ALONSO TOSTADO. - Theologian, exegete, and bishop; born at Madrigal (Castile) c. 1400; died at Bonilla della Sierra (Avila) on 3 Sept. 1455.
Rector of the College of St Bartholomew (1436) at Salamanca, he taught there simultaneously philosophy, theology, and canon law. On account of some bold theses, especially regarding the nature and remissibility of sin, T. was summoned to defend himself before Eugenius IV, who was then residing at Siena (1443). The examining commission (Cardinals Torquemada, Capranica, and Orsini) inclined toward condemnation, from which he escaped by skilful replies and prompt submission. Nicholas V, at the request of King John II, appointed him in 1449 bishop of Avila (hence the name Abulensis), and in six years of wise government he earned a reputation for sanctity. His theological and exegetical activity, both before and after the incident, became proverbial (he explains more than Tostado), so that on his tomb was placed the inscription: « Hic stupor est mundi, qui scibile discutit omne ».
His works, in 13 volumes (Venice 1501-1503, and reprinted there in 16 [1596], 22 [1616], and 27 volumes [1723]), consist chiefly of lengthy commentaries on almost all the books of the Old Testament, on Mt. and Hebr., in which, after a careful literal explanation, he accumulates around verses of doctrinal import numerous, subtle, and at times brilliant scholastic discussions. In the last volume of the printed works are found the opuscula: Defensorium trium propositionum (defending the propositions censured at Siena); Paradoxa (on the Eucharist, the Immaculate Conception—of which he is a staunch defender—the Incarnate Word, the Redemption, the Angels, vocal prayer). Many works remain unpublished, of which manuscripts are preserved at Salamanca and Madrid (cf. Bosi, op. cit. in bibl., pp. 52-54), and many others are lost.