Reza Aslan, born on May 3, 1972, is a prominent Iranian-American scholar with expertise in the sociology of religion. He is not only a writer but also a television host.
Faith Journey
As a youth, Aslan converted to evangelical Christianity from his Shia Muslim background, but later, he reverted to Islam. Remarkably, he continued to write extensively on Christianity despite his return to Islam.
Published Works
Reza Aslan has authored four significant books on religion:
- No God but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam
- Beyond Fundamentalism: Confronting Religious Extremism in the Age of Globalization
- Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth
- God: A Human History
These works reflect his profound understanding of religious topics.
Television and Production
Aslan has also made a mark in television. He hosted a documentary series on CNN called “Believer,” which explored various world religions. Additionally, he served as an executive producer for the HBO drama series “The Leftovers.”
Academic and Professional Background
Reza Aslan’s educational and professional journey is highly impressive. He holds a:
- B.A. in religious studies from Santa Clara University
- Master of Theological Studies (MTS) from Harvard Divinity School
- Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in fiction writing from the University of Iowa’s Writers’ Workshop
- Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara
Academic Achievements
His Ph.D. dissertation titled “Global Jihadism as a Transnational Social Movement: A Theoretical Framework” is an important contribution to the study of contemporary Muslim political activism.
Diverse Academic Roles
Aslan’s academic roles have been diverse, ranging from being a visiting faculty member in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Iowa to serving as the Wallerstein Distinguished Visiting Professor at Drew University Center on Religion, Culture & Conflict.
Involvement in Peace and Policy
His contributions extend beyond academia. Aslan has been an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and has served in various roles, such as Legislative Assistant for the Friends Committee on National Legislation in Washington D.C. He’s been involved with organizations like the Ploughshares Fund, PEN Center USA, and The Markaz, among others, all dedicated to promoting peace and understanding.
Religious Beliefs and Philosophy
Reza Aslan’s journey of faith is intriguing. He was born into a Twelver Shia Muslim family, converted to evangelical Christianity as a teenager, and later returned to Islam before attending Harvard. His views on religion are both profound and inclusive, seeing all religions as languages of symbols and metaphors used to express faith. His perspective on Islam is that it’s a man-made institution, a set of symbols and metaphors that provide a language for the expression of faith.
