The good, the bad, and the non-religion: The good/bad rhetoric in non-religion studies

Christopher Cotter

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract / Description of output

This essay explores the ‘rhetoric of good and bad religion’ in regard to recent scholarship on ‘non-religion.’ Engaging with Aaron Hughes description of the ways in which this rhetoric is active in ‘Islamic Religious Studies,’ the author demonstrates that scholars writing on ‘non-religion’ equally make use of these tropes. He also argues that such rhetoric allows ‘religious’ and ‘non-religious’ moderates to build alliances against anything that is seen to challenge the legitimacy of the liberal, secular state. The conclusion points out that the Christian assumptions perpetuated by non-religion studies and its tacit promotion of neoliberal values have to be critically reflected upon.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHijacked
Subtitle of host publicationA Critical Treatment of the Public Rhetoric of Good and Bad Religion
EditorsLeslie Dorrough Smith, Steffen Führding, Adrian Hermann
PublisherEquinox Publishing
Chapter15
Pages154-168
ISBN (Electronic)9781781797280
ISBN (Print)9781781797266, 9781781797273
Publication statusPublished - 15 Aug 2020

Publication series

NameNAASR Working Papers
PublisherEquinox Publishing

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The good, the bad, and the non-religion: The good/bad rhetoric in non-religion studies'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this