Online Course Created with Dr. Bart Ehrman

Did the Christmas Story Really Happen? The Birth of Jesus in History & Legend

Get immediate access to the course now! Includes 4 lessons with Q&A.

Course cover

Uncover the historical truth behind the familiar Christmas story and separate fact from legend.

Course Overview

Unraveling the Historical Truth of the Christmas Story

Join acclaimed scholar Dr. Bart Ehrman as he meticulously separates historical fact from popular legend in this compelling examination of the birth of Jesus. This course delves into the complex narratives and archaeological evidence to reveal what we can truly know about the most celebrated event in Christian history.

Ehrman guides you through critical questions surrounding the Christmas story, from the Virgin Birth to the journey to Bethlehem, the visit of the wise men, and the 'slaughter of the innocents'. Discover how many cherished details originate from later legends rather than verifiable historical accounts.

Through careful analysis of the Gospel accounts, Dr. Ehrman helps you navigate conflicting narratives and understand the historical context that shaped these foundational stories.

Key Questions Explored

  • What can we actually know about the birth of Jesus?
  • How can we decide whether he was born in Bethlehem?
  • Is it possible to reconcile the different Gospel accounts?
  • Was the story of the Virgin Birth a later fabrication?
  • What is the evidence for (or against) the many details, such as the trip to Bethlehem, the visit of the wisemen, and the “slaughter of the innocents”?
  • How many of the most familiar parts of the stories come from later legends?

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.

Course Syllabus

Course Curriculum

1

Did Matthew Misinterpret Scripture to Prove the Details of Jesus’ Birth?

50 MIN
    2

    Can Secular History Disprove (or Validate) Luke’s Account?

    50 MIN
      3

      Where Did the Later Legends of Jesus’ Birth Come From? And Why Were (and Are) They So Influential?

      50 MIN
        4

        What Can We Actually Know About the Birth of Jesus? A Historian’s Answer

        50 MIN

          Included With Enrollment

          Unlock a Comprehensive Learning Experience

          Your registration provides lifetime access to the 4-lesson online course, plus a wealth of supplemental materials designed to deepen your understanding.

          Core Content

          Four 50-minute lectures by Dr. Bart Ehrman

          Engage with Dr. Ehrman's insightful analysis.

          Interactive Session

          One recorded 30-minute Q&A session

          Benefit from questions asked by fellow students and Dr. Ehrman's direct answers.

          Study Aid

          PDF lesson guides

          Reinforce your learning with comprehensive guides.

          Reflection

          Questions for reflection

          Deepen your personal understanding and critical thinking.

          Further Reading

          Additional reading list to dive deeper

          Expand your knowledge beyond the lectures.

          On-the-Go Learning

          Audio downloads for listening on the go

          Learn anytime, anywhere with convenient audio versions.

          Accessibility

          Transcripts of the lessons

          Review lectures in detail or follow along with the text.

          Knowledge Check

          Self-assessment quiz

          Test your comprehension and recall of key concepts.

          Bonus Lecture

          Herod: The Tyrant of Christmas

          An exclusive additional lecture exploring the historical figure of Herod.

          Value $49.95 Value

          Special Bundle Price $99.80 $59.95

          The value of 4 individual lectures with Bart Ehrman would usually be $99.80; However, if you purchase "Did the Christmas Story Really Happen? The Birth of Jesus in History and Legend" online course today, you can enjoy the Special Bundle price of $59.95. This includes lifetime access to all 4 lectures and exclusive bonus materials.

          From Course Participants

          What Students Are Saying

          Bart has always had a fantastic communication style, made really clear points, and gave plenty of deep historical information without it ever feeling overwhelming, but the short video format is perfect for this style of historical learning.
          TH
          Travis HargerCourse Purchaser

          Frequently Asked

          Questions & Answers

          Are any other discounts available?

          Yes, if you have attended one of Dr. Ehrman's other events, such as the "Did Jesus Call Himself God?" course, you should have received an additional discount code during the course or via email.

          Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

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

          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.