Against Kerygma: Blumenberg's Critique of Rudolf Bultmann's Theology

Abstract

abstract: In St. Matthew Passion (1988) Hans Blumenberg singles out the theologian Rudolf Bultmann for harsh criticism. The polemic focusses on his reading of the passion narrative in the Gospel of Matthew. After presenting Bultmann's theological position, the present essay examines the evolution of Blumenberg's critique of Bultmann's theology. While the early criticism focuses on theological issues, in The Legitimacy of the Modern Age (1966) Blumenberg stresses the philosophical-historical aspect, while Work on Myth (1979) foregrounds the question of myth. In St. Matthew Passion theological problems move to the center again, turning Bultmann into the prime example of harmful theology.