A Course by Dr. Bart Ehrman

Earliest Christian Heresies

Uncover the lost beliefs, rival gospels, and intense battles that shaped early Christianity, challenging common assumptions about its true origins.

Course cover

Challenge your assumptions and reveal the complex, often messy reality of early Christian faith.

Course Overview

Uncover the Messy, Fascinating Reality of Early Christianity

Most of us grew up hearing that Christianity began as a single, unified faith with its followers in harmony and its truths clearly defined. But the reality is far messier and far more fascinating.

In the centuries right after Jesus, believers argued about everything. Was Christ human or divine? Or both? Or neither? Was there one God? Two Gods? Twelve? Even 365? Was the Creator of the world the same as the Father of Jesus? Or an evil, lower deity?

Each group claimed to possess the true gospel and labeled the rest heretics. Out of their rival visions emerged the very questions that would define Christian belief for centuries about God, Jesus, creation, and what it means to be saved.

Controversial Questions Explored

  • Was Christ human or divine? Or both? Or neither?
  • Was there one God? Two Gods? Twelve? Even 365?
  • Was the Creator of the world the same as the Father of Jesus? Or an evil, lower deity?
  • The movements, rival beliefs, and debates that shaped faith’s earliest centuries.

Your Instructor

Bart Ehrman

James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies Emeritus · University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Bart Ehrman
Bart D. Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies Emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he taught from 1988 until his retirement in 2025. Recognized internationally for his scholarship on the New Testament and early Christianity, Professor Ehrman has written or edited thirty-five books, including six New York Times bestsellers. His college-level textbook The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings has remained the best-selling text in the field for more than twenty-five years. His scholarly works have been published by Oxford, Harvard, Yale, and other premier academic presses, and his books have been translated into twenty-seven languages, reaching millions of readers worldwide.

What's Included?

A Complete Companion Library

Beyond the 8 core lessons, enhance your learning with a comprehensive suite of companion resources designed for deeper study and convenience.

Bonus Q&A

Two 30-min Q&A Sessions

Included are two 30-minute Q&A sessions where Dr. Ehrman answers participant questions and expands on key themes from the lectures.

Spotlight Series

Bonus Lecture: Early Christian Gnosticism

Enjoy Bart's bonus lecture from his Spotlight Series: Early Christian Gnosticism.

Study Aid

Downloadable Lecture Slides

Download professionally designed slides highlighting the main arguments, historical timelines, and key terms from each lecture for easy review.

Audio Version

Audiobook of Lectures & Q&A

Listen on the go with downloadable MP3s of every lecture and Q&A—perfect for commutes or study breaks.

Reference Material

Full Searchable Transcripts

Full searchable transcripts of all lectures and Q&A sessions—ideal for quoting, note-taking, or deeper study.

Course Enrollment $79.95

Enroll in "Earliest Christian Heresies" today. For $79.95, you receive lifetime access to all 8 lectures with Dr. Bart Ehrman and all companion bonus resources.

See What Most Readers Miss in Earliest Christian Heresies

8 in-depth lectures, the Q&A recordings, comprehensive audio downloads, and 6 invaluable bonus resources. Lifetime access.

Frequently Asked

Questions & Answers

Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

Absolutely! If you don't love the course, send us an email and we will refund 100% of your investment. You will have 30 days from the date of the live recording.

Are any other discounts available?

Yes! Viewers of Dr. Ehrman's "Misquoting Jesus" show on YouTube or listeners of the podcast can discover exclusive discount codes. Additionally, BSA members enjoy a 30% discount with exclusive coupon code.

How do you value the course?

Our normal price for eight individual lectures with Dr. Bart Ehrman is $199.60. However, you can enjoy the "The Earliest Christian Heresies" online course including lifetime access to ALL eight lectures, Q&As, and bonus materials for the special bundle price of $79.95!

Alternatively, this course is available through The Biblical Studies Academy (BSA), our premium membership and training community.

Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee · Lifetime access to all course materials

$1 from your purchase is donated to charity: water.