Pelagianism

Pelagianism is a Christian theological position associated with Pelagius that emphasizes human freedom to choose good and rejects inherited guilt from Adam. It holds that people can live righteously without the necessity of divine grace.

Original sin: The doctrine that humanity inherits a sinful condition or its consequences from Adam’s transgression. Pelagianism rejects the inherited corruption or guilt that this doctrine attributes to humanity.
Pelagius: A British-born Christian ascetic and theologian active in the late fourth and early fifth centuries. His teachings on moral freedom and sin gave the position its name.
Council of Ephesus: The ecumenical council held in 431 that addressed disputes over Christology and other church matters. It confirmed the condemnation of Pelagianism issued by earlier church authorities.
Calvinism: A Protestant theological tradition emphasizing divine sovereignty, election, and the necessity of grace for salvation. Its account of human dependence on grace stands far from Pelagian confidence in unaided moral choice.
Divine grace: God’s freely given assistance or favor in Christian theology. The dispute centers on whether grace is necessary for people to choose and do good.
Caelestius: A follower of Pelagius who became a prominent defender of related theological claims. His prosecution in Carthage helped bring the controversy before church authorities.
Second Council of Orange: A regional council held in 529 that defined teachings on grace and human choice in salvation. Its canons rejected Pelagianism and also addressed disputes associated with semi-Pelagianism.
Arminianism: A Protestant theological tradition that affirms prevenient grace and human freedom in responding to God. It preserves meaningful human response while insisting that grace enables it.
Free will: The capacity to make choices that are not wholly determined by prior causes. Pelagius treated human choice as sufficient for obedience to God’s commands.
Augustine of Hippo: A North African bishop and theologian whose writings shaped Western Christian doctrine. His arguments for original sin and necessary grace became the most influential rebuttal.

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