Abstract:
This article aims to contribute to the
understanding of the views of Barth and Bultmann on the interpretation of Jesus’ resurrection.
It deliberately steers away from the abundance of secondary material available on the subject
and focuses on the relevant primary sources with the result that the differences between the
two authors come sharp into focus. The fundamental difference between Barth and Bultmann
is not that Barth believes that Jesus has truly risen from the grave, but that Bultmann does
not believe it. The hermeneutical question about the presence of Jesus Christ, the risen Lord
and his work of salvation is the central issue of Christology for both theologians, but this is
also the point on which they differ radically from each other. The Auseinandersetzung between
Barth and Bultmann indicates how ongoing and intensive theological discourse can benefit the
proclamation of the gospel and the church.
