A zealot is a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals.

I have never seen this word used with positive connotation, but could it (without causing raised eyebrows)? For example, “Gandhi was a zealot and should be admired by all who believe in non-violence.”

Also, do “zealous” and “zeal” carry the same connotation as “zealot”?