So you thought the interview conducted by Lauren Green, religion correspondent for Fox News Channel, with Reza Aslan, the Muslim author of a book on Jesus titled Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth was a mess?
Buzzfeed dubbed it “The Most Embarrassing Interview Fox News Has Ever Done” (which says a lot, considering the sheer amount of material to choose from).
But wait a second… as so often is the case there’s more to the story:
First, The Blaze provides some context to the “awkward interview.”
Second — but no less important — GetReligion points out that while people are snickering at FoxNews they are getting duped by Aslan, who misrepresents his credentials.
In addition, while Green could have handled the interview better than she did, it is quite alright to wonder aloud whether a Muslim — scholar or not — can write an objective book about Jesus Christ.
After all, Islam misrepresents the God of the Bible and teaches falsehoods about Jesus Christ.
That said, here are 14 things you need to know about Aslan’s book.
It’s Not What the Pope Said About Gays, It’s How He Said It
Message to the ‘Church’ of Scientology:
[N]o one is going to tell me who I can, and cannot, talk to.
– Leah Remini clarifies why she dumped Scientology
[N]o one is going to tell me who I can, and cannot, talk to. Remini was referring in part to Scientology’s destructive disconnection policy which the hate group’s critics says tears families and friendships apart.
Scientology’s unethical policies are based on the writings of the cult’s founder L. Ron Hubbard — a fantasist who could not tell truth and fiction apart.
On August 4, the BBC is airing Inside a Cult: Messiah on Trial.
It’s the story of cult leader Wayne Bent, who is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence after having been found guilty of sexual misconduct with teenage followers.
Bent also goes by the name of Michael Travesser. His followers have been brainwashed into believing that followers believe that ‘Michael, the Spirit of the Son of God’ lives in him.
Bent heads The Lord Our Righteousness Church. The tiny group lives on a small plot of land near Clayton, New Mexico. The community is known as ‘Strong City’ — a name the media has sometimes used to refer to the group.
I’m not sure whether this video, uploaded to YouTube, is covered by some copyright rule that will see it yanked soon, but while it’s (still) there you may as well enjoy this most unusual Gospel Music concert performed by Sinead O’Connor at the Lincoln Center in New York.
Update: Well, the video is gone, but you can view some shorter items.