Professor Anthony Bash

Professor Anthony Bash studied law at Bristol University and went on to practise law as a solicitor. He later studied theology at Glasgow University. His doctorate in theology is from Cambridge University and was under the supervision of Professor Morna D. Hooker.

Anthony’s basic specialism is New Testament biblical studies, and Paul in particular. In recent years, he developed an interest in ethics and in the nature of spirituality. He is also interested in reading the New Testament in an interdisciplinary way, both learning from and seeking to contribute to other disciplines.

Anthony’s doctorate (published in 1997) explored what the writers of the New Testament mean by ‘ambassadors’ and ‘reconciliation’, and to help do this he looked at Graeco-Roman literary and epigraphic records.

Later on, he wrote about canon law and about spirituality in the twenty-first century in the context of secular institutions, such as the NHS. Anthony has also attempted to read and interpret the New Testament drawing on models from psychological theory.

In recent years, he has been engaged in research on what is meant by remorse, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This has involved a rigorous exploration of biblical texts in the light of political science, legal theory, anthropology, philosophy, studies on the nature of emotions, and psychological theory. Anthony has written about the theology of forgiveness, the spirituality of forgiveness, and forgiveness as a Christian ethic.  He has also written an interdisciplinary book on remorse, showing its importance in the context of repentance, regret, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Currently, Anthony teaches a masters module entitled ‘Forgiveness in Pastoral Ministry Today’, and he formerly taught undergraduate courses on the New Testament at Durham University.  He also taught a module for the Durham Global Security Institute (DGSi) entitled ‘Religion, Culture, and Conflict’ and formerly taught Business Law for Durham Business School.’

Anthony Bash can be contacted at anthony.bash@durham.ac.uk

To find out more about Anthony Bash’s academic work and publications, visit Professor Anthony Bash – Durham University.