Overview
Demythologization is a critical hermeneutic approach that seeks to strip away the mythological elements—cosmological narratives, supernatural events, and divine interventions—from religious texts to uncover their underlying existential, ethical, and theological meanings. Pioneered by theologians like [[rudolf-karl-bultmann|Rudolf Bultmann]] in the mid-20th century, the method argues that ancient cosmologies are no longer credible for modern audiences and obscure the true message of faith. By translating the 'myth' into existential concepts, proponents aim to make religious teachings relevant and accessible, focusing on human existence, freedom, and responsibility rather than literal historical or supernatural claims. This process has sparked intense debate, with critics arguing it strips religion of its divine essence and historical grounding, while supporters see it as a necessary reinterpretation for contemporary understanding.