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The Sentences #1
The Sentences Book 1: The Mystery of the Trinity
This volume makes available for the first time in English full translations of Book 1 of Peter Lombard's "Sentences," the work that would win the greatest teacher of the twelfth century a place in Dante's Paradise and would continue to excite generations of students well beyond the Middle Ages.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1150
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 21, 2025
The first hurdle I faced while reading this was understanding the way Lombard writes and expresses concepts. It’s very scholastic, and I’ve never gone in-depth into a book from the era.
By distinction 10 I got the hang of it, and found the method refreshing. But that didn’t dismiss the second hurdle.
Sentences is primarily a compendium of writings from early church fathers. (With some biblical verses sprinkled in to soothe the angst that bubbles up in us petty sola scriptura reformers)
A majority of the topics covered in Volume 1 are ones I’ve never thought deeply on before. The distinctions, questions, objections, and responses that Lombard lays out through this marvelous book have dramatically reshaped and refocused my understanding of God’s substance and attributes. (Or, for my Greek brothers reading along, His essence and attributes)
The subject matter covered in this first volume —The Trinity— is very well laid out. Lombard walks the reader through fundamentals and then effortlessly flows through such a deep and varied array of concepts. I’m actually excited to now have it on my self and I look forward to returning to it again and again for answers and explanations. I’m also excited to begin Volume 2 now that I feel comfortable, and even comforted, in understanding Lombards methods of explanation and exploration!
By distinction 10 I got the hang of it, and found the method refreshing. But that didn’t dismiss the second hurdle.
Sentences is primarily a compendium of writings from early church fathers. (With some biblical verses sprinkled in to soothe the angst that bubbles up in us petty sola scriptura reformers)
A majority of the topics covered in Volume 1 are ones I’ve never thought deeply on before. The distinctions, questions, objections, and responses that Lombard lays out through this marvelous book have dramatically reshaped and refocused my understanding of God’s substance and attributes. (Or, for my Greek brothers reading along, His essence and attributes)
The subject matter covered in this first volume —The Trinity— is very well laid out. Lombard walks the reader through fundamentals and then effortlessly flows through such a deep and varied array of concepts. I’m actually excited to now have it on my self and I look forward to returning to it again and again for answers and explanations. I’m also excited to begin Volume 2 now that I feel comfortable, and even comforted, in understanding Lombards methods of explanation and exploration!
December 2, 2010
This is the first of four books written by Master Peter Lombard (c. 1095/1100 - c. 1162 AD) known as the Sentences. Each book concerns a different major focus of discussion: The first book, the doctrine of God; the second, creation; the third, Christology; and the fourth, the sacraments and last things. Now, each book will discuss more than simply the topics above; e.g., the second book, in dealing with creation, addresses not only the creation account of Genesis, but also human nature, the Fall of Humanity, and the nature of sin.
It might seem poorly divided into constituent topics, but what the reader will find is the first book that begins to systematically discuss theological topics. Before the Sentences, universities taught "Sacra Pagina," or the Sacred Page, i.e. Scripture. The Bible was the main textbook used in theological education, and as such, lectures on Scripture were not systematically organized so that one might know what, say, Augustine and Hilary and Ambrose had to say on a topic that might have arisen from that text. In other words, two limitations are evident (at least for us, with hindsight): That theological study was restricted to a more or less exegetical nature, and that it was limited in how it could discuss the teachings of the Fathers (or the tradition, if you prefer). In fact, "theology" was not even used for Christian study, but rather "theologia" was reserved for describing how Greco-Roman philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle might have speculated on God without Scripture.
