The most beautiful end of the world? Future scenarios, utopias and dystopias- Lecture Series 2025/2026

Utopias in literature, film, art, or religion paint beautiful pictures of future social lifestyles, while dystopias are rather gruesome ones. This criticises existing structures and, at the same time, points to alternative ideas and unrealised potential.

In the three religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, there have also been repeated attempts to develop social counter-designs and reform programmes and to dream of a better world. These include ideas in the holy scriptures themselves, the expectation of a millennial kingdom of peace (‘millenarianism’) or a messiah, as well as real attempts to establish egalitarian communities or theocracies.
In times of social upheaval, the question increases: How do we want to live? Previous routines and the status quo are being radically questioned. Climate protection movements such as ‘Fridays for Future’ believe that a change in our way of life is essential if humanity is to survive. The World Economic Forum speaks of a ‘restart’ that has become necessary. Critical voices fear the imposition of a ‘new world order’ or an ‘eco-dictatorship’, which they do not favour.

‘Improving the world’ sounds like a lofty goal. At the same time, we know that the greatest attempts to improve the world and promises of salvation, such as communism, have often led to untold suffering.
In this lecture series, we want to look at the topic from different perspectives, such as religious traditions, religious studies, literature, sociology, history, and politics.

In an interdisciplinary exchange, we would like to reflect on how people in the past and present have imagined an improvement in the world and what similarities and differences there are in this regard. Where are the boundaries between a religious utopia and religious fanaticism? What functions do utopias or dystopias have? And what differences and similarities can be found between religious utopias?

We look forward to welcoming you to the lectures of our lecture series!