Myth, History, and the Resurrection in German Protestant Theology

In this review of Myth, History, and the Resurrection in German Protestant Theology the bottom line is clear: scholars and serious students of modern Christian theology will find a careful, historically grounded engagement with how German Protestant thinkers have treated the resurrection. Brent A. R. Hege traces discussions from Reimarus and Strauss to figures such as Rudolf Bultmann, Eberhard Jungel, and Ingolf Ulrich Dalferth, making this book a focused resource for anyone wanting a sustained treatment of the contested relation between myth and history in the Christian confession of the risen Christ.

Key Features

• Historical scope: The book maps major German Protestant responses from the Enlightenment era to contemporary theology, allowing readers to see long-term developments.
• Focused analysis of Bultmann: A sustained central discussion of Rudolf Bultmann helps clarify why his work remains pivotal for debates about the resurrection.
• Comparative trajectories: By treating figures like Reimarus, Strauss, Jungel, and Dalferth together, the volume highlights contrasting approaches to scripture and historicity.
• Theological context: Hege frames debates so readers can appreciate how the resurrection functions as both a confessional claim and a scholarly problem.
• Resource for study: Useful for seminar courses or individual study where the interplay of myth, history, and theology is central to curriculum or research.

Who It's For

This volume is best suited to theology students, pastors with a scholarly bent, and academics who need a concentrated account of German Protestant engagement with the resurrection. Readers who already have basic familiarity with figures like Bultmann will gain the most from the comparative narrative and interpretive judgments offered.

Those seeking a general introduction to Christian doctrine without deep historical-theological detail, or readers looking for devotional reflection rather than scholarly debate, should look elsewhere; this is an academic study rather than a popular primer.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive historical tracing gives a clear sense of continuity and change in German Protestant thought.
• Concentrated treatment of Bultmann provides valuable clarity on a complex and influential theologian.
• Comparative orientation helps readers weigh alternative theological responses to the resurrection.

Cons

• Scholarly focus means the book is not aimed at casual or devotional readers who want accessible summaries.

Specifications

Title	Myth, History, and the Resurrection in German Protestant Theology
Author	Brent A. R. Hege
Primary subjects	Myth, history, resurrection, German Protestant theology
Key figures discussed	Reimarus, Strauss, Rudolf Bultmann, Eberhard Jungel, Ingolf Ulrich Dalferth
Intended audience	Theology students, scholars, informed pastors

Our Verdict

Hege's study is a valuable, well-focused resource for anyone engaging the contested relationship between myth and history in modern Protestant theology; it repays careful reading and is good value for students and scholars seeking depth rather than popular summary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book focus mainly on a single theologian?
The work centers on Rudolf Bultmann as a pivotal figure but situates him within a broader historical trajectory that includes Reimarus, Strauss, Jungel, and Dalferth.

Is this suitable for beginners?
It presumes some familiarity with theological discussion and is best for readers with prior exposure to modern Protestant theology rather than complete beginners.

Will I find pastoral or devotional material here?
No; the book is an academic treatment of theological controversy and historiography rather than a devotional guide.