BSA, Community, Deep Insights, Expert Guidance
Bible study, minus the filters

UNLOCK $4,000 of BIBLICAL COURSES
FOR ONE LOW MONTHLY PRICE!

50+ university-level courses, monthly live sessions with Bart Ehrman, and a community of 1,700+ truth-seekers, no academic jargon, and no one telling you what to believe.

Start your free 14-day trial
Then $49.95/mo, or $295/year. Cancel anytime. $295/year rises to $395/year on August 1.
1,700+Members
50+Courses
250+Hours
$4,500+In value
0Academic jargon
Just added

New courses

You're not joining a static library, we publish at least 12 new courses a year (18 in 2025), most filmed live as they happen. Here's what's just landed, all included.

The road ahead

Coming to the Academy

More university-level courses are already in production, and your membership includes every one the moment it lands.

  1. July 2026

    Digging Up Eden: The Immortality of Adam and Eve

    Dr. Shawna Dolansky Dr. Shawna Dolansky
    10 lessons
  2. July 2026

    Decoding the Gospel of John

    Dr. Hugo Méndez Dr. Hugo Méndez
    8 lessons
  3. Fall 2026

    Visions of the End

    Dr. Jason Staples Dr. Jason Staples
    University-level course
  4. Spring 2027

    The Life and Letters of Paul

    Title to be revealed
    Instructor reveal coming
    University-level course
Sound familiar?

I thought I knew the Bible. I was wrong.

You can't unask the questions, and you don't have to be religious to ask them. Christian or not, devout or skeptical, if any of this sounds like you, you're in the right place.

Why they joined

Why 1,700+ people stopped Googling and joined BSA

Three reasons BSA beats the free stuff on YouTube and the expensive stuff in seminary.

01

Real Scholarship

Access 50+ online courses on the Gospels, Jesus, and the Old and New Testaments, taught by the scholars who wrote the books, designed for every level of learner.

02

Real Community

Engage with 1,700+ members who share your passion for biblical scholarship, an accepting community where no question is taboo.

03

Really Affordable

Leading seminaries cost upwards of $55,000 a year. Learn from top scholars in BSA for just $0.81/day, billed annually at $295/year (rising to $395/year on August 1).

Try BSA free for 14 days. See for yourself.

Do the math

A library that keeps compounding

Every course in BSA, plotted by the month it launched, each at its full standalone retail price. The vault now holds over $4,945 in courses, and a full year of membership is just $295 (rising to $395 on August 1).

$0 $1k $2k $3k $4k $5k 20222023202420252026 Membership · $295/yr BSA launches · Sept 2024 $4,945 in courses · 54 included Did Jesus Think He Was God?Did the Christmas Story Really Happen? The Birth of Jesus in History and LegendIn the Beginning: Online Course by Dr. Bart EhrmanDid the Resurrection of Jesus Really Happen?The Unknown Gospels™ - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and JohnDid Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Actually Write Matthew, Mark, Luke, and JohnFinding Moses™ - What Scholars Know About the Exodus and the Jewish LawOther Virgin Births in Antiquity - Online LectureThe Genius of Mark: Jesus the Secret MessiahWill You Be Left Behind?Paul and Jesus: The Great DivideWhy I Am Not a ChristianThe Scribal Corruption of Scripture™Jesus the Actual Son of JosephThe Genius of the Gospel of MatthewArchaeology in the Time of JesusDid Peter Hate Paul?The Bible and The Quran: Comparing Their Historical ProblemsThe Bible and Abortion: When Does Life Begin in the Bible?The Parables of Jesus: Jewish Insights into Gospel Ethics, Humor, and ProvocationThe Mysteries of the Synoptic GospelsThe Genius of the Acts of the ApostlesThe Dark Side of ChristmasThe New Testament: Exploring the Christian BibleThe Rise and Fall of Biblical Israel: The Books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and KingsThe Other Doubting Thomases:  Did Jesus' Disciples Believe in the Resurrection?Luke's Maverick Gospel: A Vision of ReversalsDemons and Ghosts in the BibleThe History of Biblical InterpretationJesus and the Old TestamentEveryday Life in Ancient IsraelDigging Up Dirt on JoshuaDid Jesus Really Exist?The Israelite Goddess AsherahWho Do You Say I Am? Historical Sources for JesusBanned Books: The Apocrypha EditionThe Hebrew BibleFace to Face on the Bible: The Gospel of JohnEarliest Christian HeresiesWho Wrote the Gospels?Ancient ChristianitiesCities of the BibleHerod: The Tyrant of ChristmasFace to Face on the Bible: Christmas SpecialDid Q Exist?Judaism in the Time of JesusGospel of PeterThe Ten CommandmentsJudaism Before JesusThrough the Eye of a NeedleBefore the BibleWhat the Hell?Holy PainVisions of the End