The Sentences changed that. Magister Lombard discussed individual topics, but rarely does he give his own opinion. Rather, Lombard would bring up a topic that was often a question for debate or lecturing, and then bring in authorities. Usually, the order of the authorities arrives in this manner: First, relevant Scripture passages, and then authorities. At times, there is an apparent contradiction between authorities on an issue. What Peter Lombard will seek to do is to reconcile the two authorities (since, generally speaking, one would not say that Augustine or Jerome were wrong), and to bring their views into harmony. This, of course, seems academically indefensible to us today. But keep in mind that the Lombard was concerned not simply with theoretical conversations, but with the faith itself, and the education of its future teachers and priests. Indeed, one will find throughout the book that Master Lombard himself was a very humble man, and matters of sheer speculation are regarded as superfluous. (See, for example, when in Book IV, talking about the Eucharist, he brings up the popular question at the time, which is, "If a piece of the consecrated bread of the Eucharist falls to a floor, and the church mouse eats it, does the mouse eat the Body of Christ?" The Lombard's answer is simple and dismissive: "God knows.")
The Sentences were the primary theological textbook in theology departments across Europe for over 400 years (and in the early 20th century, they were still used in Latin American schools), and yet few people, even with academic theological training, has heard much of them, let alone read them. This has been due, in part, to a translation of the works into English. Thankfully, this has changed, and it should be fascinating to see how the Sentences might change the attitudes of some who view the Middle Ages as a time of barbarity and academic silence.
It might seem poorly divided into constituent topics, but what the reader will find is the first book that begins to systematically discuss theological topics. Before the Sentences, universities taught "Sacra Pagina," or the Sacred Page, i.e. Scripture. The Bible was the main textbook used in theological education, and as such, lectures on Scripture were not systematically organized so that one might know what, say, Augustine and Hilary and Ambrose had to say on a topic that might have arisen from that text. In other words, two limitations are evident (at least for us, with hindsight): That theological study was restricted to a more or less exegetical nature, and that it was limited in how it could discuss the teachings of the Fathers (or the tradition, if you prefer). In fact, "theology" was not even used for Christian study, but rather "theologia" was reserved for describing how Greco-Roman philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle might have speculated on God without Scripture.
The Sentences changed that. Magister Lombard discussed individual topics, but rarely does he give his own opinion. Rather, Lombard would bring up a topic that was often a question for debate or lecturing, and then bring in authorities. Usually, the order of the authorities arrives in this manner: First, relevant Scripture passages, and then authorities. At times, there is an apparent contradiction between authorities on an issue. What Peter Lombard will seek to do is to reconcile the two authorities (since, generally speaking, one would not say that Augustine or Jerome were wrong), and to bring their views into harmony. This, of course, seems academically indefensible to us today. But keep in mind that the Lombard was concerned not simply with theoretical conversations, but with the faith itself, and the education of its future teachers and priests. Indeed, one will find throughout the book that Master Lombard himself was a very humble man, and matters of sheer speculation are regarded as superfluous. (See, for example, when in Book IV, talking about the Eucharist, he brings up the popular question at the time, which is, "If a piece of the consecrated bread of the Eucharist falls to a floor, and the church mouse eats it, does the mouse eat the Body of Christ?" The Lombard's answer is simple and dismissive: "God knows.")
The Sentences were the primary theological textbook in theology departments across Europe for over 400 years (and in the early 20th century, they were still used in Latin American schools), and yet few people, even with academic theological training, has heard much of them, let alone read them. This has been due, in part, to a translation of the works into English. Thankfully, this has changed, and it should be fascinating to see how the Sentences might change the attitudes of some who view the Middle Ages as a time of barbarity and academic silence.
January 19, 2023
An excellent, but certainly not easy, read on the various - largely Augustinian - views on the Trinity.
Having read this book, the standard candard that the Middle Ages was one of purely blind faith is left at least severely challenged by this primary source.
This book is a manual on logical and reasoned thought applied to a theological topic. The men of the Middle Ages took faith seriously and reasoned thought just as seriously.
Non theologically, the new format - for its time - of addressing possible objections to a proposed thesis, in a fair and respectful manner, is a brilliant breath of fresh air; if only our current universities taught and embraced this.
