Virtuoso Theology
The Bible and Interpretation
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
Thoroughly engaging and full of insight, 'Virtuoso Theology' examines the Bible and biblical criticism in a startlingly illuminating way. Frances Young sees the Bible as a divine composition, a piece of music accessible to varying interpretations. From that premise she is able to compare the various performances" involved in the church's understanding of Scripture.
From the formation of the historical canon to modern biblical criticism, various approaches to the Bible have served different purposes. As in a musical interpretation of a score, these approaches are not necessarily correct or incorrect, but taken together, they strive to bring Scripture to life - from the question of textual authenticity to the experience of transcendent truth. As in an orchestra, diverse instruments merge to create something larger than the sum of their individual parts, enabling us to hear a more complete biblical message.
An astutely appreciative approach to the contributions of biblical criticism by a leading church historian.
Frances Young is Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology at the University of Birmingham, England. She is the author of several books, including 'Can These Dry Bones Live?', 'From Nicea to Chalcedon', and 'Face to Face'.
"This book moves in some very important directions and...scores many original points in the current debate over the history of biblical interpretation and its implications for contemporary theological use of Scripture.... It's implications cross all the disciplines of biblical and theological study."
Gerald Sheppard, Emmanuel College, University of Chicago
"Frances Young's book offers entirely new insights into the purpose and meaning of Scripture.... Should be essential reading in any booklists concerned with the creative tension in the academic and pastoral use of the Bible."
'Theological Book Review '(Great Britain)
"This is a magnificent book; highly creative, written from within a perspective of faith and with total integrity.... Frances Young has given us a book so rich and stimulating that any brief summary of it hardly begins to do justice to her alert and positive treatment of these complex issues. It deserves to be widely read and pondered."
'Worship and Preaching'
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