Pelagius, a Romano-British Christian theologian and biblical …

Years: 411 - 411
January

Pelagius, a Romano-British Christian theologian and biblical interpreter active in Rome, has become the center of a largely aristocratic group whose goal, in contrast to the indifferent morality of other Christians, is to pursue the most rigorous form of the religious life.

He denies the existence of original sin and claims that humans can do what God requires, stressing the independence of the human will and the ability to control one's motives and actions under the guidance of God's law.

Though not a priest, Pelagius is a highly regarded spiritual director for both clergy and laymen.

The rigorous asceticism of his adherents acts as a reproach to the spiritual sloth of many Roman Christians, whose moral standards greatly distress him.

He blames Rome's moral laxity on the doctrine of divine grace that he had heard a bishop cite from the Confessions of Augustine, bishop of Hippo, who in his prayer for continence beseeched God to grant whatever grace the divine will determined.

Pelagius attacked this teaching because it imperiled the entire moral law and soon gained a considerable following at Rome.

His closest collaborator, a lawyer named Celestius, accompanies Pelagius on his move to Africa, like many refugees, after the sack of Rome in 410.

Related Events

Filter results