Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth
Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth | Reza Aslan
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
review
JoeMo
post image
Mehso-so

I listened to this on the recommendation of a friend. It was alright. Over the first half of the book, the reader gets caught up to speed on the historical events leading up to Jesus‘s time. He does a fair job of providing his interpretation of mistranslated and poorly understood portions of the Bible as they pertain to Jesus, his teachings, and goals. Spoiler alert: according to the author, Jesus did not achieve his main goals during his lifetime

JoeMo It was interesting to read about how his followers and the early purveyors of Christianity rebranded and reshaped Jesus‘s message to help Christianity survive and later thrive as a religion. What entertained me, was to learn there were a huge number of other people during Jesus‘s time who were trying to be deemed the true savior. It appears tons of people were regularly being put to death for making such claims! (edited) 2y
30 likes1 comment
blurb
Graywacke
post image

#Alphabetgame #LetterZ @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

I listened to Reza as part my prep to read the New Testament. (So, a non-religious Jew, me, used a book by Muslim-turned-Evangelical-Christian-turned-Muslim-again author to prepare to read a Christian religious book in a non-religious way.) Anyway, I found this one really striking and it helped orient me on the gospel (but not really on Paul).

SleepyDragon Sounds complicated. Lol 2y
Ruthiella You might want to look into books by Gary Wills who is Catholic and a fervent believer. But the tagged book is short and his arguments are clear. (edited) 2y
Graywacke @SleepyDragon right 🙂 2y
See All 9 Comments
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you for playing!! 2y
DivineDiana I was not aware of this book until I read your post. Then, I picked up one of my current reads, “Overdue”by Amanda Oliver. Lo and behold on the back of the cover, there was an endorsement by Reza Aslan,author of Zealot! (edited) 2y
Graywacke @DivineDiana funny how that happens. And interesting endorsement. How is Overdue? 2y
DivineDiana Yes,I also found it strange that he had endorsed this particular book. As an active volunteer at my local library, I am finding it illuminating. 2y
Graywacke @DivineDiana my guess is literary nonfiction writers stick together. 🙂 And cool. Overdue sounds fun. 2y
46 likes9 comments
blurb
BookwormAHN
post image
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you for playing!! 2y
43 likes1 comment
review
soulquest
Pickpick

Another brilliant book

blurb
GreenGrl87
post image

#3books recommended to me that I really enjoyed.

OriginalCyn620 📚👍🏻📚 4y
12 likes1 comment
blurb
ph9k
post image

My ongoing Lenten reading continues with a closer look at the political atmosphere and meaning of the historical Jesus of Nazareth. (and also testing some image stuff for Tim).

1 like1 stack add
blurb
EmilyChristine
post image

Flying to Philly today! I can‘t read on planes so I‘ve got an audio all set. ✈️

review
LittleMummyMe
post image
Pickpick

Zealot Resa Aslan.
I really enjoyed this book. 👍🏼👍🏼
(I put the final paragraph from the epilogue in my image.)
This completes my 'z' entry for #litsyatoz yay!

11 likes1 stack add
blurb
LittleMummyMe
post image

Almost finished this interesting book...

blurb
LadyChatterley
post image

Currently reading Zealot & at this stage where Jesus (PBUH) hasn't actually entered the picture I'm just shocked by the degree of bloodshed & violence that characterised the region. It just goes to show how humanity has historically had these problems before. But that just gives you hope that even what we're experiencing now can maybe be turned around. That aside,really excited about getting to know Jesus (PBUH) the man and the historical figure!

blurb
alisonrose
post image

BOOK: Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth (As a Jew, I loved reading about the dude from a Muslim author who takes great care to talk about Jesus‘ Jewishness 👍🏻)
AUTHOR: Francesca Zappia
MOVIE: Ziegfeld Follies (Grandparents showed it to me as a little girl and I adored it)
FOOD: Zucchini bread
#manicmonday #letterZ

JoScho 🖤🖤🖤 6y
SleepyDragon And ... stacked. 😁 6y
29 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
Cinfhen
post image

#WinterWonderland This was my #LetterZ choice 2 years ago and it was quite a fascinating read. For such a smart guy Reza Aslan breaks down all the historical content and numerous sources into really easy reading material, making for a real page turner. I thought this book was a really academic approach to #MarysBoyChild and his early days...this is the story of Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish shepherd, and not necessarily a book about Jesus Christ.

