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I
(Arr “Hark the Herald Angels Sing)
Hark,
the herald angels sing:
"Bultmann
is the latest thing!"
(Or they would if he had not
Demythologized
the lot.)
Joyfull,
all ye nations, rise,
Glad
to existentialize!
Peace
on earth and mercy mild,
God
and Science reconciled.
Lo,
the ancient myths disperse,
Hence,
three-storied universe!
Let
three-decker pulpits stay:
Bultmann
has a lot to say,
Since
Kerygma still survives
When
the myths have lost their lives,
Hark,
the herald angels sing:
"Bultmann
shot us on the wing!"..
.
Let
us with a gladsome mind
Leave
the ancient world behind.
Modern
man, rejoice with us!
We
have read Copernicus.
While
the herald angels sing:
"Bultman
ist ein gutes Ding!"
We
respond in simple trust:
"Demythologize
or bust!"
(_Kerygma
and Myth: A Theological Debate_. By Rudolf Bultmann, Ernst Lohmeyer, Julius
Schniewind, Friedrich Schumann and Helmut Thielicke, with an appreciation by
Austin Farrar. SPCK, 1953. See also Bultmann's _Jesus Christ and Mythology_.)
II.
(Air: 'Good King Wenceslas')
Dr.
Bultmann ventured forth
Boldly
from his study,
When
the wind was in the north
And
the roads were muddy.
All
his thoughts were in a maze;
This
was not surprising.
He
had spent some weary days
Demythologizing.
"Hither,
pupil, strain they sight
If
thou canst, descrying
Yonder
folk who shove and fight—
What
can they be buying?"
"Sir,
'tis card with scraps of verse,
Pictured
with a fable:
Shepherds
and astrologers
Kneeling
in a stable." "
Bring
my writings, if you please,
In
the last editions.
Du
und ich we'll stifle these
Outworn
superstitions."
Sage
and pupil forth they go,
Braving
every stigma,
Shedding
myths like billy-o*,
Clinging
to kerygma.
"Sir,
my thoughts begin to stray
And
my faith grows bleaker.
Since
I threw my myths away
My
kerygma's weaker."
"Think
on Heidegger, my lad,
That
pellucid Teuton;
Than
you won't feel half so bad
When
they talk of Newton."
Existentially
he thought,
As
his master hinted.
All
the learned works he bought
Which
the sage had printed.
Therefore,
folk, when science sends
Doubts
and fears depressing,
Demythologize
your friends—
Then you'll win their blessing.