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What happened to Peter Abelard at the Council of Sens in 1140?

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Peter Abelard Peter Abelard, with Héloïse, miniature portrait by Jean de Meun, 14th century; in the Musee Conde, Chantilly, France.

At the Council of Sens in 1140, Peter Abelard faced a resounding condemnation of his theological doctrines.1

This outcome was largely driven by the opposition of Bernard of Clairvaux, who viewed Abelard’s use of dialectical Scholasticism to analyze divine mysteries as "scandalous curiosity" that degraded the faith. Bernard, a highly influential figure in Western Christendom, successfully campaigned against Abelard by leveraging his strong standing with the bishops and the papacy.12

Following the council, the condemnation of Abelard’s teachings was formally confirmed by Pope Innocent II. As a result of these events, Abelard retired from teaching and eventually sought refuge at the monastery of Cluny.1