Kerygma and Myth by Rudolf Bultmann and Five Critics.

by Rudolf Karl Bultmann

Kerygma and Myth by Rudolf Bultmann and Five Critics. [Paperback]

Paperback

Published January 1, 1961

About the author

Rudolf Karl Bultmann (August 20, 1884, Wiefelstede – July 30, 1976, Marburg) was a German Lutheran theologian and professor of New Testament at the University of Marburg. He was one of the major figures of early 20th century biblical studies and a prominent voice in liberal Christianity.

Bultmann is known for his belief that the historical analysis of the New Testament is both futile and unnecessary, given that the earliest Christian literature showed little interest in specific locations.] Bultmann argued that all that matters is the "thatness", not the "whatness" of Jesus, i.e. only that Jesus existed, preached and died by crucifixion matters, not what happened throughout his life.

Bultmann relied on demythologization, an approach interpreting the mythological elements in the New Testament existentially. Bultmann contended that only faith in the kerygma, or proclamation, of the New Testament was necessary for Christian faith, not any particular facts regarding the historical Jesus.

Reviews

[Scott D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most intellectually provocative work on Christian theology that I have read in the past 20 years. A dense, difficult read but highly worth the effort.