The Study of Religion on the Other Side of the Good Religion/Bad Religion Binary

One of the most resolute dichotomies in modern and contemporary study religion is that between good/bad religions. The bases for making such judgments are fluid, but outcome generally recognizable; “good” religions good religious practitioners adhere to expectations norms bourgeois modern. reasons endurance dichotomy historical, rooted rise as an academic discipline, globally United States; economic, reflecting recent trends giving higher education; ideological. But Meir Kahane, Shaul Magid upends distinction, using a “bad” actor, this case, virulent anti-Black racist, demagogue, violent street fighter lens through which explore Jewish history US Israel. Magid's steadfast refusal render Kahane safely other broader story powerful challenge scholars religion.