That's about 17× the price of membership, in courses alone, and it grows every month.

A global community

Members in 911 cities across 65 countries

From 65 countries and counting. Every glowing point is a place someone in BSA calls home, scholars and the curious, learning side by side.

Based on the 1,725 members who shared a location in their profile. Each glow is a city where members are learning.

Your membership

5 things you get in BSA

High-quality academic courses and webinars designed for every learning level.

1Value $1,645

New university-level courses

  • 3 live, semester-long courses per year, normally 16-28 lessons each
  • Top-tier scholars like Mark Goodacre, Joel Baden, and Paula Fredriksen
  • Optional quizzes, textbooks, and scholar-led Q&A
  • Earn a certificate of completion
2Value $2,355

Our full course catalog

  • 50+ courses with over 250 hours of biblical insight
  • A minimum of 12 new courses a year, we published 18 in 2025
  • In-depth studies spanning the Hebrew Bible, Second Temple Judaism, Jesus and the Gospels, Paul, archaeology, and the ancient Mediterranean world
  • Plus courses from partners like Digital Hammurabi, Bible & Archaeology, and the Bible for Normal People
  • 30% off standalone course purchases and the NINT & NIHB conferences
3Value $1,000

Bart's exclusive "Spotlight Series"

  • Live monthly presentations by Dr. Bart Ehrman, available only in BSA
  • Followed by an interactive Q&A session with Bart
  • Covers cutting-edge research and debated biblical topics
  • A dozen+ previous sessions available to stream now
4Value $300

Member-only community events

  • Member Mixers, two casual get-togethers a month
  • Trivia nights with prizes, plus a monthly book club
  • "Ask Me Anything" with scholars, past guests include Robyn Walsh, Yonatan Adler, Robert Cargill, James Tabor, Paula Fredriksen, and Dan McClellan
  • Peer Support & Sharing Group, a non-judgmental space for navigating faith, doubt, and change (last Monday monthly)
  • Questions Club, honest conversations for those who take faith and scholarship seriously (every other Monday, coming soon)
  • Every AMA, scholar talk, and book club is recorded, rewatch or stream them anytime, just like Bart's Spotlight Series
5Like Facebook, but better

Discussion groups, where conversations actually happen

  • Lively daily discussion across spaces like General Chat, Bible Nerds Only, and God, Faith & Theology
  • 200+ new posts and 2,000+ comments a month
  • Direct-message other members for deeper conversations
  • Members hear it first, early access to course launches, the symposium, NINT/NIHB, and special events like Bart's live lectures
Add it up Over $5,300 in annual value, yours for $295/year (rising to $395/year on August 1)
Live & upcoming

Upcoming community events

Trivia nights, AMAs with leading scholars, and live sessions with Bart, all on the BSA community calendar.

Bart's BSA Spotlight Series: Cephas and Peter Featured
Sun, Jul 19 · 12:00 PM EDT

Bart's BSA Spotlight Series: Cephas and Peter

Dr. James Barker AMA Featured
Thu, Jul 30 · 5:00 PM EDT

Dr. James Barker AMA

Questions Club Community Event
Mon, Jul 6 · 7:00 PM EDT

Questions Club

What members say

Loved by 1,700+ truth-seekers

Real words from real members, pulled from the community and from member surveys.

