Rudolf Bultmann – Evangelie en geloof

Abstract

Although the name Rudolf Bultmann is well known in South African ecclesiastical circles, many South Africans distrust his theology because of prejudice and the suspicion that it is not faithful to scripture. A synopsis of Bultmann’s own theological description of faith is presented here with the focus on its historical development and with the aim in mind to serve as an apology for a better understanding of his point of view within the context of his life as a confessing Lutheran. The essay ends with a concise critical evaluation of Bultmann’s understanding of Christian faith pointing out its continual value for the current theological debate on the meaning of faith, as well as some minor conditional reservations on his arguments.