma era during the rise of Christianity, Christians were called atheist because they would not worship the plurality of deities. Hence, I think using More's idea, that the word atheist is a subterfuge to describe Christians who will oppose the utopian idea of synthesized religion systems to support Utopia.

Moore goes on to say that through use of the debate – those that oppose (Christian) will be reduced to a non-threatening stance and blended into the utopian religious model of plurality. In other words, opposers will be subjected to a debate style until they convert. Interestingly enough to note is that opposers do not hold the same view of the afterlife as utopians do.

Now, how has the Left used this model in Christian Circles and is there evidences of a watered down version of Christianity that accepts religious plurality, supports the State as the arbiter and dispenser of all good rather than God? Is there evidence of various forms of debate used to silence the Judaic/Christian world view as well as silence the view of the afterlife Jesus spoke about and orthodox Christianity adheres too?

There are several religions on the island: moon-worshipers, sun-worshipers, planet-worshipers, ancestor-worshipers and monotheists, but each is tolerant of the others. Only atheists are despised (but allowed) in Utopia, as they are seen as representing a danger to the state: since they do not believe in any punishment or reward after this life, they have no reason to share the communistic life of Utopia, and will break the laws for their own gain. They are not banished but encouraged to talk out their erroneous beliefs with the priests until they are convinced of their wrong. Raphael says that through his teachings Christianity was beginning to take hold in Utopia. The toleration of all other religious ideas is enshrined in a universal prayer all the Utopians recite...

This Quote From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utopia_(book)

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