Rudolf Bultmann

Rudolf Bultmann

Rudolf Karl Bultmann (20 August 1884 – 30 July 1976) was a German Lutheran theologian and New Testament scholar who was one of the major figures of 20th century biblical studies and a prominent voice in liberal Christianity. Bultmann was for three decades professor of New Testament Studies at the University of Marburg. He is perhaps most well known for his concept of demythology, which called for theologians to interpret 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. He was also a friend and colleague of the influential philosopher Martin Heidegger, who had a profound influence on Bultmann's work.