Bringing the Word to Life

Thomas E. Boomershine -- founder of Network of Biblical Storytellers "This is a superbly written and readily accessible introduction to the new framework for the Bible as performance literature. David Trobisch and Richard Ward integrate a comprehensive description of ancient performance of the Bible with clear guidance for the performance of the Bible in the modern world. . . . An ideal required book for college and seminary courses, a great text for study groups in local churches, and a valuable resource for pastors and scholars." Charles L. Bartow -- Princeton Theological Seminary "Bringing the Word to Life is a singularly valuable study of performance as criticism. . . . Ward and Trobisch commend to us a reception of the Holy Scriptures as living literature that moves the human heart to tears and laughter, empathy and compassion, and, not least, faith. Further, they encourage recapture of the nearly lost art of memorization. Scholarly, readable, usable!" David Rhoads -- Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago "The book many of us teachers have been waiting for! This dynamic little volume succeeds in overcoming the eclipse of biblical orality and captures an imaginative rethinking of the New Testament writings as performance. . . . Informative for scholars. Essential for teachers and students. Foundational for preachers and worship leaders." Susan R. Garrett -- Louisville Presbyterian Seminary "Scripture comes to life and lives change when Richard Ward and David Trobisch perform it. Here they teach others to bring God's word to people in a way that rivets and regenerates speaker and hearers alike. Under their guidance both the performance and the process of preparation serve to convey Scripture's power. . . . An awesome resource for worship, preaching, and biblical exegesis in church, college, or seminary settings." Worship Leader "For most people in the first and second centuries the Scriptures were delivered through performance. Richard Ward and David Trobisch trace the early history and methods of Biblical storytelling and provide guidelines and pointers to revive the practice today. They cover the components of a good story, memorization tips and practical approaches for live performance."