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ZEALOT: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth Hardcover – Illustrated, July 16, 2013

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#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A lucid, intelligent page-turner” (Los Angeles Times) that challenges long-held assumptions about Jesus
 
Two thousand years ago, an itinerant Jewish preacher walked across the Galilee, gathering followers to establish what he called the “Kingdom of God.” The revolutionary movement he launched was so threatening to the established order that he was executed as a state criminal. Within decades after his death, his followers would call him God.
 
Sifting through centuries of mythmaking, Reza Aslan sheds new light on one of history’s most enigmatic figures by examining Jesus through the lens of the tumultuous era in which he lived. Balancing the Jesus of the Gospels against the historical sources, Aslan describes a man full of conviction and passion, yet rife with contradiction. He explores the reasons the early Christian church preferred to promulgate an image of Jesus as a peaceful spiritual teacher rather than a politically conscious revolutionary. And he grapples with the riddle of how Jesus understood himself, the mystery that is at the heart of all subsequent claims about his divinity.
 
Zealot yields a fresh perspective on one of the greatest stories ever told even as it affirms the radical and transformative nature of Jesus’ life and mission.
 
Praise for Zealot
 
“Riveting . . . Aslan synthesizes Scripture and scholarship to create an original account.”
The New Yorker

“Fascinatingly and convincingly drawn . . . Aslan may come as close as one can to respecting those who revere Jesus as the peace-loving, turn-the-other-cheek, true son of God depicted in modern Christianity, even as he knocks down that image.”
The Seattle Times
 
“[Aslan’s] literary talent is as essential to the effect of
Zealot as are his scholarly and journalistic chops. . . . A vivid, persuasive portrait.”Salon

“This tough-minded, deeply political book does full justice to the real Jesus, and honors him in the process.”
San Francisco Chronicle
 
“A special and revealing work, one that believer and skeptic alike will find surprising, engaging, and original.”
—Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power
 
“Compulsively readable . . . This superb work is highly recommended.”
Publishers Weekly (starred review)

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Jon Meacham says, One that believer and skeptic alike will find surprising, engaging, and original

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Q&A with Reza Aslan

Q. Why did you title your biography of Jesus of Nazareth Zealot?

A. In Jesus' world, zealot referred to those Jews who adhered to a widely accepted biblical doctrine called zeal. These “zealous” Jews were strict nationalists who preached the sole sovereignty of God. They wanted to throw off the yoke of Roman occupation and cleanse the Promised Land of all foreign elements. Some zealots resorted to extreme acts of violence against both the Roman authorities and the Jewish ‘collaborators,” by which they meant the wealthy Temple priests and the Jewish aristocracy. Others refrained from violence but were no less adamant about establishing the reign of God on earth. There is no evidence that Jesus of Nazareth was himself a violent revolutionary (though his views on the use of violence were more complex than it is often assumed). However, Jesus’ actions and his teachings about the Kingdom of God clearly indicate that he was a follower of the zealot doctrine, which is why he, like so many zealots before and after him, was ultimately executed by Rome for the crime of sedition.

Q. Yours is one of the few popular biographies of Jesus of Nazareth that does not rely on the gospels as your primary source of information for uncovering Jesus’ life. Why is that? What are your primary sources?

A. I certainly rely on the gospels to provide a narrative outline to my biography of Jesus of Nazareth, but my primary source in recreating Jesus’ life are historical writings about first century Palestine, like the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, as well as Roman documents of the time. The gospels are incredible texts that provide Christians with a profound framework for living a life in imitation of Christ. The problem, however, is that the gospels are not, nor were they ever meant to be, historical documentations of Jesus’ life. These are not eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ words and deeds. They are testimonies of faith composed by communities of faith written many years after the events they describe. In other words, the gospels tell us about Jesus the Christ, not Jesus the man. The gospels are of course extremely useful in revealing how the early Christians viewed Jesus. But they do not tell us much about how Jesus viewed himself. To get to the bottom of that mystery, which is what I try to do in the book, one must sift through the gospel stories to analyze their claims about Jesus in light of the historical facts we know about the time and world in which Jesus lived. Indeed, I believe that if we place Jesus firmly within the social, religious, and political context of the era in which he lived, then, in some ways, his biography writes itself.