I never thought a community could exist where people could talk about religion so respectfully.
BSA Member
The wonderful diversity of the members of BSA and their willingness to share their stories always amazes me.
Ken
I love BSA courses because they force me to expand my scope.
Michael
I appreciate Dr. Ehrman's talent for translating complex scholarly topics into books and courses for lay people.
Diana
Having the community makes the experience SO much better than a platform with just courses.
BSA Member
All the courses have been excellent, and I like that I can make suggestions for courses in BSA. Sometimes they come true, and it's like getting a wish granted by the BSA genie!
BSA Member
I am continually in awe at the depth of knowledge of not just the scholars, but also the non-scholar participants in the community.
BSA Member
You can't just keep adding more and more incredible course content like this. I need to eat and sleep and do other productive things, too. How dare you provide this much value for our money?!
Tre
This community is an opportunity too good to miss.
Bob
I like the semester-long courses, which allow time to delve into the topic. I enjoy reading the comments and participating with learners from around the world.
BSA Member
I thoroughly enjoy the BSA. The scholars have all been wonderful communicators and very engaging, a difficult thing in an online environment!
BSA Member
There are reasons from one side of the spectrum to the other that we're all here, but we're all so happy to have found the BSA. You are really in good company here.
Dan
I rarely had the chance to discuss biblical studies the way I learned them, the way this community does. I am now retired and without a community, so BSA serves me in two ways, and I am grateful!
Jeff
From lively discussions to expert AMAs and fresh courses, you've truly made this community bloom beautifully. Thank you for making biblical scholarship accessible, engaging, and downright fun.
Alban
I've learned so much in the short time since I joined, I can't believe it. There aren't many people in my regular life interested in this stuff, so it's lovely to find so many who care so deeply about these subjects. I also love that this is an online community that's super intentional and non-algorithmic, a great use of the internet that doesn't make me feel awful to be on!
Ian
I started following Bart many years ago in search of knowledge and scholarship, but perhaps just as valuable is finding a community, one where we can share thoughts and beliefs free of judgment, and venture into the unknown with less fear. What an amazing opportunity for insight and connection. Thank you.
Anthony
When I joined BSA in its first few days, it was very tentative, an aura of "I can drop it after a few months if it's not worth it." But it has been SO worth it!
BSA Member
I never thought a community could exist where people could talk about religion so respectfully.
BSA Member
The wonderful diversity of the members of BSA and their willingness to share their stories always amazes me.
Ken
I love BSA courses because they force me to expand my scope.
Michael
I appreciate Dr. Ehrman's talent for translating complex scholarly topics into books and courses for lay people.
Diana
Having the community makes the experience SO much better than a platform with just courses.
BSA Member
All the courses have been excellent, and I like that I can make suggestions for courses in BSA. Sometimes they come true, and it's like getting a wish granted by the BSA genie!
BSA Member
I am continually in awe at the depth of knowledge of not just the scholars, but also the non-scholar participants in the community.
BSA Member
You can't just keep adding more and more incredible course content like this. I need to eat and sleep and do other productive things, too. How dare you provide this much value for our money?!
Tre
This community is an opportunity too good to miss.
Bob
I like the semester-long courses, which allow time to delve into the topic. I enjoy reading the comments and participating with learners from around the world.
BSA Member
I thoroughly enjoy the BSA. The scholars have all been wonderful communicators and very engaging, a difficult thing in an online environment!
BSA Member
There are reasons from one side of the spectrum to the other that we're all here, but we're all so happy to have found the BSA. You are really in good company here.
Dan
I rarely had the chance to discuss biblical studies the way I learned them, the way this community does. I am now retired and without a community, so BSA serves me in two ways, and I am grateful!
Jeff
From lively discussions to expert AMAs and fresh courses, you've truly made this community bloom beautifully. Thank you for making biblical scholarship accessible, engaging, and downright fun.
Alban
I've learned so much in the short time since I joined, I can't believe it. There aren't many people in my regular life interested in this stuff, so it's lovely to find so many who care so deeply about these subjects. I also love that this is an online community that's super intentional and non-algorithmic, a great use of the internet that doesn't make me feel awful to be on!
Ian
I started following Bart many years ago in search of knowledge and scholarship, but perhaps just as valuable is finding a community, one where we can share thoughts and beliefs free of judgment, and venture into the unknown with less fear. What an amazing opportunity for insight and connection. Thank you.
Anthony
When I joined BSA in its first few days, it was very tentative, an aura of "I can drop it after a few months if it's not worth it." But it has been SO worth it!
BSA Member
I'd given up hope of studying anything close to university-level courses, with responsibilities that keep me from leaving my current area (which I love). I'm so grateful I can get at least a taste of that through the BSA.
Peter
BSA, a haven for learning. I am very happy to be a student attending with such a scholarly group.
Aziz
I've met people I now consider friends. Join the chats and the live events, reach out, set up your own conversations. The biggest benefit of BSA, in my opinion, is the people.
Sandra
It's quite isolating when your religious gathering is on such a different page. Even when we're on the same page about practice, we don't talk much about how we got there. Being in BSA helps, and it sure helps grow my mind!
