Pelagius

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Pelagius

Saint Augustine of Hippo

Pelagius from Nuremberg Chronicle

Pelagius was a Christian monk and theologian who is best known for his teachings on free will and original sin. Pelagius, who lived during the late 4th and early 5th centuries, argued against the notion of predestination and asserted that human beings have the innate ability to choose good over evil without the necessity of divine grace. His views sparked one of the most significant theological debates in early Christianity, leading to the development of the doctrine of Augustinianism, named after his main opponent, Saint Augustine of Hippo.

Life

Little is known about the life of Pelagius, including his exact birth and death dates. It is believed that he was of British origin and that he traveled extensively through the Roman Empire, spreading his teachings. Pelagius arrived in Rome around 380 AD, where he became a well-respected teacher and ascetic.

Teachings

Pelagius's teachings centered on the belief in human free will and the capacity of individuals to seek God without the need for divine intervention. He opposed the idea of original sin as proposed by Augustine, arguing instead that Adam's sin affected only himself and that individuals are born innocent, with the ability to choose their path in life. Pelagius believed that grace facilitated the process of seeking God but was not essential for salvation, which could be achieved through the exercise of free will and living a virtuous life.

Controversy and Condemnation

The teachings of Pelagius were met with fierce opposition, particularly from Augustine, who argued that divine grace was indispensable for salvation and that human nature was inherently flawed due to original sin. The debate between Pelagianism and Augustinianism became a central issue in early Christian theology.

In 416 AD, a council held in Carthage condemned Pelagius's teachings, and in 418 AD, the Council of Carthage declared Pelagianism a heresy. Despite these condemnations, Pelagius and his followers continued to advocate for their beliefs, leading to further debates and councils. Pelagius's exact fate is unclear, but it is believed that he was eventually excommunicated.

Legacy

The controversy surrounding Pelagius's teachings had a lasting impact on Christian theology, particularly in the areas of sin, grace, and human nature. While Pelagianism was officially condemned, the issues it raised continued to be discussed and debated within the Christian community. Pelagius's emphasis on moral responsibility and the potential for human goodness has been seen as a precursor to later theological and philosophical developments.

See Also

• Augustine of Hippo
• Original Sin
• Free Will
• Christian Theology