zealot the life and times of jesus of nazareth summary

Finally, in Act 3 (pp 164-216), Aslan spells out how the zealot Jesus, through the imagination of gospel authors, became the Christ. These ‘zealous’ Jews were strict nationalists who preached the sole sovereignty. During Act 2 (pp 73-159), he introduces Jesus of Nazareth, the man, who, like his contemporary 'zealots,' fights for the rights of the poor and the overthrow of the state (Rome). Compulsively readable and written at a popular level, this superb work is highly recommended. Aslan defines zealot as those Jews who adhered to a widely accepted biblical doctrine called zeal. 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. 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.

Much speculation about who he was and what he taught has led to confusion and doubt. 1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A lucid, intelligent page-turner (Los Angeles Times) that challenges long-held assumptions about Jesus, from the host of Believer Two thousand years ago, an itinerant Jewish preacher walked across the Galilee, gathering followers to establish what he called the Kingdom of God.

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.

Zealot the life and times of jesus of nazareth summary