Excellent historical perspective on early Christian period in Palestine

Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth
by Reza Aslan
Random House, 2013

This new book brings a vivid and fresh perspective on a time period that few of us are really familiar with.  The bibliography alone is a treasure: wide and expansive resources offer more information than any single book could hold.

What's different about this book 

My understanding of the nuances and contexts of the early church and the first century in Roman-occupied Jerusalem grew amazingly.  The narrative is engaging and the perspectives are fresh and enlightening. An excellent historical read.

What I'll do now that I've read the book 

Having fully enjoyed the historicity of the book, I can not support it for spiritual growth. Author Aslan has done meticulous research and offers both an ending chapter with his discussion and an extensive bibliography. But in conclusion, what he offers is his personal collation of a variety of opinions and conclusions. An excellent resource I can recommend to individuals who already hold a mature and examined spiritual stance, but not something I will offer to those seeking to grow in their spiritual faith.

I am grateful to Random House Publishers for allowing me an advance look at this resource.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *