I just finished watching an interview with Reza Aslan with Jon Oliver on the Daily Show. You can watch the interview here http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-july-17-2013/exclusive---reza-aslan-extended-interview-pt--1
I read an incredible amount of the Historical Jesus when I was in college (it was all the rage then). I got to meet Tom Wright (N.T if you like) 3 weeks before I attended Seminary (where he told me I would meet a future professor named Mark Allen Powell who was taking up the leadership of the Jesus Seminar.). We haven't heard much about the historical Jesus in years because we all thought 'that topic' had been explored. Then, apparently, Reza Aslan writes a book entitled "Zealot."
What I loved about this interview was Jon Oliver's response: "I really like this Jesus. This Jesus I can relate to." And THIS ^ response makes me ask the question: WHat the heck are we missing on telling people about THIS Jesus? People who have been far removed from the church respond to the 'man Jesus' over the 'christ of faith.' I get the reason for separation and appreciate Aslan's approach but as a person of faith I must say: We ARE talking about the SAME guy!
What is it about liking Jesus as a man as opposed to the Messiah? Maybe that isn't as important as the entry to explore the very person who lived, taught, suffered and died. And maybe the reason Jon Oliver (and others like him) "Like This Jesus" is because the Jesus Aslan describes is a rebel that took on a religious and political system. AND 'That Jesus' has not been preached very much in our churches or talked about in the political parties of America. Because this Jesus might upset the very organizations that we hold near and dear. Praying Attention - Pastor Andy
I read an incredible amount of the Historical Jesus when I was in college (it was all the rage then). I got to meet Tom Wright (N.T if you like) 3 weeks before I attended Seminary (where he told me I would meet a future professor named Mark Allen Powell who was taking up the leadership of the Jesus Seminar.). We haven't heard much about the historical Jesus in years because we all thought 'that topic' had been explored. Then, apparently, Reza Aslan writes a book entitled "Zealot."
What I loved about this interview was Jon Oliver's response: "I really like this Jesus. This Jesus I can relate to." And THIS ^ response makes me ask the question: WHat the heck are we missing on telling people about THIS Jesus? People who have been far removed from the church respond to the 'man Jesus' over the 'christ of faith.' I get the reason for separation and appreciate Aslan's approach but as a person of faith I must say: We ARE talking about the SAME guy!
What is it about liking Jesus as a man as opposed to the Messiah? Maybe that isn't as important as the entry to explore the very person who lived, taught, suffered and died. And maybe the reason Jon Oliver (and others like him) "Like This Jesus" is because the Jesus Aslan describes is a rebel that took on a religious and political system. AND 'That Jesus' has not been preached very much in our churches or talked about in the political parties of America. Because this Jesus might upset the very organizations that we hold near and dear. Praying Attention - Pastor Andy
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