Q. You write in the book that you became an evangelical Christian in High School, but that after a few years, you abandoned Christianity and returned to the faith of your forefathers: Islam. Why did you decide to make this change and how did it affect how you understood the life and work of Jesus of Nazareth.

A. When I was fifteen years old I heard the gospel story for the first time and immediately accepted Jesus into my heart. I had what Christians refer to as “an encounter with Christ.” I spent the next five years as an evangelical Christian, and even spent some time traveling around the United States spreading the gospel message. But the more I read the Bible – especially in college, where I began my formal study of the New Testament – the more I uncovered a wide chasm between the Jesus of history and the Jesus I learned about in church. At that same time, through the encouragement of one of my professors, I began to reexamine the faith and traditions of my forefathers and returned to Islam. But the irony is that once I detached my academic study of Jesus from my faith in Christ, I became an even more fervent follower of Jesus of Nazareth. What I mean to say is that I live my life according to the social teachings preached by Jesus two thousand years ago. I take his actions against the powers of his time and his defense of the poor and the weak as a model of behavior for myself. I pray, as a Muslim, alongside my Christian wife, and together we teach our children the values I believe Jesus represents. The man who defied the will of the most powerful empire the world had ever known – and lost – is so much more real to me than the Jesus I knew as a Christian. So in a way, this book is my attempt to spread the good news of Jesus the man with the same passion that I once applied to spreading the good news of Jesus the Christ.

Q. What do you hope readers, especially religious readers, take away from your book?

A. My hope is that this book provides readers with a more complete sense of the world in which Jesus lived. We cannot truly understand Jesus’ words and deeds if we separate them from the religious and political context of his time. Regardless of whether you think of Jesus as a prophet, a teacher, or God incarnate, it is important to remember that he did not live in a vacuum. Whatever else Jesus was, he was, without question, a man of his time. This is true for all of us. The key to understanding who Jesus was and what Jesus meant lies in understanding the times in which he lived. That’s what this book does. It drops you in the middle of Jesus’ world and helps you understand the context out of which he arose and in which preached.

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. The person and work of Jesus of Nazareth has been a topic of constant interest since he lived and died some 2,000 years ago. Much speculation about who he was and what he taught has led to confusion and doubt. Aslan, who authored the much acclaimed No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam, offers a compelling argument for a fresh look at the Nazarene, focusing on how Jesus the man evolved into Jesus the Christ. Approaching the subject from a purely academic perspective, the author parts an important curtain that has long hidden from view the man Jesus, who is every bit as compelling, charismatic, and praiseworthy as Jesus the Christ. Carefully comparing extra-biblical historical records with the New Testament accounts, Aslan develops a convincing and coherent story of how the Christian church, and in particular Paul, reshaped Christianity's essence, obscuring the very real man who was Jesus of Nazareth. Compulsively readable and written at a popular level, this superb work is highly recommended. Agent: Elyse Cheney, Elyse Cheney Literary Associates (July)

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Random House; Illustrated edition (July 16, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 140006922X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1400069224
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.25 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.42 x 1.1 x 9.55 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 11,043 ratings

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Reza Aslan
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Dr. Reza Aslan’s bachelor’s degree is in religious studies, with an emphasis on scripture and traditions (which at Santa Clara University means the New Testament). His minor was in biblical Greek. He has a master of theological studies degree from Harvard University, in world religions, and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in the sociology of religions. UCSB’s doctoral program is an interdisciplinary one that draws from religion, history, philosophy, and sociology, among other fields. Aslan’s doctorate in the sociology of religions encompasses expertise in the history of religion. Reza also has a master of fine arts degree from the University of Iowa.