Barbara
The way scholars clear away the cruft of later dogma and show the people and times underneath is kind of like recovering the work of a great master on a canvas that's been painted over. It's awe-inspiring, and I look forward to learning much more.
John
My life now includes listening to these courses every day, and I am richer for it. I've been exposed to so much new information. As an academic myself, I'm shocked over and over by the scope of knowledge of the instructors, their love of humanity, their pedagogy, their passion for the project.
Andrew
The community here is at least 50% of the value that I get out of BSA. I would almost like to say more than 50%, but then I'd be shortchanging the courses and lectures, and they're fantastic too.
Charles
I feel like I somehow got transported to a smorgasbord of incredible information that flows like a fountain of chocolate! I never thought that joining and belonging to BSA could be THIS good, with never-ending choices of material.
Pamela
I love this space! I love the courses, the face-to-face events, the posts. I love everything about it. Mostly, I love finding people that are crazy about learning. I feel like I've found my people!
Laura
I truly enjoy the conversation, both vocal and in chat. The lectures are enlightening, stimulating, and push me to do my own research. My reading list grows and grows!
Bruce
Don't expect plain sailing to uncomplicated and universally accepted answers. But if you have a passion for critical biblical scholarship, it can be a never-ending intellectual journey of thinking, learning, and debating.
Charles
I had hoped for a community like this for a number of decades, but it was one of those internal, unspoken kinds of hopes. I don't think there are enough words to express what a joy this has been. To have a community where people aren't shaming me for having curiosity and thinking too intellectually is unparalleled.
Tesla
The opportunity to explore these topics with scholars makes me feel like I'm part of the most prestigious religious studies group in the world. Thanks to these pioneers, they are bringing the most brilliant intellectuals in the field right to us.
Bobby
For me, BSA has been an excellent educational source of new insight and understanding of the Bible, the environment in which the people of antiquity lived and worked, and their social structure. I always look forward to new and refreshing subjects.
BSA Member
We have the best lecturers! The things our august lecturers share in all the courses here: intellectual honesty, bubbling enthusiasm for their topics, and wit!
Sophie
BSA members really are the best. I used to participate in a number of other forums on biblical scholarship, and both the friendliness and the love of learning here are just off the charts.
Michael
I'd given up hope of studying anything close to university-level courses, with responsibilities that keep me from leaving my current area (which I love). I'm so grateful I can get at least a taste of that through the BSA.
Peter
BSA, a haven for learning. I am very happy to be a student attending with such a scholarly group.
Aziz
I've met people I now consider friends. Join the chats and the live events, reach out, set up your own conversations. The biggest benefit of BSA, in my opinion, is the people.
Sandra
It's quite isolating when your religious gathering is on such a different page. Even when we're on the same page about practice, we don't talk much about how we got there. Being in BSA helps, and it sure helps grow my mind!
Barbara
The way scholars clear away the cruft of later dogma and show the people and times underneath is kind of like recovering the work of a great master on a canvas that's been painted over. It's awe-inspiring, and I look forward to learning much more.
John
My life now includes listening to these courses every day, and I am richer for it. I've been exposed to so much new information. As an academic myself, I'm shocked over and over by the scope of knowledge of the instructors, their love of humanity, their pedagogy, their passion for the project.
Andrew
The community here is at least 50% of the value that I get out of BSA. I would almost like to say more than 50%, but then I'd be shortchanging the courses and lectures, and they're fantastic too.
Charles
I feel like I somehow got transported to a smorgasbord of incredible information that flows like a fountain of chocolate! I never thought that joining and belonging to BSA could be THIS good, with never-ending choices of material.
Pamela
I love this space! I love the courses, the face-to-face events, the posts. I love everything about it. Mostly, I love finding people that are crazy about learning. I feel like I've found my people!
Laura
I truly enjoy the conversation, both vocal and in chat. The lectures are enlightening, stimulating, and push me to do my own research. My reading list grows and grows!
Bruce
Don't expect plain sailing to uncomplicated and universally accepted answers. But if you have a passion for critical biblical scholarship, it can be a never-ending intellectual journey of thinking, learning, and debating.
Charles
I had hoped for a community like this for a number of decades, but it was one of those internal, unspoken kinds of hopes. I don't think there are enough words to express what a joy this has been. To have a community where people aren't shaming me for having curiosity and thinking too intellectually is unparalleled.
Tesla
The opportunity to explore these topics with scholars makes me feel like I'm part of the most prestigious religious studies group in the world. Thanks to these pioneers, they are bringing the most brilliant intellectuals in the field right to us.
Bobby
For me, BSA has been an excellent educational source of new insight and understanding of the Bible, the environment in which the people of antiquity lived and worked, and their social structure. I always look forward to new and refreshing subjects.
BSA Member
We have the best lecturers! The things our august lecturers share in all the courses here: intellectual honesty, bubbling enthusiasm for their topics, and wit!
Sophie
BSA members really are the best. I used to participate in a number of other forums on biblical scholarship, and both the friendliness and the love of learning here are just off the charts.
Michael
Getting started

