Of The Religions of the Utopians

More establishes that Utopians practice multiple religions, with some worshipping celestial bodies or historical figures, but most worshipping a single supreme being called Mithras, though they disagree on the nature of that being.

More claims that Utopians naturally progress away from various superstitions toward one best religion, though some reject this change due to believing punishments from heaven.

Upon hearing of Christ's doctrine and the martyrs' constancy, many Utopians eagerly adopted Christianity, possibly because it aligned with their communal values.

A newly baptized Christian was punished not for disparaging other religions but for inflammatory preaching that incited sedition, illustrating Utopia's principle that religious belief itself should not be punished.

Utopus established that all may freely pursue their religion through argument and persuasion but cannot use violence, threats, or reproach—and those violating this law face banishment or slavery.

More explains that Utopus believed religious diversity might reflect God's different inspirations, that forced belief is futile, and that truth flourishes best when supported by argument alone without violence.

Despite general religious tolerance, Utopia forbids belief that souls die with bodies or that the world is governed by chance, viewing such doctrines as incompatible with human dignity and social order.

Utopians do not punish materialists but exclude them from honors and public office, treating them as unfit for society while allowing private theological debate to reform their views.

A minority view holds that animal souls are immortal but inferior to human souls, which is neither condemned nor discouraged, illustrating Utopian tolerance of diverse metaphysical opinions.

Utopians view reluctant death as a sign of a guilty conscience and fear, mourning such deaths; they celebrate cheerful deaths with hymns and honor the deceased by discussing their virtue and serene passage.

Utopians believe the deceased remain present, observe the living, and maintain their affections and moral concern, which encourages virtue and restrains vice.

Utopians dismiss auguries and superstitious divination but revere genuine miracles that demonstrate God's direct presence and power.

More asserts that Utopians regard the contemplation of God's works and adoration of Him through them as acceptable worship.

Some Utopians pursue strict celibacy and abstinence from flesh believing this leads to greater happiness after death, while others adopt married life as a religious duty to propagate human nature, with Utopians considering the latter wiser.

Utopia has only thirteen priests per town, chosen by secret suffrage for piety, with responsibilities for sacred worship and moral inspection but no punitive power except exclusion from worship.

Priests are exempt from secular punishment for crimes, with their accountability left to God and conscience, justified by their small number and careful selection.

Priests oversee youth education, focusing on instilling correct moral opinions and character rather than letters, to foster virtue and social stability.

Wives of priests are considered the most extraordinary women; women themselves may rarely become priests, though only ancient widows are chosen.

In battle, priests kneel in sacred vestments praying for peace and limited bloodshed; their presence calms violence and their intercession saves both allies and enemies, earning widespread religious respect.

Utopians mark the first and last days of month and year as festivals, naming them Cynemernes and Trapemernes, using lunar months and solar years.

Utopian temples are spacious and designed with moderate interior darkness to aid concentration and devotion, allowing all religious sects to worship together through common rites while each performs its particular ceremonies privately.

All sects call the divine being Mithras regardless of their theological differences, and temples contain no images of God, allowing each believer to conceive of divinity according to their own conviction.

Public worship includes evening thanksgiving for past seasons and morning prayers for future success, with prayers composed so each individual may apply them to his own condition.

Before festival worship, wives and children confess failures to husbands and parents and seek pardon, ensuring families approach worship with pure and serene minds free from discord.

Men sit on the right and women on the left in temples, arranged by family units, with age and youth intermixed so younger members gain reverence for elders and maintain religious discipline.

Utopians reject animal sacrifice as unsuitable to God who gave creatures life, instead offering incense and wax lights as harmless, pure worship that elevates the soul.

Priestly garments are composed artfully of colored bird plumes representing hidden mysteries conveyed in secret tradition, functioning as hieroglyphics of blessings and duties to God and neighbor.

Utopian music, both vocal and instrumental, is uniquely adapted to express the passions and sentiments appropriate to each hymn, affecting hearts more deeply than European music.

Communal prayers acknowledge God as author of the world and source of blessings, give thanks for their fortunate government and religion, and humbly ask God to correct them if mistaken or strengthen them if right.

Utopians pray for quick passage to God after death rather than long prosperous life, wishing to be freed from delay in seeing Him, even through death itself.

Raphael finishes his description of Utopian constitution with emphasis on the commonwealth's justice, equality, and stability achieved through eliminating property and discord.

More acknowledges that many aspects of Utopia struck him as absurd, especially communal property and lack of money, but he refrains from voicing criticism out of politeness and defers full discussion.

While acknowledging Raphael as learned and well-traveled, More admits he cannot fully agree with all he has heard but wishes rather than hopes for many Utopian practices to be adopted in Europe.