Dr. Aslan is currently professor of creative writing at the University of California, Riverside, with a joint appointment in the department of religion, and he teaches in both disciplines. He was previously Wallerstein Distinguished Visiting Professor at Drew University, where he taught from 2012 to 2013, and assistant visiting professor of religion at the University of Iowa, where he taught from 2000 to 2003. He has written three books on religion.

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-researched and readable. They describe the narrative as compelling and engaging. The historical account is presented in a context that readers can understand. Readers appreciate the approachable writing style and easy follow-up. However, some feel the author's writing style is misleading and sloppy.

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2,357 customers mention "Historical context"2,162 positive195 negative

Customers find the book's historical context scholarly and readable. They say it contains interesting historical insights and is well-researched. The story has a good thesis, and the information is accurate in general. The book provides end notes and a bibliography for further reading.

"...There is much more in this well researched (the notes section is well worth reading), clearly written and witty book...." Read more

"...While thoroughly researched, it presents a very readable account of not only the life and times of Jesus, but more importantly the historical..." Read more

"...However, his information is factually based and well documented so those who seem to think his religion has some bearing are crazy...." Read more

"...Azlan makes an excellent historical analysis of this aspect viewed against the social conditions of Palestine under the Roman occupation...." Read more

1,806 customers mention "Readability"1,709 positive97 negative

Customers find the book readable and engaging. They appreciate the well-written account of Jesus' life and times. The notes section is also appreciated. Readers find the book credible due to its historical evidence.

"...There is much more in this well researched (the notes section is well worth reading), clearly written and witty book...." Read more

"...While thoroughly researched, it presents a very readable account of not only the life and times of Jesus, but more importantly the historical..." Read more

"...They were a wonderful read in themselves and by saving them to the end, it allowed you to read the main book without interruption and really get the..." Read more

"...in a modern context and in contemporary terms, easily understandable for modern readers or anyone who pays attention to news events in the Middle..." Read more

1,584 customers mention "Enlightened"1,584 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting and engaging. They say it's worth reading for those who want to expand their knowledge. The narrative is well-written, with numerous historical insights that are enlightening and heartwarming. Readers describe it as a great companion piece, providing detailed insight into the time and place.

"...That being said, let me get to Reza Aslan's excellent book...." Read more

"...All in all I think this is an excellent book, one that is highly readable and thoroughly researched...." Read more

"...reveal is that Jesus of Nazareth -- Jesus the man-- is every bit as compelling, charismatic, and praiseworthy as Jesus the Christ...." Read more

"...Zealot is, however, in many ways a very good book with some important things to say about Jesus of Nazareth or, more properly, the historical..." Read more

1,062 customers mention "Historical account"901 positive161 negative

Customers appreciate the book's historical account of Jesus. They find it insightful and well-researched, providing a context for his life in a time of Roman oppression. Readers describe the historical Jesus as a real person who becomes a living person stripped of all religious labels. The book provides a clear explanation of religious and political tensions within Judaism, and provokes them to explore their faith further.

"...The most telling detail is one that no one disputes, that Jesus was crucified...." Read more

"...Aslan has done a great job presenting the historical Jesus divorced from the Gospels (as best possible), which so many writer's fail to do...." Read more

"...the man-- is every bit as compelling, charismatic, and praiseworthy as Jesus the Christ. He is, in short, someone worth believing in."" Read more

"...Aslan's book does an exemplary job of situating Jesus in a very particular historical moment, namely the region of Palestine, mostly in Judea but in..." Read more

79 customers mention "Accessibility"79 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's writing style approachable and easy to understand. They say it's easy to follow the life and times of Jesus in a riveting manner. However, some readers feel the work is challenging, and the author's assertions are challenging. The book provides easy access to internet reference material on names, places, events.

"...What the book will do, guaranteed, is challenge all who read it...." Read more

"...historical background and present it in a riveting manner, accessible to most readers...." Read more

"...Of great interest is the struggle, after the crucifixion of their leader, between Jesus's brother James and Paul of Tarsus...." Read more

"...forgotten facts about Roman emperors and Jewish high priests extremely accessible and compelling to the average reader...." Read more

287 customers mention "Credibility"93 positive194 negative

Customers have differing views on the book's credibility. Some find it plausible and factual, with an assured tone. Others mention errors, amateur mistakes, and sweeping assertions. The book is described as dishonest and lacking good exegesis of gospel passages.

