The debate on demythologization between Karl Jaspers and Rudolf Bultmann: contemporary relevance

Abstract

This contribution aims to explore the issues surrounding the debate on demythologization that took place between Karl Jaspers and Rudolf Bultmann in the 1950s. This polemic remains rich with contemporary relevance, particularly concerning the relationship between faith, revelation, and reason.

Starting from the comparison between philosophical faith and revealed faith in Jaspers' perspective, and drawing on kantian and kierkegaardian influences as well as the concept of the Deus absconditus in his thought, this study delves into Jaspers' conception of transcendence.

Building on this foundation, the reflection shifts to the Jaspers-Bultmann debate, with a focus on the meaning of myth and the differing positions of the two thinkers regarding the possibility (Bultmann) or impossibility (Jaspers) of translating mythic content into conceptual or alternative language with reference to Scripture.