Kerygma and History in the Theology of Rudolf Karl Bultmann: A Biblical-Theological Study

 Abstract — Kerygma and history in the theology of Rudolf Karl Bultmann is one of the controversial issues in the Biblical-theological study. The topic has received divergent opinions from Biblical-theological scholars. Some scholars portrayed ‘’kerygma’’ as the proclamation or preaching of the cross. The questions motivated by this study is that, how does Scripture be demythologized? What is the right presupposition method employed to interpret the Scripture and shape the theological ideas? What does the Greek word ‘’kerygma’’ imply? How does Rudolf Bultmann’s kerygma contribute to Christian theology? The paper will educate and inform the readers that Demythologization is the hermeneutical method which focuses on the Biblical texts to remove mysteries to get sound theological teachings. The Greek kerygma is originated from the ancient Greek word ‘keruyma which implies proclamation or preaching of the gospel. Rudolf Bultmann contributed positively to Christian theology in demythologized and dialectical methods.