Thomas More's Utopia

Thomas More's "Utopia"

Thomas More's Utopia and Religious Toleration

More than an account of a fictional society, Thomas More's Utopia is a criticism of early Renaissance European society. On the island of "Utopia" people live together in peace and harmony, experience freedom and prosperity, and worship any religious tradition they see fit. Thomas More used the book to criticize the political, economic, legal, and religious aspects of European society in the 16th century. At that time Europe was still deeply entrenched in the medieval traditions which had guided European society for centuries. However, changes in the nature of European society had brought about a cry for reform, especially in the area of religion which had dominated European society. The Catholic Church started to be seen as corrupt and tyrannical and no longer serving the religious needs of the European people. As part of this call for reform,...
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