Commentary on the First Book of the Sentences - Sacred Doctrine, Creation, the Soul, and Original Sin, Volume II - Gregorius de Arimino

This second volume continues Gregory of Rimini’s commentary on the First Book of the Sentences of Peter Lombard, further developing his rigorous Augustinian approach to scholastic theology. The work maintains its focus on precise logical analysis and a strong emphasis on divine sovereignty in all aspects of creation and salvation.

The treatment of sacred doctrine is expanded with further clarification of theology as a science grounded in divine revelation, distinct from purely natural knowledge. Gregory reinforces the dependence of all theological certainty on God’s self-disclosure.

In the section on creation, he elaborates on the doctrine of creation ex nihilo and the continuous dependence of all beings on divine causality. He emphasizes that created reality has no independent necessity apart from God’s sustaining will.

The discussion of the soul examines its nature as a rational and immaterial substance, focusing on its faculties and operations. Gregory analyzes intellect and will with careful attention to their dependence on divine concurrence.

A substantial portion is devoted to original sin, where he explains its transmission, effects on human nature, and its role in the necessity of grace. He stresses the wounded condition of humanity and the priority of divine initiative in restoring order.

Throughout the volume, Gregory of Rimini maintains a strict, analytical scholastic method characteristic of the Augustinian tradition, combining metaphysical rigor with theological precision in addressing foundational questions of Christian doctrine.