The Discourse of the Enemy

Abstract

This article proposes a more fine-tuned version of Jan Assmann’s account, appearing in this volume, of “total religion” and the zeal that it produces. Acknowledging the difference between active zeal and reactive zeal—between zeal that is grounded in God and zeal that is responsive to imperial power and its constraints—allows for a more thorough assessment of religion in the public sphere. In addition, this would allow Assmann to avoid the unjustified charges of anti-Judaism that nonetheless continue to be made against him.