"...Again, the reliability of the source is questionable. Roughly half of the sayings in The Gospel of Thomas appear to come from Gnostic sources...." Read more

"...false, that the Bible is replete with the most blatant and obvious errors and contradictions-just as one would expect from a document written by..." Read more

"...However, his information is factually based and well documented so those who seem to think his religion has some bearing are crazy...." Read more

"...However, Zealot is seriously flawed in many ways. There are many factual errors (some of which I will highlight below), but more importantly, Aslan..." Read more

83 customers mention "Value for money"50 positive33 negative

Customers have different views on the book's value. Some find the notes worthwhile and valuable, describing it as an honest work with useful endnotes. Others feel it's a waste of time and money, saying the book is preposterous and not worth the paper it's printed on.

"...In other words, this part of New Testament Studies is quite well done in Zealot, and Aslan's prose style is accessible and interesting...." Read more

"This book is overrated. It begins well enough but gets dense and repetitive half way in...." Read more

"...Prized humility, revolution and peacemaking, probity, transparency and generosity. •..." Read more

"...they say... the truth shall set you free... I believe this to be an honest work, it may not make all the correct conclusions, I disagree on some..." Read more

87 customers mention "Author's writing style"24 positive63 negative

Customers find the author's writing style misleading and sloppy. They say the author has overlooked information in order to conform Jesus to his views. The references are annoying and completely contradict each other. There are inconsistencies in the message, particularly between the Old and New Testaments. Overall, customers feel the book lacks unbiased interpretations and cannot be considered a scholarly work.

"...and interpretation of Jesus that was taught to me seemed disjointed, illogical and, to my young mind, incomprehensible...." Read more

"...You will confuse and discomfit the soldier, thus diminishing his feeling of superiority, or you might get him in trouble if he abuses his privileges...." Read more

"...puts the events in the New Testament in a modern context and in contemporary terms, easily understandable for modern readers or anyone who pays..." Read more

"...It is misleading in almost very way and pathetically sloppy in its historical method.The book is roughly divided into three parts...." Read more

Worth every penny
5 out of 5 stars
Worth every penny
Even though I’m a Christian, I have to admire that I love and admire Reza Aslan’s work. This book is a must read for everyone who is seriously studying Jesus and would like to know the tipe of live, town and job as He grows.The best is the background cultural and historical context Reza covers on the book.Totally recommended, even though there are very debatable affirmations Reza makes.Loved it
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2013
    I was raised in the Catholic Church and attended Catholic schools through my first year of high school. I also have read most of the popular works on the nature of Jesus the Christ and the historical Jesus of Nazareth published in the last thirty years, or so.

    I remember my religion classes in school as being confusing. The stories of Jesus seemed clear enough, but the motives, actions, sayings and interpretation of Jesus that was taught to me seemed disjointed, illogical and, to my young mind, incomprehensible.

    When I became an adult, began reading the Bible and books of scriptural and historical analysis (that included the Qumran material) seeking to clarify the story of Jesus. I have never completely abandoned this pursuit. However, the story of Jesus of Nazareth, his actual teachings, the encrustations and editing of it by the early church and the Roman Empire, have never presented to me a coherent whole.

    As presented by the Church, the story of Jesus just does not make sense. But I realize after years of study, that the story does not need to make sense. I know now that all religions are metaphorical, they all are an attempt to explain in words that which cannot be explained in words. The Divine cannot be encompassed by the mind of man nor his languages. So our choice of religion is in reality an aesthetic one. (Though, of course, most of us do not actually choose our religion. We inherit it and accept it uncritically.)

    Though I am no longer a Christian, I tell friends that I believe that Jesus is God and that I try to follow his teachings.

