Forgiveness: A Theology (Cascade Companions)

by Anthony Bash

Publisher:

Cascade

, 2015

Overview

Many endorse the idea of personal forgiveness without fully understanding its complexity and subtlety. This book is a careful and detailed theological exploration of personal forgiveness. It sets forgiveness in its ancient and biblical context, as well as drawing on contemporary debates among philosophers, psychological therapists, and international relations theorists. Forgiveness is written in a clear, accessible style for both the specialist and the non-specialist, and even the most difficult issues are clearly explained and their significance explored. Anthony Bash seeks to restore forgiveness to the center of Christian doctrine and practice, and to defend its place in personal and public life.

Key Features

• Provides a detailed theological exploration of personal forgiveness
• Sets forgiveness in its ancient and biblical context
• Defends forgiveness’ place in personal and public life

Contents

• Forgiveness and Hermeneutics
• The Discovery of Forgiveness
• Forgiveness: Language, Models, and Metaphors
• Living the Metaphors of Forgiveness
• What Happens when People Forgive?
• Contemporary Forgiveness
• Reconciliation, Restoration, and Forgiveness
• Who Can—and May—Forgive Whom?
• Paul and Forgiveness
• Forgiveness in the Gospel of Mark
• Forgiveness in Luke-Acts
• Forgiveness in the Gospel of Matthew
• Forgiveness in the Later Christian Scriptures
• Forgiveness and Justice
• Modern-Day Forgiveness

Top Highlights

“Jesus did not forgive those who were putting him to death, but prayed that God would not hold their sin against them.” (Page 43)

“Luke’s theology of forgiveness is different from Matthew’s, and Matthew’s different from Mark’s. Each Gospel can be read on its own as a discrete work of theology, and, as we shall see clearly later in this book, a careful comparison of one Gospel with another will reveal significant differences of emphasis, approach, and understanding when it comes to forgiveness.” (Page 7)

“the idea of doing a gracious act of kindness, when perhaps the opposite is due, and of giving someone a gift.” (Pages 27–28)

“by his words Jesus modeled an extraordinary measure of love, mercy, and prayerfulness for his enemies” (Page 43)

“they did not know or understand fully the implications of their actions.” (Page 43)

Praise for the Print Edition

Those already familiar with Bash’s earlier books and articles know that he has done more than others to deepen and enrich our understanding of forgiveness in Christian ethics and pastoral theology. . . In this new book he extends this exploration into more distinctly theological territory. The result is deeply impressive and thought-provoking.

—Robin Gill, emeritus professor of applied theology, University of Kent

For too long theologians have failed to give the subject of interpersonal forgiveness sustained or rigorous attention. . . . In Forgiveness, Bash offers the fruits of his determined and diligent study in a succinct and accessible form. This short book should have a big impact on the many who now recognize that it is important to know what the Bible says about forgiveness between people.

—Stephen Cherry, dean, King’s College, Cambridge

Bash’s book goes beyond the sentimental cliches and platitudes that often count as Christian comments on forgiveness and has provided us with a serious study that draws on important work in philosophy and theology and also involves illuminating discussions of scripture. It advances the conversation on the topic of forgiveness and will be valuable reading for Christians and non-Christians as well.

—Jeffrie Murphy, Regent’s Professor of Law and Philosophy, Arizona State University

This is a rigorous yet highly readable study of the Christian theology of forgiveness which throws light into many previously under-explored corners. It should appeal greatly to teachers and students of theology and philosophy, and also to the general reader who wishes to know more in depth about the theory and practice of Christian forgiveness.

—Geoffrey Scarre, professor of philosophy, Durham University

Forgiveness is a complex business—both in practice and in concept. Anthony Bash guides us skillfully through these complexities and put his expertise in the New Testament to particularly good effect. This is a very welcome and highly accessible analysis of a hotly debated topic.

—John Barclay, Lightfoot Professor of Divinity, Durham University

Product Details

• Title: Forgiveness: A Theology
• Author: Anthony Bash
• Series: Cascade Companions
• Volume: 19
• Publisher: Cascade
• Print Publication Date: 2015
• Logos Release Date: 2016
• Pages: 168
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Forgiveness
• ISBNs: 9781498201483, 9781498201490, 1498201482, 1498201490
• Resource ID: LLS:CASCADEFORGIVENESS
• Resource Type: text.monograph.study-guide
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T22:30:16Z

About Anthony Bash

Anthony Bash teaches New Testament at Durham University. He is also Vice-Master of Hatfield College, Durham University. Anthony is author of Forgiveness and Christian Ethics (2007) and Just Forgiveness (2011).