Book to make your day by Rudolf Bultmann: 'Jesus and the Word' - Rethinking the New Testament through demythologization

Rudolf Bultmann was a German theologian and biblical scholar best known for his influence on modern Christian theology. Born in 1884, he focused on studying the New Testament using historical and critical methods. Bultmann believed that the Bible should be understood in the context of the time in which it was written. He is especially known for his idea of 'demythologizing', which aimed to explain biblical stories in a way that made sense to modern readers without rejecting their spiritual meaning.

During the Nazi period, he actively participated in the strong resistance organized by the churches. After the war, he spent considerable time lecturing throughout Europe and the United States. According to Religion Online, the book was published by Charles Scribner’s Sons in New York in 1934 and 1958 and was originally released in Germany in 1926.

Summary of the book - Jesus and the Word


Jesus and the Word by Rudolf Bultmann explains the message of Jesus and why it matters for faith. Bultmann focuses on what Jesus preached rather than on detailed historical events. He says Jesus’ main message was about God’s kingdom, personal choice, and trusting God. According to Bultmann, faith is not just believing facts but making a personal decision to follow God’s call. The book also explains how the early Christian message grew from Jesus’ teachings. Bultmann encourages readers to understand the Bible in a way that speaks to modern life, without depending only on miracles or ancient ideas. Overall, the book teaches that the heart of Christianity is responding to God’s word through faith, responsibility, and a changed way of living.

Bultmann taught that faith should focus on the message of Jesus rather than on supernatural details. He also emphasized personal decision and commitment in believing the gospel. Although his ideas were controversial, they had a major impact on biblical studies and theology. Bultmann’s work continues to shape discussions about faith, history, and the meaning of Scripture today. After his death in 1976, Bultmann’s approach to the New Testament faced growing criticism, leading many modern scholars to move beyond and revise his theories.