Pelagius (C. 360-420): Britain, Rome, Palestine,

Pelagius (c. 360-420) [Britain, Rome, Africa, Palestine, Lydda]. From Scotland or Ireland, Pelagius journeyed to Rome where he criticised the low standard of morality which was prevalent. He argued his interpretation by showing the powers of human nature and attacked his opponent's contention of human weakness. He insisted that Augustine's doctrine of total depravity and bondage of the will undermined all human effort. He held that obligation implies ability. His own religious life had been free from intense internal struggle. Withdrawing to Africa, then to Palestine, Pelagius lived quietly for a while until summoned before Bishop John of Jerusalem, on a charge that he believed that man could be without sin with the help of God; but the prosecution broke down. Pelagius held that the will is free at each moment regardless of previous conduct. He rejected the doctrine of original sin and the theory that all men were injured by the sin of Adam. He embraced the idea the idea that freedom is the possession of the heathen as well as the Christian; that man can keep perfectly whatever Law he knows. Pelagius also thought that grace can also aid man after he has made his initial discision. This view was counter to
Gregory was so attracted to the religious life that he gave up his post as the prefect of Rome, and founded a number of monasteries, becoming a monk. After a diplomatic period in Constantinople he returned to Rome, where he wrote letters on the books of the Bible. Then he set out as missionary to England, but he was recalled and later elected Pope. He was a good administrator and increased the authority of the See of Rome, and made the Papacy a temporal power. He also sent missionaries to England. Gregory revised the liturgy of the mass and is credited with the revision of church music. He also clarified the doctrines of angelology, purgatory, the Eucharist, and relics. His Moralia was widely