What is Pelagianism?
Pelagianism is a Christian doctrine that emerged in the 5th century, championed by the monk Pelagius. This theological doctrine emphasizes human freedom and moral responsibility, while denying or downplaying the impact of original sin on human nature. According to Pelagius, every human being can lead a virtuous life without depending entirely on divine grace. Considered a heresy, Pelagianism was vigorously opposed by Saint Augustine and condemned by several councils.
Origins of Pelagianism
Pelagius, a British Monk in Rome
Pelagius, born around 350 in Britain, was a monk and ascetic. Arriving in Rome around 380, he asserted that human beings possess within themselves the necessary resources to lead a virtuous life and attain moral perfection.
The Theological Context of the Fifth Century
In the fifth century, debates raged within the Church over original sin, free will, and the role of divine grace. Pelagius opposed views he considered too deterministic, particularly those of Saint Augustine, who asserted that humans are corrupted by original sin and incapable of doing good without the aid of divine grace.
The Tenets of Pelagianism
The Rejection of Original Sin
Pelagius rejects the doctrine of original sin and maintains that Adam’s sin does not alter human nature and is not transmitted. Human beings are therefore not irrevocably marked by sin. According to him, every person is born in a morally neutral state, capable of freely choosing between good and evil, and can begin to act virtuously without divine grace being indispensable to initiate this process.
Human Freedom and Responsibility
Pelagianism emphasizes human freedom and individual responsibility. According to this doctrine, humans can obey God and perform morally righteous acts of their own free will, without divine grace being indispensable to initiate these actions.
Grace as an Aid, Not a Necessity
Pelagius believed that humans can begin to do good and progress toward salvation through their own efforts, without depending on divine grace to initiate this process. He viewed grace as a possible aid, but not an indispensable one.
An Optimistic View of Human Nature
According to Pelagius, human nature is not fundamentally sinful. Human beings can attain moral perfection through their own free will and virtuous actions.
This view contrasts with that of Augustine, for whom human nature is weakened by original sin and requires divine grace to accomplish good.
The Condemnations of Pelagianism
The Catholic Church has repeatedly condemned Pelagianism. Let’s examine this below.
The Councils of Carthage and Ephesus
Pelagianism was quickly opposed by the Church, notably by Saint Augustine. Several councils firmly condemned Pelagianism:
Council of Carthage (418): Pelagianism was condemned. The Church affirmed the reality of original sin and the necessity of divine grace to do good.
Council of Ephesus (431): This council reaffirmed this condemnation and declared Pelagianism contrary to the teaching of the Catholic Church, confirming humanity’s dependence on divine grace for salvation.
Semi-Pelagianism was condemned at the Council of Orange (529)
After the condemnation of Pelagianism, a new doctrine called Semi-Pelagianism spread.
It taught that man can begin the path to salvation on his own, and that God then completes this work through His grace.
This position was also condemned at the Council of Orange (529), which affirmed that even the beginning of salvation depends on divine grace.
Further Condemnation of Pelagianism in Gaudete et Exsultate
“Neo-Pelagianism”
Pope Francis, in The Joy of the Gospel, condemned neo-Pelagianism by speaking of “the self-absorbed promethean neopelagianism of those who ultimately trust only in their own powers and feel superior to others because they observe certain rules or remain intransigently faithful to a particular Catholic style from the past. A supposed soundness of doctrine or discipline leads instead to a narcissistic and authoritarian elitism, whereby instead of evangelizing, one analyzes and classifies others, and instead of opening the door to grace, one exhausts his or her energies in inspecting and verifying.” (No. 94)
Divine grace always comes first
Pope Francis reminds us in Gaudete et exsultate, the apostolic exhortation on the call to holiness in today’s world, that “we are justified not by our own works or efforts, but by the grace of the Lord, who always takes the initiative” (no. 52). In other words, divine grace always precedes our actions.
With Hozana, nourish your faith every day!
Hozana offers you numerous prayer communities throughout the year, such as:
- The
Learn more ...
What does Pelagianism deny?
Pelagianism denies that humans need God’s grace to be saved. It asserts that humans can attain salvation through their own efforts, without the help of Christ or the sacraments.
Who is Pelagius?
Pelagius was a British monk and theologian of the 4th–5th centuries. He taught that humans could save themselves through their own efforts, without God’s grace. His doctrine was condemned as heretical by the Church.
What is original sin?
Paragraph 417 defines original sin as follows: “Adam and Eve passed on to their descendants a human nature wounded by their first sin and thus deprived of original holiness and justice. This deprivation is called ‘original sin.’” (CCC No. 417)