Susannah I am loving these #MarysBoyChild posts today! Thanks for the recommendation. (edited) 6y
Cinfhen It‘s definitely the right time #TisTheSeason @Susannah 6y
TrishB Sounds fascinating especially for current time of year! 6y
Lauram I really liked this book. 6y
95 likes3 stack adds4 comments
review
Amiable
post image
Pickpick

A biography of Jesus of Nazareth. The author, who is a professor of world religions, compares and contrasts the Gospels of the Bible against historical documents that examine Jesus through the time period in which he lived. I thought it was fascinating from a historical viewpoint, even though I‘m not all that religious.

64 likes4 stack adds
review
Oblomov26
post image
Pickpick

I had heard interviews and comments when this was released and formed the impression that this was a book was a controversial retelling of the life of Christ. It is rather, a well summarised of the known history of the life of Jesus of Nazareth (as opposed to Jesus Christ) the radical Jew who sought to redefine the practice of Judaism and by extension to overthrow the power of the temple and the subsequent history of the early Christian church.

58 likes4 stack adds
quote
TheBookbabeblog84
post image

I was going through my phone and I found this passage. I think what struck me was that Jesus is proving that no one is unworthy of coming before God. No one. I wish more churches taught that. #books #rezaaslan #christ #goodbooks

Ke633 Agreed! 💙💙 7y
22 likes1 comment
blurb
Cinfhen
post image

#MarchintoOz I read this controversial book last year for my #LitsyAtoZ #LetterZ and was overwhelmed by the #PowerandthePassion described to Jesus, as a revolutionary attempting to usurp Roman rule over Judea & Samaria. While my knowledge of Christianity and it‘s fundamentals are limited, I found this book very engaging and informative. Billed as biography most scholars reject Allan‘s claims, so I‘m left wondering what was fact/fiction.

dariazeoli I read this one a few years ago and found it fascinating. I believe he recently published God. It‘s on my Neverending TBR 7y
Cinfhen Ooooh, I must research that title!! Thanks @dariazeoli 7y
Mdargusch This looks very interesting and timely. 7y
See All 20 Comments
batsy Great description ... Sounds fascinating 7y
TrishB I find it hard to believe that this could be described as biography- but I haven‘t read so can‘t say much more! 7y
britt_brooke This book was very well done. Not long after I read this, I read Bill O‘Reilly‘s book about Jesus (yeah, I don‘t know why either) and it was, though not surprisingly, awful. 7y
Cinfhen Well stated @TrishB I should clarify that the author regarded himself a biblical scholar and distinguished historian who spent dozens of years researching ancient texts etc but it‘s true, it‘s hard to really know what happened 2000 + years ago 7y
Cinfhen I read the O‘Reilly too 😬🙄 @britt_brooke 7y
Cinfhen I would be interested to hear both your views if you read this book @batsy @Mdargusch 7y
MallenNC I have this (unread) on my Kindle too. 7y
ElishaLovesBooks This author had a show on CNN called “Believer” that was fascinating. He explored a bunch of different religions. He‘s pretty engaging. This book sounds so interesting 7y
BookishMe Fascinating to learn of this book... I recall his tweets about the show but wasn't aware of this book til your post 7y
Cinfhen I definitely would recommend reading this one @MallenNC @ElishaLovesBooks @BookishMe if the subject matter interests you. I found it pretty thorough and easy to follow 7y
BookishMe @Cinfhen I looked up the library catalog and noticed he has also written this. Will be intriguing to read both from a secular POV. 7y
MallenNC @Cinfhen I am trying to read more nonfiction so this one may move up! 7y
CaitlinR I listened to the audiobook. Great c 7y
Velvetfur Oohh now this looks really interesting. I was raised in a strict Catholic way but reached adulthood and chose to be of no religion. But the old stories still make me wonder.... 7y
Reviewsbylola This sounds heavy. 7y
Cinfhen It wasn‘t heavy @Reviewsbylola I thought it was really informative and easy to read @Velvetfur 7y
112 likes2 stack adds20 comments
review
Mentallofilth
post image
Pickpick

Part history of first century Palestine and Jewish radicalism in that time, part literary criticism discussing the contradictions and evolution of the New Testament, this is an entertaining, readable book that recontextualizes mythology and faith in fascinating ways. There simply isn‘t enough information for a true accounting of the historical Jesus, but Aslan has put together a fabulously readable attempt.

