具体描述
Rudolf Bultmann: A Life of Radical Interpretation Rudolf Bultmann stands as one of the most influential and controversial theologians of the twentieth century. His work, deeply rooted in the intellectual currents of his time, sought to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the New Testament and the existential concerns of modern humanity. This biography explores the formative experiences, intellectual encounters, and the profound theological journey that shaped Bultmann into a figure whose ideas continue to provoke discussion and shape theological discourse. Born in Württemberg, Germany, in 1884, Bultmann’s early life was steeped in the Lutheran tradition. His father, Arthur Bultmann, was a pastor, and the young Rudolf grew up in a religious environment that would both provide the bedrock for his later theological explorations and become the subject of his rigorous critique. He pursued his university studies in theology at Tübingen, Berlin, and Marburg, encountering prominent scholars who would leave an indelible mark on his thinking. Among these were Albert Schweitzer, whose historical Jesus studies Bultmann deeply admired, and Wilhelm Bousset, a leading figure in the history of religions school, which emphasized the broader Hellenistic context of early Christianity. A pivotal moment in Bultmann’s intellectual development was his encounter with the philosophy of Martin Heidegger, particularly Heidegger’s groundbreaking work Being and Time. Bultmann saw in Heidegger’s existential analysis of human existence—the concepts of “being-in-the-world,” “anxiety,” and “authenticity”—a powerful interpretive tool for understanding the kerygma, the core proclamation of the New Testament. He believed that Heidegger’s philosophy offered a way to translate the seemingly alien language and concepts of the first century into terms that resonated with the existential realities of modern individuals. This encounter with existentialism led to Bultmann’s most significant and contentious project: demythologization. Bultmann argued that the New Testament was saturated with mythological language and worldview – concepts such as the pre-existence of Christ, the virgin birth, miracles, the ascension, and the resurrection – which were incomprehensible to modern scientific and historical consciousness. He did not seek to eliminate these stories but to uncover the underlying existential truths they conveyed. For Bultmann, the “myth” was not simply a primitive understanding of the world, but a way of expressing fundamental aspects of human existence and the divine encounter. The goal of demythologization was not to strip Christianity of its meaning, but to re-present its core message—the kerygma—in existential terms. He proposed that the New Testament narratives, when understood through the lens of existentialism, spoke to the human condition of fallenness, decision, and the possibility of new being through faith in God’s grace. For instance, the resurrection, for Bultmann, was not a literal event of Jesus’ body returning to life, but the proclamation that God has acted decisively in Christ, offering humanity the possibility of a new existence. This interpretation, understandably, sparked immense debate and criticism from both conservative and liberal theologians, who accused him of undermining the historical foundations of Christianity and of philosophical imperialism in theology. Bultmann’s theological work extended beyond demythologization. His monumental work, Theology of the New Testament, remains a cornerstone of biblical theology. In it, he systematically expounded the theological concepts found in the New Testament, interpreting them through his existential framework. He emphasized the radical demands of Jesus’ teaching, the paradoxical nature of faith, and the transformative power of God’s Word. His exegetical methods, deeply informed by form criticism and redaction criticism, sought to understand the meaning of biblical texts within their historical and literary contexts. His scholarly career was spent largely at the University of Marburg, where he taught from 1921 until his retirement. During his tenure, he mentored a generation of theologians who would carry his ideas forward, some embracing them enthusiastically, others modifying them, and still others rejecting them. His influence was not confined to Germany; his writings were translated into numerous languages and engaged by theologians and philosophers across the globe, including figures like John Macquarrie, Langdon Gilkey, and Gerhard Ebeling. Beyond his academic contributions, Bultmann was a man of conviction. He was an active opponent of the Nazi regime, joining the Confessing Church and signing the Bethel Confession, which condemned Nazi ideology and its interference in church affairs. His courage in the face of political oppression underscored the depth of his commitment to his faith and his intellectual integrity. Rudolf Bultmann's legacy is complex and enduring. He forced theology to confront the challenges of modernity, to grapple with the relationship between faith and reason, and to rethink the language through which Christian beliefs are articulated. While his demythologization project remains a subject of intense discussion and revision, its impact on biblical studies and systematic theology is undeniable. This biography aims to illuminate the life and thought of this pivotal figure, tracing his intellectual journey from his early theological formation to his radical reinterpretation of the Christian message, and offering a comprehensive understanding of his profound and lasting contribution to theological thought.
