This paper deals with the issue of the significance of our understanding of history for the Christian faith. The question Ladd deals with is whether there is a dimension of factual historical reality which lies outside of history. Ladd argues that there is such a sphere, which can be designated "Geschichte," for "Historie" he understands by definition to be secular, unbelieving history.

In the early 1960s Rudolf Bultmann was arguably the most influential theologian in Germany. It is imperative to attempt to understand Bultmann's theology. This paper is such an attempt. It focuses on understanding the paradox at the heart of Bultmann's theology, i.e., the place where God acts is in the sphere of human existence. How should we understand this language of the "act of God"?