review
KathyWheeler
post image
Pickpick

This is on the lower end of the pick scale because of its structure. In trying to place Jesus the man in historical context, Aslan chooses a thematic structure. Because he does, events and ideas keep being repeated instead of dealt with separately. This book would have been better with a linear narrative structure, with Aslan placing events in historical context along the way.

review
youngreadrshelf
post image
Pickpick

Tells of the historical Jesus and what would have been happening at the time he was alive. Gives reasons as to why he became the savior and how the Jews got a raw deal historically. I will probably read this again because it was a lot to digest. Finished this in December for @BookishMarginalia #LitsyAtoZ #LetterZ

44 likes1 stack add
quote
TheBookbabeblog84
post image

Not Friday but I‘m doing it anyway...lol.
1) Samoa Girl Scout Cookies
2) White Christmas (makes me cringe)
3) Not anymore; we don‘t do gift exchange
4) 39 out of 50....but no pressure 😭
#books #friyay

hes7 ✋🏻 Mmm, Samoas! ❤️ 7y
Sharpeipup Samoas...mmmm 7y
13 likes2 comments
blurb
youngreadrshelf
post image

Starting my read for #letterZ for #litsyAtoZ.

BookwormAHN I loved this book. Get some kleenex handy though most if the book has a bitter sweet emotional tone to it. 🕊 7y
youngreadrshelf @BookwormAHN Kleenex. Huh. Not what I was expecting. Just started so we'll see. 7y
Melkyl This was my “Z” book too. It is very informative. 7y
youngreadrshelf @Melwilk I'm about half way through. I never thought about the politics of the time. Hmmmm. 7y
53 likes4 comments
review
Minervasbutler
Pickpick

Fascinating attempt to reveal the historical Jesus behind the myth-making. Aslan thankfully avoids the sneery tones adopted by some prominent "New Atheists" and although this is unlikely to shake a believer's faith that isn't its intention. The final chapters, describing how Paul's conception of Jesus as the "Son of God" won out over the accounts of those who actually knew Jesus such as Peter and Jesus's brother James are particularly revealing.

Cinfhen I read this for my #LetterZ so fascinating, VERY well written and presented 7y
46 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
Megara
post image
Pickpick

🙌 worth the read

blurb
TheBookbabeblog84
post image

Look at this list...isn‘t it grand lol! #books #november #readtilmyeyeshurt #noteworthynovember

review
comics_librarian
post image
Mehso-so

Though not really contributing anything new to scholarship, Zealot nevertheless acts as an effective crash course in studies of the New Testament, a refresher for the initiated and a valuable challenge for those who are not.

review
Melkyl
post image
Pickpick

This book had a lot of interesting information on Jesus as an historical figure. It mirrored some information I studied in various classes I had in my undergrad. It was dry at times, and it required basic understanding of the underlying topic. The reader was really expected to know the names and stories of the figures discussed. Overall, it provided an interesting look at Jesus, the man.

JoeStalksBeck Have you ever read Bart Erhman ? 7y
Melkyl @JoeStalksBeck I haven't. Should I check him out? 7y
JoeStalksBeck If you like this book then yes. He's a New Testament scholar at Chapel Hill in NC 7y
Melkyl @JoeStalksBeck Thank you for the recommendation. I will check him out. 7y
54 likes2 stack adds4 comments
quote
actualdisneyprincess
post image

I find this passage SO beautiful. As a Catholic, I believe in Jesus as Christ, but I also know that He was as human as He was divine. He was a man who wanted His home and His people free of the tyranny of outside forces, and who was not always peaceful, who did not always operate within the Law. And it's this dichotomy, this concept of human and divine, that I will always find fascinating. #rezaaslan #zealot

blurb
actualdisneyprincess
post image

I'm Catholic. I have 20 years of education in Catholic schools behind me, and a minor in Theology. I love my church. But this is fascinating, and I'm thoroughly engaged. Aslan's writing is crisp and quick, and reveals the historical Jesus without ever feeling like it's an attack on the beliefs of the Christian community. #zealot #rezaaslan

