Petter LombardusThe Sentences
ISSN : 2496-7300
Petter LombardusThe SentencesPresentation
The Sentences of Peter Lombard (12th century) are like the lungs of the Middle Ages. Through this work— which, for several centuries (13th–16th centuries), served as the theology manual that all future theologians had to comment on in order to obtain the degree of master in medieval universities — theology was indeed able to inhale the air of the Church Fathers and exhale the air of its Doctors. It is this spiritual breath that this site seeks to gather and offer to our readers and internet users.
The Four Books of the Sentences and the Commentaries on the Sentences
I. The Sentences : Written in the mid-12th century, the Sentences became—following the recommendation of the Fourth Lateran Council (1215)—the foundational theology manual of European universities from the 13th to the 16th century, and even into the 17th century in Spain. This illustrates their importance. The greatest minds of the period—Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure, Duns Scotus, etc.—were required to study this text, since producing a “Commentary on the Sentences” was necessary to obtain the title of master and to hold a chair in theology.
- Book I presents Trinitarian doctrine.
- Book II deals with creation, grace, and sin.
- Book III expounds Christology and addresses virtues, commandments, and gifts.
- Book IV presents the theology of the sacraments and the last things.
Its teaching is grounded in Augustinian theology, around which are gathered the Fathers (Ambrose, Jerome, Hilary, etc.) and the masters (Hugh of Saint-Victor, Peter Abelard, Gilbert of Poitiers, etc.); Eastern theology is represented mainly by The Orthodox Faith of John of Damascus.
More than 50 authors and over 200 different works can be identified within it. This shows the vast theological and patristic culture of the work.
Moreover, Lombard’s work represents a defining moment in the history of thought. Its method of questioning, its style, and its content largely shaped the foundations and methods of intellectual debate in Europe for three centuries. Luther’s Commentary (1509–1511) can be seen as one of the last major witnesses to its influence in theological history, alongside Spanish commentaries that continued into the 17th century.
II. The Commentaries on the Sentences : There are more than 1,400 recorded commentaries. Few have been published, though these are likely the most important.
Through these commentaries—and beyond Lombard himself—especially thanks to translations of Greek, Jewish, and Arabic philosophers, we trace a lineage reaching back, for example through Thomas Aquinas’s theological use of Aristotle, to the 4th century BCE.
This further expands the importance of these collections for the history of thought—not only theology, but Western civilization as a whole.
III. Conclusion : No medievalist can ignore the Sentences and their commentaries. Indeed, any author of significance was required to comment on the Sentences to obtain the title of master.
Therefore, any scholarly study must take into account that author’s commentary—at least as a work of youth—and examine whether or not their thought evolved from this first work, regardless of the subject being studied.
This site therefore concerns the entire field of medieval studies.
The Connections We Seek to Establish
Since the aim of this site is to capture and convey the spirit—the spiritual breath—that guided the creation and writing of these works, we address the minds of our readers.
Some are Christians, others are not. Levels of expertise vary. Taking this diversity into account, we address each and every one.
I. The Spirit of Faith
This site speaks to the spirit of faith. These texts are Christian and belong to a period rich in theological production.
Most Christians wish to read them to deepen their faith, but Latin—the original language of these texts—often appears as an insurmountable obstacle.
This site therefore commits to translating these texts progressively to make them accessible to as many people as possible.
II. The Spirit of Scholarship
This site also addresses researchers. The group of scholars who have been working for several years on the Sentences and their commentaries—and who initiated this site—intend to publish these texts while incorporating current research.
We offer a new presentation of these texts, unifying various editions while stripping away historical accretions. Since digital tools allow constant updating, the site will evolve alongside advances in knowledge.
Moreover, research should benefit from the connection between digital hypertext and medieval intertextuality highlighted by this site.
Hypertext not only facilitates reading and discovery of medieval intertextuality, but also helps us better understand how medieval memory functioned:
- Why is one quotation associated with another to form a theological argument?
- Why are certain works combined to produce a culture and define medieval anthropology?
We invite researchers to join us.
Finally, the critical apparatus developed here for these texts can be immediately reused by researchers for their own work and for future editions of medieval texts.
III. The Spirit of Teaching
This site addresses teachers. The texts made available are intended to support their courses, enabling a more practical form of teaching.
For example, they allow one to trace the evolution of a quotation across multiple authors and centuries.
We encourage teachers to develop this practical approach to teaching. We remain at their disposal.
IV. The Spirit of Wisdom
This site addresses students. It offers them multiple entry points into the medieval world:
- its theological doctrines
- the specificities of different masters
- debates among major intellectual figures
- forms of teaching
- and its cultural anthropology