Analyses and criticism of Bultmann’s “Demythologizing” Theory

Rudolf Karl Bultmann (20 August 1884 – 30 July 1976) was a German Lutheran theologian and professor of New Testament. He was one of the major figures of early 20th century biblical studies and prominent person in liberal Christianity. Bultmann did not accept the historic and orthodox interpretation of biblical Christianity, which includes miracles such, such as the Incarnation, to cite one example of what he calls myth, Bultmann did accept myth as true statement of the way men may understand what it means to experience an authentic life. According to Bultmann, the myth is important, but in order for modern man to grasp its truth, such ancient though-forms must be demythologized. Bultmann argues that: “Demythologizing seeks to bring out the real intention of myth, namely, its intention to talk about human existence as grounded and limited by a transcendent unworldly power, which is not visible to objectified thinking.” Word and acts of God, existential understanding, proclamation and kerygma, history and eschatology, are the roots of this theory. Bultmann’s theory on myths such as: Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, sin, and baptism of the Holy Spirit and walk with the deeper meaning behind this veil is removed .Many of his contemporary theologians, like Karl Barth, criticized Bultmann’s theory, demythologizing. We can say that the importance of his theory is because of its relation with Holy Scripture.