Ours is an ongoing quest – for meaning not cloaked in dogma, for truth not based on authority, and for religious scholarship free from biblical literalism and the academy.
What did it mean to say that Jesus was the Son of God in a time when the Roman Emperor alone was called Son of God? Who is the real Paul? What happened in the years after Jesus, but before Christianity? What does the Bible say about same-sex relationships? Were women leaders in the early Jesus movements?
At every level of membership in the Westar community, members gain insights into the Bible, early Christian texts, historical contexts, and theology.
How is this done?
Through non-dogmatic scholarly religious research that is shared in the public square. Starting with the Jesus Seminar, Westar has, for 35 years, advocated for religious literacy by bridging the gap between the scholarship of religion and popular culture.
Join our vibrant community!
Become a Westar Member
Associate
For members of the public who want first-hand access to scholarship and to help promote the Westar mission of religious literacy.
- Fourth R Magazine
- Discount on Polebridge Books
- Discounts on CDs and DVDs
- Discount on In-Person Events
- Replay of attended streamed events
- Invitation to special members-only events and discussions
Associate Plus
- Q&A conversations with scholars
- Access to the Westar Archive
Praxis
For clergy and other practitioners in religion (counselors, journalists, chaplains) who want to put scholarship into practice.
- Fourth R Magazine
- Discount on Polebridge Books
- Discounts on CDs and DVDs
- Discount on In-Person Events
- Replay of attended streamed events
- Monthly conversations about scholarship and issues in ministry
Praxis Plus
- Q&A conversations with scholars
- Access to the Westar Archive
Scholar
For qualified (Ph.D. or equivalent) researchers and teacher who participate in academic seminars and learning events.
- Fourth R and Forum Journal
- Discount on Polebridge Books
- Discounts on CDs and DVDs
- Discount on In-Person Events
- Replay of attended streamed events
- Participation in Westar Seminars and Research projects
Scholar Plus
- Q&A conversations
- Access to the Westar Archive