3 simple steps to begin

1

Start your free trial

Get instant access to everything inside BSA for 14 days, on us. No commitment, cancel anytime.

2

Join the community

Dive into the discussion groups, introduce yourself, and start engaging with fellow truth-seekers and scholars.

3

Explore courses & events

Watch your first course, RSVP for a live AMA or trivia night, and start uncovering deep biblical insights.

Membership

Unlock $4,500+ of courses today

Every plan starts with a free 14-day trial. Cancel anytime.

Monthly
$49.95/ month

Flexible, month-to-month.

  • Full access to all 50+ courses
  • Bart's monthly Spotlight Series & Q&A
  • All member events & discussion groups
  • New courses added every month
Start free trial

14 days free, then $49.95/mo

Annual · Best value
$295/ year

Just $0.81/day, two months free vs. monthly.

  • Everything in Monthly
  • Save over $300 a year
  • Best price, locked in
  • Cancel within 40 days, risk-free
Start free trial

14 days free, then $295/year

$295/year rises to $395/year on August 1

100% guaranteed

The "40 Days, 40 Nights" Guarantee

Try BSA completely risk-free with a 14-day free trial. If you love it, your membership continues automatically. If you don't, you've got an additional 26 days to change your mind and request a full refund, that's 40 days and 40 nights to explore, learn, and connect, with zero risk. Not for you? Just email us and we'll set you free, no questions asked.

Questions

Frequently asked

Membership & Billing
How much does BSA cost?

BSA is $49.95/month (or $295/year if you choose annual billing), but you can start with a 14-day free trial to check it out first. No risk, no obligation. The $295/year rate rises to $395/year on August 1.

