Meaning: The quote you provided is from Thomas More's book "Utopia." In this quote, More is referring to the beliefs of the Utopians, the inhabitants of the fictional island of Utopia that he describes in his book. More states that even though the Utopians may have differing opinions on other matters, they all share a common belief in the existence of a Supreme Being who created and oversees the world, whom they refer to as Mithras.

Thomas More's "Utopia" was published in 1516 and is a work of fiction that presents an ideal society. The book is written in the form of a dialogue between More himself and a fictional character named Raphael Hythloday, who describes the customs, laws, and social structures of the island of Utopia. The quote you provided is part of the description of the religious beliefs of the Utopians.

The mention of Mithras in the quote is significant because Mithras was a deity from ancient Persian and Roman mythology. Mithras was often associated with the sun and was worshiped as a god of light and truth. The inclusion of Mithras in More's "Utopia" reflects the influence of classical mythology and religious syncretism in the Renaissance period, during which More was writing.

More's portrayal of the Utopians' belief in a single Supreme Being aligns with his own Christian beliefs. More was a devout Catholic and a prominent figure in the religious and political landscape of his time. His depiction of the Utopians' monotheistic faith can be seen as a reflection of his own convictions and an expression of his desire for religious unity and harmony.

The quote also raises questions about the nature of religious tolerance and diversity in Utopian society. Despite the Utopians' shared belief in a Supreme Being, More's description of their differing opinions on other matters suggests a level of religious pluralism. This portrayal of religious diversity within a framework of shared monotheistic belief may have been influenced by More's own experiences in a society marked by religious turmoil and conflict.

In the context of the historical and cultural background of More's time, the quote from "Utopia" can be seen as a reflection of the religious and philosophical currents of the Renaissance. The period was marked by a renewed interest in classical learning, humanism, and the exploration of new ideas and perspectives. More's portrayal of the Utopians' beliefs can be understood as part of this broader intellectual and cultural milieu, in which questions of religion, morality, and the ideal society were central concerns.

Overall, the quote from Thomas More's "Utopia" offers a glimpse into the religious beliefs and social dynamics of the fictional society he created. It reflects More's engagement with philosophical and religious ideas of his time, as well as his vision of an ideal community guided by shared principles of faith and morality.