Rudolf Bultmann

Morris Ashcraft provides a a brief biographical sketch and a reliable guide to Rudolf Bultmann’s system of thought and his continuing theological influence. It is part of the classic Makers of the Modern Theological Mind series, recently made available again with new paperback cover designs.

How can modern scientific humanity understand the strange religious language of the Bible? This is one of the questions Rudolf Bultmann (1884–1976) spent his life answering. As a devout Lutheran committed to the Christian faith, Bultmann’s concern was how to make Christianity intelligible in the twentieth century. His concept of demythologizing was part of his lifelong attempt to help people “hear” the Christian gospel and respond to it authentically. All of this originated out of a genuine pastoral concern to highlight the nature of New Testament faith. As Morris Ashcraft writes, “He stands alongside Karl Barth as a man who changed the direction of theology significantly and perhaps permanently.”

In this book, along with a brief biographical sketch, Morris Ashcraft provides a concise and reliable guide to Bultmann’s system of thought and his continuing influence.

The Makers of the Modern Theological Mind series remains a must-read for anyone eager to understand these theologians and their impact on today’s church.