Rudolf Bultmann (1884-1976)

Major work

•          Jesus and the Word

•          “The New Testament and Mythology”

Importance

•          German New Testament scholar who tried to demythologize the New Testament

•          Known for existential interpretations of Scripture

•          Known for “form criticism” of gospels

•          Tried to free Christianity from historical scholarship

•          Reinterpreted the resurrection of the body

•          Said the Jesus of history holds little relevance for faith

•          Believed the kerygma of the early church is central to faith

•          Known for his distinction between historie and geschichte

•          Viewed himself as an ally with Barth against liberalism

•          Followed the insights of Heidegger on inauthentic and authentic existence