Emmy Award-winning journalist and Central Alum Harry Smith and author Reza Aslan discussed the origins of Christianity and its relation to Judaism and Islam Thursday night at Central College.

Aslan is author of the best-selling book “Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth” and “No god but God.” The discussion was far ranging, including topics that put Jesus and the rise of Christianity in historical context.

The conversation also touched on the relatively recent rise of fundamentalism in response to the advance of science and progressive movements in modern times.

Approximately 250 were in attendance.