Cinfhen I read this a few months back and was curious how a Catholic reader would take to this well written, scholarly book...I've gone to Jewish Day Schools, so the history of the Jewish People in connection to the land and time of Jesus and King David seemed accurate to what I was taught. Really fascinating 7y
actualdisneyprincess Most of my teachers, and even my priests, made sure to impress on us that the Gospels weren't written specifically by their named Evangelists, and that they certainly weren't meant to be taken as strictly-historical accounts, so I'm not sitting here sobbing like my entire faith-world has been upended. But the historical context he presents is SO fascinating, and I'm glad for the opportunity to have a more complete picture of Jesus as human. :) 7y
actualdisneyprincess I also think it's wonderful that it IS strictly-historical, and doesn't take the usual faith-writing tack of either making Christians feel stupid for believing in Jesus as Christ or, flip side, making them ~the only true faith~, or utterly demonizing the Jewish people for ~murdering Him~. (It's amazing to me how many writers seem to forget that Jesus was a passionate, faithful, and yes, revolutionary, Jew Himself.) (edited) 7y
5 likes3 comments
blurb
ptkpepe98
post image

On Easter Sunday, it's fitting to begin reading this book by one of my favorite "brains." If I could do a Vulcan mind meld with anyone, it would be Reza Azlan.

@BookishMarginalia #LitsyAtoZ

blurb
OutsmartYourShelf
post image

Thought that this time of year is a fitting time to read this book which I have had for a while.

review
Cinfhen
post image
Pickpick

Whoa! This was an extensive study regarding 1st century Palestine, the history of the Jewish people , the Roman Empire's rule over Judea & the historical context of the life/times of Jesus. The author challenges some of Christianity's basic beliefs but my background is minimal so I can't comment. I appreciated the amount of research that was done & the way Aslan laid out the information in a clear and fascinating manner. #LRC4 #LetterZ #Google

saresmoore Fabulous review! I was waiting to hear what you thought—sounds great to me. 8y
saresmoore Also, author's name is Aslan. I mean. Aslan in Narnia also challenged much of Christians' basic religious doctrine. I'm in! 8y
britt_brooke Great review, excellent book! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 8y
See All 15 Comments
Reviewsbylola This sounds like it could get boring very quickly so a great author is key. (edited) 8y
Cinfhen 😂true that @Reviewsbylola I was slightly relieved to see the book was under 200 pages, I was starting to reach my limit 😉 8y
Cinfhen Thanks @saresmoore @britt_brooke I'm curious to see how others find this book. I know it caused a bit of a stir and the author received a lot of backlash 😬 8y
britt_brooke @Cinfhen So, out of sheer curiosity's sake, I read Bill O'Reilly's "Killing Jesus" right after I finished this one. Let's just say, Reza Aslan is far more qualified. ??‍♀️ (edited) 8y
saresmoore Sounds like a good reason to read it! 8y
britt_brooke @saresmoore Precisely, lol! 8y
Cinfhen I have to agree @britt_brooke I read Killing Jesus for book club or Killing Jesus for Dummies. I find all of his books to be pretty watered down..Our book club also read 8y
LeahBergen I saw this author interviewed on a talk show and he was amazing. 8y
Cinfhen I saw him give an interview as well @LeahBergen He's extremely knowledgeable and great personality, very charming 🙌🏻 8y
LeeRHarry This is a book club read for me later in the year - looking forward to it even more now! 😊 8y
Cinfhen Can't wait to hear your thoughts @LeeRHarry 8y
88 likes9 stack adds15 comments
blurb
Cinfhen
post image

Completely forgot that I was reading this nonfiction account of Jesus of Nazareth 😳I have 2 days and 2 hours to finish up...I think I can, I think I can 🚂 🚂 🚂

Sace You can do it! 8y
Between_The_Covers If you read it on your Kindle and put it in airplane mode the library can't snatch it back until you finish reading it. 8y
LauraBeth You can do it! 8y
See All 8 Comments
RobinW You got this! 8y
KarenUK Go for it! 🙌🙌💕 8y
Lmstraubie Go! Go! Go! 8y
Cortg I love that you forgot you were reading a book! Yes, turn the wi-if off on your kindle and the book will stay until the wi-fi is turned back on. I have to do this for the Outlander books occasionally. 8y
Cinfhen Thanks for the awesome advice @Cortg & @Lia_Crawford7 🙌🏻and thanks for the encouragement @Sace @LauraBeth @RobinW @KarenUK @Lmstraubie 💜😊💜 8y
100 likes1 stack add8 comments
blurb
Cinfhen
post image

