Rudolf Bultmann
Academic
1884 – 1976
Who was Rudolf Bultmann?
Rudolf Karl Bultmann 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's approach relied on his concept of demythology, and interpreted 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.
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- Born
- Aug 20, 1884
Wiefelstede - Also known as
- Rudolf Karl Bultmann
- Nationality
- Germany
- Education
- Philipps University of Marburg
- Died
- Jul 30, 1976
Marburg
Submitted
on July 23, 2013
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