    That being said, let me get to Reza Aslan's excellent book.

    The story of the historical Jesus of Nazareth as told in, "Zealot," is the most cogent explanation that I have read. Whether or not the story is 100% correct, I find the historical analysis persuasive.

    In any reading of any version of Jesus' story, you come away with the impression that he was a dangerous radical in his day, otherwise, why crucify him? What Aslan has done is explain the various political and religious dynamics of first century Palestine that puts Jesus in an understandable context. The most telling detail is one that no one disputes, that Jesus was crucified. What I did not know until reading this book was that crucifixion was reserved by Rome exclusively for the crime of "sedition and rebellion." Jesus must have fallen into this category in order to be given this punishment.

    Jesus was a Jew who was motivated by opposition to corruption of Jewish law by an elite priesthood at the temple of Jerusalem who were at the top of a religio-financial pyramid that exploited Hebraic law in order to enrich a small hereditary aristocracy. Jesus wanted to overthrow the corrupt system for the benefit of the poor and downtrodden and chose as his vehicle a well-known messianic tradition.

    Aslan explains this tradition and explores the, "messiahs," that came before and after Jesus, how Jesus' ministry was different and more successful, and how his family members and followers kept his work alive and created a Jewish reform movement and anti-poverty ministry after his death.

    In addition, at the time of Jesus' ministry, the Temple leadership role of High Priest was a position that was purchased from Rome. So rebellion against the Temple priesthood in Jerusalem at that time was, in effect, rebellion against Rome.

    In laying out the known facts of Jesus' life, ministry and the actions of his followers after his death, Aslan also illustrates how the historical Jesus was abandoned by the Church as inconvenient (and in Paul's estimation, as irrelevant).

    Saul of Tarsus (Paul), the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate, the High Priests of the Jerusalem temple Joseph Caiaphas and Annanus, and the Roman Emperor Constantine all come off as villains of the piece as being the opponents of Jesus' message. Indeed Constantine turns the movement into an organ of control for the state, completely negating the work of the historical Jesus.

    There is much more in this well researched (the notes section is well worth reading), clearly written and witty book. I feel that, "Zealot," has completely demystified my understanding of Jesus of Nazareth and Jesus the Christ.

    If you've been scratching your head over the story of Jesus as presented in the Bible, Sunday school, church or other books, this book is the one for all Christians and non-Christians alike.

    Highly recommended.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2013
    First and foremost, I love this book. Even while disagreeing with some of the conclusions it draws, I think this book is highly successful in the following areas:

    1) While thoroughly researched, it presents a very readable account of not only the life and times of Jesus, but more importantly the historical elements and context in which he lived
    2) It's "fresh" , i.e. while Aslan's positions are in no way completely original, I can't remember another recent source where they were as concise and open to a layman's understanding
    3) He does a great job of examining really what it means to believe vs. acknowledge vs. develop ideas in the ancient world. Far too often in the internet age we take for granted the wealth of information we have, and believe that just because some definitive source said some popular ruler or sect believed something that it was believed totally by everyone, completely forgetting the illiteracy rates, class structure, knowledge creep, local traditional influence/interpretation, and and other factors of history we take for granted.
    4) His Notes section is excellent. During this he provides details, clarifications, bib's/references, as well as competing opinions (imagine that). I've already purchased 3 books from this section alone so I can refresh on some of the details myself.

    Aslan has done a great job presenting the historical Jesus divorced from the Gospels (as best possible), which so many writer's fail to do. Granted, much of this is based on inference, and while I disagree with some of his, his logic is sound. Despite what FOX news, fundamentalist/literalists, and other 'Oh wait you're a Muslim, what can you possibly know of Jesus' bashers would like to think, Aslan is essentially agnostic to the truthfulness of any God-issues, which is what good historians should be. The book sets up the stage nicely, dividing it into roughly 3 sections - 1) Setting the stage/history of 1st century Palestine, 2) The life, death, and political persuasions of Jesus, 3) what happened afterwards - i.e., a primer for the development of early Christianity. In all of these areas I think Aslan succeeds.

