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.
