Bultmann, Rudolf

Rudolf Bultmann (1884–1976) was a German theologian renowned for his work in biblical studies and existentialist philosophy. He is best known for "demythologizing" the New Testament—interpreting its supernatural stories as symbolic of deeper spiritual truths about human existence. Bultmann believed that to understand Christianity today, one must move beyond literal readings of ancient myths and focus on the underlying existential messages about faith, authenticity, and personal meaning. His approach aimed to make biblical teachings relevant to modern individuals by emphasizing existential experience over historical or literal accuracy.