I’m currently reading Reza Aslan’s Zealot and I just HAVE to write about it! It’s my first read of 2019 and it has not disappointed in the least… I’m taking it as a GREAT sign that the first book of the year I choose to pick up is one I have trouble putting down!
Reza Aslan is an Iranian-American religious studies scholar. In Zealot, he takes a close look at the historical context in which the Jesus of the bible lived in, and dissects the socio-political implications it has on the character of Jesus. Juxtaposing biblical accounts with actual historical facts and documents, Aslan comments on the veracity and accuracy of these accounts, such as Jesus’s messianic exceptionalism, origins and baptism, to name a few.
This book is historical non-fiction, but reads like fiction of the most well-written sort. Aslan’s style is extremely engaging and addictive and makes for a fantastic read.
Zealot is no doubt highly controversial and provocative, but I have to argue that it is an important read not to be missed. Christianity and Jesus are age-old topics that have been governing the lives of millions around the world, possibly including your own, or definitely someone you personally know. You may not agree with Aslan, but as readers, and more importantly, thinkers, it is not only crucial, but responsible, to read about different sides of a story. To listen to different perspectives on the same subject.
If you’d like to follow along in my upcoming book review on Zealot, do join me in getting a copy of this book and reading it!
As always, happy reading!