    Insomuch as I disagree with the book, I do so on the following points (possible ***spoiler*** alert):

    1) I see no reason to believe that the verse Matthew 22:15-22 (the famous, render unto Caesar verse) is the definitive political juxtaposition of Jesus that Aslan believes it is. While it's true Jesus was (to me) obviously a Jewish radical for a number of reasons, using this as the Rosetta stone of his political affiliations to me is a little bit of a stretch
    2) It seems he favors some sources for some things, but not so for others. For example, in the 3rd part of the book he basically relocates the author of Luke to be lackey of Paul (I would agree), while at the same time quoting Luke in several instances in the book and throughout his (highly readable and entertaining) Notes section as authoritative, which would lead the people that catch it either confused or wanting
    3) I think sometimes he stretches his assumptions, in kind of a 'Well this is the only way it makes sense' kind of way, but elsewhere (ex, the Notes section) provides alternative views that cast doubt on his own. While this is admirable and honorable, it is also damning in some cases, at least when trying to make a convincing argument
    4) It ends abruptly - I would've like to have a little bit more of an easing out considering the roll he was on...

    It should be noted though that #2 is essentially a criticism that I would make of a ton of historians, as many a good historian believe that their sources get some things right and some things wrong (ex, Josephus), but this does not discredit themselves en masse. Aslan (and his use of sources) are no different, but it does raise at least a little bit of an eyebrow when coupled with #3 insomuch as making definitive arguments.

    All in all I think this is an excellent book, one that is highly readable and thoroughly researched. In the areas that I am critical I am mainly because I disagree with some of his assessments and application, but not the wealth and depth of knowledge he presents on the subject. If nothing else, this book has basically put me in a position of, 'Well...that makes sense....but 2000 years of other authors disagree [2000 years of some authors do agree, mind you], so let's see what they have to say'. This opens the conversation, debate, and knowledge digging all over again, which is what great reads should do. If for nothing else, that makes this book a huge success in that it empowers you to get out there and do what you should with any historical account: do your due diligence and go learn something for yourself.

    (PS - I'm not giving it high stars while disagreeing with it b/c I'm trying to be sophistic or bandwagon, I'm giving it high stars because of the above last paragraph - in that even where I do disagree, I think this book excels in all the important ways a good popular book can)
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  • Klaus Merk
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nueva experiencia en libros electronicos
    Reviewed in Mexico on September 8, 2015
    Me encantó el libro electrónico y también el contenido del libro. Es apenas el segundo libro electrónico que leo, y encuentro que ofrece muchas posibilidades. Leo en mi PC o tablet, ajusto las letras a mis necesidades, puedo subrayar, hago anotaciones, cuento con diccionario y traductor de palabras, etc. Busco títulos de libros que me interesan, puedo "hojearlos" y con un click los tengo al instante. ahora, específicamente referente al libro es un análisis del Cristo histórico para aquel que quiera entender un poco nuestra cultura occidental, creyentes o no, escrito por un autor de origen persa, que ha sido musulmán y fue educado en un medio cristiano. El punto de vista no es ni religioso ni ateo, sino histórico.
  • BrianDiNazareth00
    4.0 out of 5 stars Ottimo lavoro, arriva "quasi" fino in fondo.
    Reviewed in Italy on May 8, 2016
    Una opera solida, di un accademico solido. Ben scritto, di sicuro interesse per gli amanti del genere storico, filosofico e religioso. L'argomento non necessita di presentazioni e l'autore procede con metodo serio e cauto, ma deciso, verso tesi e concetti che presenta con la dovuta preparazione. L'articolato delle tesi, delle alternative interpretative proposte, non è monoliticamente accettabile: ognuno dei lettori potrebbe o meno essere d'accordo con alcuni differenti segmenti interpretativi della linea seguita dall'autore. Tuttavia, e questo è anche il bello dell'opera, essa non necessita nemmeno di essere monoliticamente accettata. Molto consigliato. Perché non 5 stelle? Ve ne accorgerete, dopo un interessantissimo e piacevole viaggio accanto alla figura di Gesù di Nazareth. Alla fine di quel viaggio c'era un ultimo passo da fare, nella mia modesta opinione, l'autore però non ha avuto il coraggio di imprimere nella strada della sua vita, prima che nel libro, quell'ultimo, inevitabile, passo.
  • Bruce Huff
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good thought provoking reading
    Reviewed in Canada on July 17, 2014
    Good thought provoking reading. This study goes a long way towards understanding who Jesus really was and how he came to be perceived throughout history up to present times.
    I have always had curiosity about Jesus and the bible in general but with so many interpretations, all claiming to be the truth, I knew without a great deal of study I would never be at ease with Jesus and his legend.
    This book takes the reader from the old testament to the new. Along the way it explains why history has turned out the way it has.
    Incidentally, I became interested in this book because I watched the Youtube video of a Fox news anchor making a fool of herself trying to criticize this accomplished scholar and writer because he is Muslim and had the temerity to write about a Christian topic. Aslan has an impressive background in religious studies, he has written competently about many religions.
    Unlike Fox news Reza Aslan does research, he has done his homework.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rivetting page turner
    Reviewed in India on October 31, 2013
    I like the book because it is as thrilling a page turner as a fictional Dan brown novel, while at the same time, it has a factual basis making it much more interesting. The logic used to understand the events that happened 2000 years ago keeping in mind the socio-politico-religious situation in 1st century Palestine is fascinating to read about.

