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<\/a><\/p>\nIn 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 (\u2018millenarianism\u2019) or a messiah, as well as real attempts to establish egalitarian communities or theocracies.
\nIn 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 \u2018Fridays for Future\u2019 believe that a change in our way of life is essential if humanity is to survive. The World Economic Forum speaks of a \u2018restart\u2019 that has become necessary. Critical voices fear the imposition of a \u2018new world order\u2019 or an \u2018eco-dictatorship\u2019, which they do not favour.<\/p>\n
\u2018Improving the world\u2019 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.
\nIn this lecture series, we want to look at the topic from different perspectives, such as religious traditions, religious studies, literature, sociology, history, and politics.<\/p>\n
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?<\/p>\n