What happens after my free trial?

If you love BSA, do nothing. Your payment method will be charged and your membership continues. You can pause or cancel anytime by emailing us at support@bartehrman.com or via the Manage Your BSA Subscription page.

Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

Absolutely. You start with a 14-day trial, then are charged for your first month (or year, if annual). If you don't love BSA, email us at support@bartehrman.com within 26 days of your first payment and we'll refund 100% of your investment. Between the trial and the money-back guarantee, you have 40 days to try BSA risk-free.

What payment types are accepted?

We accept PayPal and all major credit cards.

Can my membership dues increase?

They can, although we have no plans to raise rates in the near future. We launched in Sept. 2024 and may raise rates every couple of years, Netflix-style, so you may see a modest increase down the road. We'd always give written notice first.

Can I use a discount code with BSA?

Unfortunately, our system does not currently allow us to offer discounts.

How do I cancel a free trial or active membership?

You can pause or cancel anytime by emailing us at support@bartehrman.com or via the Manage Your BSA Subscription page.

What's the fine print?

As an active member you get access to every course we've created, plus any we create while you're a member. Sold separately are: our New Insights conferences (NINT and NIHB), the Biblical Studies Symposium, Bart's books, his trips/cruises, and his speaking/consulting services. (Bart's debates are now included in BSA.)

Your subscription works like Netflix: you have access to courses as long as you're an active subscriber. If you pause or cancel, you lose access unless you purchased the standalone version of a course.

Courses & Events
How many courses are included?

There are 50+ courses in the vault, most ranging from 4 to 8 lessons, plus single-lecture courses and university-length courses (16-28 lectures). You also get Bart's monthly Spotlight Series webinar and Q&A.

Can I watch the courses on my own schedule?

Absolutely. All courses are available on-demand, and new content is added regularly.

Are there live classes?

Yes. We host 3 university-length courses per year (typically two live classes per week, run in winter, summer, and fall), plus an average of 8 smaller courses a year, all included in membership. We also offer live AMAs, book clubs, and mixers every month.

Are the courses beginner-friendly?

Yes. BSA is designed for everyone, whether you're a curious beginner or more advanced. We have a strict "no academic jargon" requirement, instructors must define any terms that aren't commonly known.

What's the difference between discussion groups and events?

Discussion groups (like a Facebook group, but far more active) are open 24/7 for posting, commenting, and direct messaging. Live events (mixers, AMAs, trivia nights) happen on Zoom and bring the community together in real time.

Do I lose access if I cancel?

Yes, just like Netflix, access to courses and community features is tied to your active membership. If you cancel, you keep access until the end of your billing period. You're always welcome to rejoin, or purchase courses as standalone at bartehrman.com/courses, the equivalent of "owning the DVD."

Technical & Accessibility
How do I access the courses after I sign up?

You'll receive an email with login details for Circle, our course & community platform. You can access BSA on Circle anytime from your browser or mobile device.

What's the difference between BSA and ThriveCart?

BSA lets you stream all courses included in your membership while it's active; cancel and you lose access. ThriveCart is our standalone purchase platform: buying a course there gives you lifetime access, independent of BSA membership. Those courses are yours to keep forever.

Can I use BSA on my tablet or phone?

Yes. We use Zoom for events and mixers (desktop, tablet, or phone). Courses live in Circle, which works in any web browser and has Android and iOS apps.

What if I have technical issues?

We've got you covered. There are video instructions when you sign up, a community manager and admins to help, and famously helpful fellow members. You can always email support@bartehrman.com and we'll get you sorted ASAP.

Join and support clean water

Every BSA renewal funds clean-water projects. Together, we can make a lasting impact in the lives of people who need it most.

Biblical Studies Academy

There's more to the story.

Start your free 14-day trial and find it, alongside 1,700+ people asking the same questions you are.

Start your free trial
Then $49.95/mo, or $295/year. Cancel anytime. $295/year rises to $395/year on August 1.