Pursuing Truth, Beauty, and Goodness through Great Literature
Join Bruce Etter for discussions and
teaching on books, history, theology, and more.
Get the education you wish you had.
Parents: you’ve been telling me for YEARS that you want to read and discuss these books. This is your chance!
As a member of the Alyosha Society, you’ll learn to interact with great works of literature in a meaningful way - no matter your education or experience.
This isn’t your high school English class. This is the education you wish you had.
Each week, we tackle questions like:
How can we learn how to read a book for maximum enrichment and enjoyment?
What do you need to know before diving into this book?
How much can we learn about one single author and his/her work?
How does the worldview of the author impact how we view the world around us?
How does this work line up with biblical truth?
My goal is to come alongside folks like you who may not have received a classical education, and assist you in your pursuit of truth, beauty and goodness as we study great books together.
Join for just $40/mo.
More than just books.
Literature. Philosophy. Murder. Scandal. Debate. Discussion. (And Tea).
Weekly Book Club
Discussion Boards
What is the Alyosha Society?
Bruce shares what the Alyosha Society is, who it’s for, what to expect, and everything else you need to know to join the society!
“Being a member of the Alyosha Society has enriched my life immensely. As a mom of two small children, I don't have a lot of time for myself, so it’s not easy to regularly fulfill my intellectual needs. Bruce has given me a beautiful and unique opportunity to be thoughtfully guided through a book, critique that book from a Christian viewpoint, and have stimulating conversations with like-minded adults, all from the comfort of my own home. The Alyosha Society has been such a blessing to me and I treasure every moment of it. Thank you, Bruce!”
- Brynne
FAQs
When will we meet?
Each group meets on Zoom once a week from 8 - 9:30pm EST. When you sign up, you’ll be free to choose between Tuesday evenings or Thursday evenings.
When does it start?
Though our book studies last 6-24 weeks, you’re welcome to join in any time!
Who is the Alyosha Society for?
The Alyosha Society is for anyone who desires to learn about philosophy, history, and worldview through the lens of great authors. If you’re looking to pursue truth, beauty, and goodness through literature, you’ve come to the right place.
How much does it cost?
Join the Alyosha Society for just $1 for your first month, then $40/mo. Your membership includes exclusive access to all future studies.
Are the books included?
No, books are not included in your subscription. Visit the Society Bookstore to purchase your books
Do you have a statement of faith?
I am an elder at Wheatland Presbyterian Church, PCA. The tenets of my faith mostly line up with the Apostle’s Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Westminster Confession of Faith.
“Bruce taught all three of my children in multiple Great Books classes. To say he has had an impact on our family would be a vast understatement! He has been a significant force in the shaping of my children, and we are all the better for it.”
— Anne
“As adults who bring seasoned lives to the 'classroom', we are consistently blessed by Bruce's faithful, wise, and engaging instruction”
— Tess & Jeff
“Bruce Etter is the epitome of what a teacher should be. Devotion to God, passion for reading, love for his students, and enthusiasm in imparting knowledge and wisdom in his classroom define him as an educator.”
— Karen
Blog
“Bruce Etter has influenced our family for generations. Each of our 3 children (now grown) say he shaped their education and overall worldview training in positive, life-changing ways. When our kids were in his class discussions, I always found myself listening in and learning with them. Bruce is knowledgeable, thoughtful, wise, and engaging.
At one point my daughter was lamenting other teachers not living up to the quality of Mr. Etter's teaching and our son suggested she reset the bar for all future teachers or be perpetually disappointed as no other teacher would ever meet the bar set by Bruce. The fact that he is now offering book discussions for adults has our whole family excited for more learning with Mr. Etter.”
— Karen
Why Alyosha?
In his magnum opus, The Brothers Karamazov, Fyodor Dostoevsky introduces the reader to several characters whose words and actions represent particular worldviews. Ivan wrestles with atheism, as he cannot fathom that there could be a good God in light of such evil in the world. Dmitri struggles with hedonism as he seeks to bridle his passions. Their younger brother, Alyosha, carefully considers the teachings of his mentor, Father Zosima, and chooses the road less traveled, the road of faith and incarnation.
The Alyosha Society is a group of curious bibliophiles who seek to hear the counsel of the many Zosimas of the past.
Our goal is to consider what the great minds have pondered through the art of literature and philosophy and discuss how we might be faithful disciples of the true and living God.
Each of our initiatives align with our core commitment to hearing other perspectives and holding to our own with conviction, just like Alyosha in BK, who heard his brothers out, loved them, and lived out his own faith with firm conviction.
“Don’t think about it - just sign up for this class. You don’t want to miss the energy, fun and education that you will receive from Bruce Etter!”
— Alison