MC, you might be interested in Reza Aslan's Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth. I haven't read it yet, but I understand it offers a scholarly view of Jesus' life within the social, political, religious context of his environment.
A very controversial book. I wanted to read it, and borrowed it from friend. I was too busy to read it, gave it back without even a look after a few weeks. I was planning to purchase it, is it worth reading in your opinion? The reviews on it fluctuate wildly.
I haven't read it yet. I probably won't get to it until after the new year.
