Lombard, << LOM bahrd, >> Peter (1095?-1160), was a medieval theologian who wrote an important theological textbook, The Four Books of Sentences. It was completed by 1158 and served as a standard textbook in theological schools for 300 years.
In the Sentences, Lombard presented past and current opinions on theological problems in a systematic way. He compiled these opinions from a number of leading church authorities, especially Saint Augustine. Lombard also summarized the church’s position and wrote his own views on the issues. For centuries, students of theology were required to comment on the Sentences. Some of these commentaries were the major works of leading medieval theologians and philosophers, including Saint Bonaventure, John Duns Scotus, and William of Ockham.
Lombard was born near Novara, Italy, and studied in Bologna. About 1134, he went to Paris and taught in the cathedral school of Notre Dame. Lombard quickly gained fame as a theologian and author. In 1159, he was appointed bishop of Paris. He died on Aug. 21 or 22, 1160.