    It changed my perception about history as just stating the facts that had happened. Its not about how many clay artifacts Mohenjo-daro has or the bronze bust of a man found in excavations. Its about looking at events in context. A contextual reference is always needed to understand the things that happened and why they happened. It is incomprehensible to someone who thinks that world has always been like the one he lives in at present.

    I guess it might come as a shock for someone who had a certain understanding of origins of their religion but the book is not meant to hurt anyone's sentiments. Reza Aslan Handsomely praises and awes Jesus's greatness, His ideals, His courage, His charisma, His acts, His passion and His mission. He never looks down upon any aspect of the Great being. Its just that he gives a reasonable argument about what might have happened during his time and afterwards.
  • Thomas Moers
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gut lesbares Buch für interessierte Nicht-Fachleute
    Reviewed in Germany on August 29, 2013
    Das Buch beschreibt zunächst die politische, wirtschaftliche und soziale Situation im Palästina des ersten Jahrhunderts. Im zweiten Teil wird die historische Figur des Jesus von Nazareth und seiner Bewegung beschrieben, soweit sich dies aus den verfügbaren Quellen ableiten lässt. Der dritte Teil befasst sich dann mit der späteren Uminterpretation des Jesus von Nazareth zu Jesus Christus, also mit der Entstehung des Christentums. Dabei wird mit Ausnahme von Bibelzitaten und groben Quellenangaben auf eine Herleitung der einzelnen Fakten weitestgehend verzichtet. Dies holt dann der umfangreiche vierte Teil des Buches nach.
    Durch diese Aufteilung ist es dem Autor gelungen, ein in den ersten drei Teilen sehr gut lesbares und verständliches Buch zu schreiben. Es nicht unbedingt nötig, den doch sehr trockenen vierten Teil zu lesen. Der ist eher für diejenigen gedacht, die sich tiefer mit der Materie befassen wollen.
    Das Buch ist eine wissenschaftliche Abhandlung und hat mit Theolgie nur wenig am Hut. Die theologische Interpretation bleibt, wo sie über die historische Herleitung hinausgeht, weitestgehend außen vor. Ich kann gerade deswegen das Buch jedem empfehlen, der sich für die historischen Ursprünge des Christentums interessiert.
    Die englische Ausgabe erfordert jedoch gute Sprachkenntnisse. Ich habe sehr viele englischsprachige Bücher gelesen und musste trotzdem die Wöterbuchfunktion des Kindle hier sehr oft nutzen.