Sentences

The Sentences: A Medieval Masterpiece in Christian Theology

Imagine a book that has been the cornerstone of theological education for centuries, shaping minds and guiding scholars through the complexities of faith. That’s The Sentences, written by Peter Lombard around 1150, which became the most important religious textbook of the Middle Ages.

Origins and Influences

But where did this monumental work come from? It emerged from earlier works like Prosper of Aquitaine’s Sententia and Isidore of Seville’s Sentenciae. Peter Lombard, a scholar with a keen mind, collected glosses from Church Fathers, weaving them into one coherent whole. His work was heavily influenced by John of Damascus’ The Source of Knowledge, among other theologians.

Challenges and Triumphs

Lombard faced significant challenges in organizing his material and reconciling differences among sources. He completed two phases, significantly revised them, and produced nearly 900 extant manuscripts. This made The Sentences a widely used reference work that relied heavily on Augustine’s works and Julian of Toledo’s eschatology.

Structure and Impact

Lombard arranged material from the Bible and Church Fathers into four books and chapters. Alexander of Hales grouped these into “distinctions” between 1223 and 1227, making The Sentences a standard textbook at medieval universities. A commentary on Lombard’s work was required for theology masters, and students could apply for bachelor status after lectures.

Criticism and Enduring Relevance

In 1170, Pope Alexander III criticized Lombard’s Christological Nihilinism. Despite this, the Sentences became the standard textbook of theology at medieval universities. It was commented upon by major thinkers such as Aquinas, Thomas, Bonaventure, and Luther. The work remained important until around the 16th century.

Modern Interest and Translations

The Sentences have had over 1,600 commentaries from 1947 to 2001. Modern English translations include Giulio Silano’s works on books 1-4, published between 2007-2010. Philipp W. Rosemann’s book, The Story of a Great Medieval Book: Peter Lombard’s ‘Sentences’, provides an in-depth look at this influential work.

Access and Resources

For those interested in exploring the Sentences further, there are numerous resources available. Manuscripts like the 1158 primary manuscript by Michael of Ireland can be found online. Transcriptions and commentaries on the work are also widely accessible.

The Sentences: A Timeless Text in Theological Education

From its origins to its enduring relevance, The Sentences has been a beacon of knowledge for centuries. It’s not just a book; it’s a journey through the complexities of faith and theology. As we continue to explore its depths, we find ourselves asking: What lessons can we still learn from this medieval masterpiece?