Gratian the Theologian shows how one of the best-known canonists of
the medieval period was also an accomplished theologian. Well into the
twelfth century, compilations of Church law often dealt with theological
issues. Gratian's Concordia discordantium canonum or Decretum, which
was originally compiled around 1140, was no exception, and so Wei claims
in this provocative book. The Decretum is the fundamental canon law
work of the twelfth century, which served as both the standard textbook
of canon law in the medieval schools and an authoritative law book in
ecclesiastical and secular courts. Yet theology features prominently
throughout the Decretum, both for its own sake and for its connection
to canon law and canonistic jurisprudence.
This book provides an introduction to and reassessment of three aspects
of Gratian's theology: his use of the Bible and biblical exegesis; his
penitential theology; and his handling of the other sacraments and the
liturgy. The manuscript discoveries and methodological breakthroughs of
the past few decades have rendered older accounts of Gratian's theology
obsolete. This book reappraises Gratian's theological views and
doctrines in light of recent scholarly advances, particularly the
discovery of new theological sources that Gratian appears to have known
and used and the discovery of the first recension of the Decretum,
which differs in significant ways from the considerably longer vulgate
text that scholars have traditionally relied upon. In the process, this
book also uncovers new evidence concerning Gratian's intellectual
background and milieu and provides new insights into the Decretum's
composition, structure, and development.
Ultimately, this book does more than just enhance our understanding of
Gratian the theologian. It also contributes significantly to our
knowledge of Gratian the jurist and to the world of theology and law in
which he worked.