Two #OverDrive requests came in today...just in time for #24in48 😍

saresmoore Ooh, I'm very intrigued by Zealot! I look forward to your thoughts on it. 8y
ChasingOm I really loved Wonder! 8y
britt_brooke @Cinfhen @saresmoore Zealot is really good! 8y
Cinfhen Thanks @britt_brooke and @ChasingOm I'm looking forward to reading both 😊I will definitely let you know my thoughts @saresmoore it should be a fascinating read. 8y
97 likes2 stack adds4 comments
blurb
TheBookbabeblog84
post image

My Overdrive is so lit...full on #blackgirlmagic ; mysteries, dystopian worlds and fanasty lol! I am all over the place with my reading selections ❤️ #books #booklover #reading #hoodandbookish #mylife

blurb
Hobbinol
post image

After finding a couple #titlesstartingwithZ, I have that song "Liza with a Z" going through my head-- just one of the many ways gay men have to suffer that other men don't!?And yes, I know I'm cheating with Dr. Z, but who wouldn't cheat with him, if you know what I'm saying??#seasonsreadings2016

britt_brooke 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 8y
britt_brooke Zealot was an interesting read. 8y
LeahBergen Oh, you!! 😂😂😂 8y
Hobbinol @britt_brooke I 'm assuming there won't be a sequel😉 8y
britt_brooke @Hobbinol 😂👏🏻 8y
44 likes2 stack adds5 comments
review
Brinx
post image
Pickpick

I enjoy reading about the history of religion. I would highly recommend this book to those who are very religious and those who do not follow Christianity and everyone in between. Reza Aslan offers evidence that not too many people know about, even in the most academic Bible study group.

7 likes1 stack add
blurb
Christy2318
post image

Sunday morning reading #readingwithoutwalls

17 likes1 stack add
blurb
LilithSaintcrow
post image

Breakfast!

blurb
bookishlyblessed
post image
RealLifeReading I have A Tale for the Time Being sitting around my house... really ought to read it! 8y
beccaeve On Writing is SO GOOD!!! 8y
24 likes2 comments
review
Angeles
Pickpick

This audio book is narrated by the author and he is just a great narrator. I was impressed by what an pleasurable and easy listening experience it was, which I do not usually find in non fiction. The author successfully (in my opinion) makes the case that Jesus was a pretty typical Jewish rabbi of his time and shows how his original teachings were well within the Jewish tradition. Great audiobook!

review
Jen2
Pickpick

Very interesting!!

Riveted_Reader_Melissa I found this one very interesting too 8y
44 likes1 comment
blurb
Jen2
post image

Lovely walk over lunch listening to my audio book.

91 likes3 stack adds
review
RebeccaSpeas
post image
Pickpick

Fascinating, gripping, and a surprising page-turner. Listened to this on audiobook, and Reza Aslan is a very dynamic, engaging reader.

blurb
Jen2
post image

I am in no way religious, but I have heard good things about this book.

RobinGustafson One of my book clubs read it and found it fascinating 8y
azulaco It's been on my TBR stack for a long time. I heard good things about it too. 8y
anrobe I loved this one! Definitely recommend it! 8y
See All 6 Comments
GoldenGirl I'm not religious either, but I do tend to find myself seeking out books on Jesus and Mary Magdalene. 8y
BeththeBookDragon I'm not religious, but I like the idea of knowing more about the times from a truly historic point of view, but it usually gets too mixed up in religious dogma for me. This one though, has been on my TBR! 8y
Blueberry As a religious person, I thought it was very bad. It has very little historical truth. It's mostly strangely twisted conjecture. 8y
75 likes14 stack adds6 comments
blurb
RebeccaSpeas
post image

Grabbed this one at random from my library OverDrive app for the commute home, and holy wow y'all it is enthralling, even for this godless heathen.

JoeStalksBeck I love books about the historical Yeshua. Bart Erhman is amazing too 8y
britt_brooke 🙋🏼 This godless heathen really liked this book, too. So interesting! Then I made the mistake of reading Bill O'Reilly's Killing Jesus which .... well, Bill O'Reilly. 8y
RebeccaSpeas @britt_brooke oh no I'm so sorry 😂 8y
18 likes1 stack add3 comments