Sententiarum

Sententiarum is the genitive plural form of the Latin word sententia, meaning "of sentences" or "of opinions." In medieval Christian theology, Sententiarum most often refers to Libri Quattuor Sententiarum, commonly known as the Four Books of Sentences, a foundational theological textbook compiled by Peter Lombard (c. 1100–1160).

The work, written in the mid-12th century, gathered and organized the church’s doctrinal authorities—primarily patristic writings and biblical texts—into a systematic, question-and-answer format. It functioned as a compact handbook for teaching and disputation, presenting accepted doctrines and the arguments of various authorities side by side. The four books cover major theological topics grouped as: the nature of God and creation; the Incarnation and redemption; the Church, sacraments, and grace; and eschatology and the last things. Lombard’s method emphasized citation of authorities to support positions, making the Sentences a primary resource for evaluating theological opinions.

Influence and legacy: The Four Books of Sentences became a standard theological textbook in medieval universities and profoundly shaped scholastic method. Numerous scholars produced glosses and commentaries on the Sentences, integrating them into their own theological programs. Notable later commentators include Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure, and Albert the Great, among others. The work remained central to formal theological education for centuries, even as later scholars reassessed authority and sought new approaches to doctrine.