I'm greatly looking forward to starting Book 2 soon.
Having read this book, the standard candard that the Middle Ages was one of purely blind faith is left at least severely challenged by this primary source.
This book is a manual on logical and reasoned thought applied to a theological topic. The men of the Middle Ages took faith seriously and reasoned thought just as seriously.
Non theologically, the new format - for its time - of addressing possible objections to a proposed thesis, in a fair and respectful manner, is a brilliant breath of fresh air; if only our current universities taught and embraced this.
I'm greatly looking forward to starting Book 2 soon.
Want to read
July 30, 2019Only read p. 197 - 217 for a course in Church History.
By and large, an edifying read to which I wish to return to.
Luther said the following of Lombard in his Table Talks:
"The master of sentences, Peter Lombard, was a very diligent man, and of a high understanding;
he wrote many excellent things. If he had wholly given himself to the Holy Scriptures, he had been
indeed a great and a leading doctor of the church; but he introduced into his books unprofitable
questions, sophisticating and mingling all together."
By and large, an edifying read to which I wish to return to.
Luther said the following of Lombard in his Table Talks:
"The master of sentences, Peter Lombard, was a very diligent man, and of a high understanding;
he wrote many excellent things. If he had wholly given himself to the Holy Scriptures, he had been
indeed a great and a leading doctor of the church; but he introduced into his books unprofitable
questions, sophisticating and mingling all together."
January 16, 2019
An amazing book that thoroughly dissects the theology of the Trinity. Peter Lombard, the Master of the Sentences, draws from Augustine and other patristic sources to give the most detailed and well-sourced account of Trinitarian theology this side of the 12th century. The first volume is a must read for anyone interested at all in Christian theology and the reasonings, scripture texts, and vocabulary of the Trinity.
July 6, 2025
My review may be more like a partially informed commentary than a formal review. I came to this book as a layman with Baptist and Reformed sensibilities. I am trained as a historian and a lawyer but more or less seeking to understand God more fully by digging into improving landmarks of Christian historical theology. My reading plan is drawn from my reading of many academic books on Christian history.
1) Lombard focused on explaining The Trinity as far as he judged the Bible and the limits of our human intelligence allows with due humility as God is beyond our understanding except as far as He has disclosed Himself.
2) Due to the academic theological tradition in which he was trained and taught, Peter Lombard focused much more on post-Biblical commentators (especially Augustine) than directly on the Bible itself.
3) This book regularly engaged with the erroneous theology of heretics (such as the Sabellians and the Arians concerning the full divinity of the Son and the three persons of the Trinity being separate Persons yet one God). These heretical ideas have continued to reappear even in the 20th and 21st centuries.
4) Helpful that PL sought to explain how the three persons of the Trinity are distinct. For example, only the Father is father and begats only the Son is son and is begotten, and only the Holy Spirit is spirit and proceeds from the Father and the Son.
5).Noted his fair treatment and attempt to winsomely convince the reader that the Western church's view on the filioque controversy with the Eastern (Greek) church.
6) The eternal - always has been happening, is happening, and always will be happening nature of the way that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit relate to each other was clarifying and a marvelous example of the beyond human mind nature of the divine, worship inspiring nature of the Trinity.
7) I appreciated PL's attempt to parse the question of whether God wills evil to happen. (He did seem to deal with human morally evil actions and not natural evil which also flows from the effects of the fall upon creation.) As to moral evil, PL taught that God does not will evil actions but does not disallow them, and accomplishes his will, at times, through human beings' evil intended acts, most preeminently, accomplishing salvation for his elect by the evil action of Jesus being put to death on the cross.
8) I was a bit surprised to find that, as far as I could determine, PL espoused a view of predestination which mirrored my own, which is reformed or calvinistic.
9) Deep, challenging, and engaging.
