The three "questions" in the study of historical Jesus and the role of Rudolf Bultmann

Abstract

This study critically analyses the three Quests for the Historical Jesus and the contribution of Rudolf Bultmann therein, in the light of the developments of NT criticism, especially on the part of Richard Bauckham and Pope Benedict XVI. A bibliography of Bultmann is also provided, as well as critically discussed literature. This article is the first of a series of six, which all revolve around the question of the historical Jesus:

1. – The Three “Quests” in the Study of the Historical Jesus and the Role of Rudolf Bultmann

2. – The Historical Jesus: The Pagan Sources and the First Reception of Gospel Narratives in Pagan Literature

3. – The Synoptic Question, the Theory of the Two Sources, and Alternative Theories. An Analysis of the Most Ancient Testimonies on the Composition of the Synoptic Gospels

4. – The Gospels Between Judaism and Christianity: The Question of the “Parting of the Ways”

5. – The Synoptic Gospels and the Messianic Nature of Jesus: The Messiah of Israel and the Greek Sophos

6. – Qumrân in Relation to the New Testament and the Historical-Cultural Environment of Jesus and the Gospels