The Colbert Report Season 6 Episode 142 Reza Aslan

In season 6 episode 142 of The Colbert Report, host Stephen Colbert welcomes guest Reza Aslan to discuss his new book, Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth. Aslan is an Iranian-American scholar and writer who specializes in religion. The conversation between Colbert and Aslan is lively and thought-provoking, as they delve into the origins of Christianity and the historical figure of Jesus.

Colbert begins the segment by poking fun at Aslan's name, joking that it sounds like a character from Game of Thrones. Aslan takes the joke in stride, and the two quickly move on to more serious topics. Aslan explains that his interest in the historical Jesus began when he was a young boy growing up in Iran. Though he was raised in a Muslim family, he became fascinated by the story of Jesus and began to research the topic on his own.

Aslan's research eventually led him to write Zealot, which presents a new interpretation of the life and teachings of Jesus. Aslan argues that Jesus was not the pacifistic figure that he is often portrayed as in mainstream Christianity, but was instead a political revolutionary who sought to overthrow the Roman occupation of Palestine. Aslan's book has been controversial in some circles, with some critics accusing him of being biased against Christianity.

Colbert gives Aslan a chance to defend himself against these claims, and Aslan responds by saying that he is simply presenting an alternative interpretation of the historical record. He points out that there are many different interpretations of Jesus, and that his book is intended to spark a conversation about the figure of Jesus and his place in history.

Throughout the interview, Colbert and Aslan engage in a lively back-and-forth, with both men displaying a deep knowledge of the Bible and the history of Christianity. They discuss everything from the political climate of first-century Palestine to the role of Paul in shaping the early Christian church.

Despite the weighty subject matter, there are plenty of laughs to be had in the segment. Colbert's irreverent sense of humor is on full display, and Aslan proves to be a good sport as he gamely goes along with Colbert's jokes and jabs.

In the end, the conversation between Colbert and Aslan is both entertaining and enlightening. They manage to tackle a complex and controversial subject in a way that is accessible to viewers of all backgrounds. Whether you are a devout Christian or a casual observer of religion, there is something in this segment for everyone.