Zealot
#1247 of 2,654 all-time
Zealot
Reza Aslan
5 people recommended it in 5 threads, 2014–2023.
4 commenters pushed back on it — worth reading the threads.
What people on Hacker News said
As a tool to understand the people of the time, the stories that grew and the 'person' behind the dominant religion of the Western World - there is no book that comes close.
These follow 1) the evolution of human conceptions of God, 2) the historical Jesus, and 3) the historical Muhammad, respectively. They're extremely accessible and have deeply influenced my thoughts on religion.
After the Bible & The Quran, Reza Aslan’s “Zealot” (Christianity) & No god but God (Islam) provide some great historical context.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: Any interesting books you have read lately? 2023 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What's the best book on religion? 2023 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Recommend one book I need to read this summer? 2019 · 1 recommendation
- YC's Winter Reading List 2016 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What book changed your life in 2014? 2014 · 1 recommendation