1) Lombard focused on explaining The Trinity as far as he judged the Bible and the limits of our human intelligence allows with due humility as God is beyond our understanding except as far as He has disclosed Himself.
2) Due to the academic theological tradition in which he was trained and taught, Peter Lombard focused much more on post-Biblical commentators (especially Augustine) than directly on the Bible itself.
3) This book regularly engaged with the erroneous theology of heretics (such as the Sabellians and the Arians concerning the full divinity of the Son and the three persons of the Trinity being separate Persons yet one God). These heretical ideas have continued to reappear even in the 20th and 21st centuries.
4) Helpful that PL sought to explain how the three persons of the Trinity are distinct. For example, only the Father is father and begats only the Son is son and is begotten, and only the Holy Spirit is spirit and proceeds from the Father and the Son.
5).Noted his fair treatment and attempt to winsomely convince the reader that the Western church's view on the filioque controversy with the Eastern (Greek) church.
6) The eternal - always has been happening, is happening, and always will be happening nature of the way that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit relate to each other was clarifying and a marvelous example of the beyond human mind nature of the divine, worship inspiring nature of the Trinity.
7) I appreciated PL's attempt to parse the question of whether God wills evil to happen. (He did seem to deal with human morally evil actions and not natural evil which also flows from the effects of the fall upon creation.) As to moral evil, PL taught that God does not will evil actions but does not disallow them, and accomplishes his will, at times, through human beings' evil intended acts, most preeminently, accomplishing salvation for his elect by the evil action of Jesus being put to death on the cross.
8) I was a bit surprised to find that, as far as I could determine, PL espoused a view of predestination which mirrored my own, which is reformed or calvinistic.
9) Deep, challenging, and engaging.
March 20, 2024
I'm still digesting this text, I want to read the other 3 parts before I come to e definitive position. But it's good. It meanders quite a bit and at times I wonder if there are parts that are just reiterating the same points, but hey, that's medieval theology.
It's essentially a summary of Augustine and various other Church Fathers, but it does lay down a very long, nuanced, and extremely detailed treatment of the Trinity. Not sure I'm with him on his whole predestination thing, but I also may just need to do more reading. I'll need to let it sit a bit I think.
It's essentially a summary of Augustine and various other Church Fathers, but it does lay down a very long, nuanced, and extremely detailed treatment of the Trinity. Not sure I'm with him on his whole predestination thing, but I also may just need to do more reading. I'll need to let it sit a bit I think.
March 18, 2025
Having read this as a Catholic seminarian, and now reading it as an MDiv student at a reformed seminary really helped me flesh out some of the insights in Lombard’s Distinctions. The influence of the Victorine school of Paris is palpable, but never limits the arguments of Peter. The merit of this work is not so much in what it argues for, but in the discussions it influenced in the Middle Ages and beyond. Worth reading for anyone wanting to understand Medieval academia and for anyone interested in the development of tradition throughout Church history.
September 22, 2021
At time dense and a bit confusing, it's nonetheless clear why this work became the basis of all future medieval discussion. It's essentially a discussion of Augustine and Hilary's De Trinitate with a bit of pseudo-Augustine and pseudo-Athanasius thrown in. What comes across, along with Lombard's clarity of thought, is his humility before the Fathers, Scripture and God himself.
January 6, 2024
Super dry, but everyone should read it if they want to understand Christian thought. It was better than I expected. Nothing profound, but a good summary of previous thinkers, and a good springboard for later thought.
January 30, 2025
I have 50+ or so pages left, but I thought I'd write my thoughts now.
1. Hard to read
2. You get used to it
3. It went deeper into the Trinity than anything I'd read up to this point
4. Maybe metaphysics is important to theology
1. Hard to read
2. You get used to it
3. It went deeper into the Trinity than anything I'd read up to this point
4. Maybe metaphysics is important to theology
January 22, 2024
The Lombard is very thorough! Some of the chapters on essence and substance definitely warrant a reread.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews