Manufactured Controversy

Of course, I cannot start this blog without giving a potential reader (myself) a little background.  It is important before you indulge me in this ego experiment that you visit and view the video on this Buzzfeed article.  It is called, “Is This The Most Embarrassing Interview Fox News Has Ever Done?”

It is here.

Now that you have seen this very painful interview, you must agree that Dr. Aslan handled the interview considerably well, considering the bizarre question of why a “Muslim” would write a book about Jesus.   Fox News whiners have complained about the media response to the interview, although it is difficult to justify it, since he answered her questions.    

I have always known Reza Aslan as a Muslim who has written about religion, so the fact that he wrote about Jesus comes as no surprise to me, nor do I think it disqualifies him as a scholar to write about Jesus.   Jesus is also a central figure to Islam as well as Christianity.   

Anyways, the interview caused an internet sensation and book sales went through the roof. And I purchased a copy. 

I suppose I don’t understand the issue.  Perhaps it is some level of insecurity that someone reading a book with divergent opinions about Jesus may cause someone to question their faith?   How retarded would you be if reading Zealot caused you to lose your faith?  To clarify, does it really require a meticulous written argument to question your religious belief?   Isn’t simply the question, “how do I know what I believe is real?” sufficient?  

To me, it is an uphill battle to believe in invisible gods, sea monsters, miracles, resurrections, and Metatron to begin with.