Study of Pelagianism
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 3
I. ORIGIN OF PELAGIANISM 4
A. BRIEF BACKGROUND OF AUGUSTINE (354-430) 4
B. PELAGIUS 5
II. PELAGIAN CONTROVERSY 5
A. DOCTRINES OF PELAGIANISM 6
B. AUGUSTINE’S RESPONSE 8
III. RESULT 10
CONCLUSION 10
BIBLIOGRAPHY 12
INTRODUCTION
Tracing the history of Christianity, there have been immense intellectual wars engaged for the sake of truth. Clearly, Christianity was a small religion with little importance in second and third centuries. The church had other most burdensome and serious problems to solve. They struggled with persecution from outside the church especially from the Emperors and doctrinal debates from within the church that birthed the Church leaders, now called the “Church Fathers.” Doctrines were investigated, developed and solidified to protect their beliefs. The canon of the New Testament was established to guard the wrong teachings and interpretations. The major point in Christianity came during the early fourth century AD, when Constantine became the emperor. Although that Christianity became legitimate and persecutions ceased, this did not stop controversies to creep in the church.
And since the early fifth century to this day, one of the most disputes classified as unresolved by most historians of Christian theology is Pelagian controversy. Pelagian controversy includes most of the relevant and difficult topics which are usually discussed in works on systematic theology.
Since the Pelagianism controversy centered upon the two figures: Pelagius and Augustine of Hippo, this paper will be exposing the issues, arguments and influence of Pelagianism, as the most frequently-revisited “heresy” which continues to impact the new generation’s belief and also to acquaint Augustine’s character and role to it. Interestingly, this clash was regarded as one of the difficult and significant theological and political controversies in Christian history which repeats itself again and
INTRODUCTION 3
I. ORIGIN OF PELAGIANISM 4
A. BRIEF BACKGROUND OF AUGUSTINE (354-430) 4
B. PELAGIUS 5
II. PELAGIAN CONTROVERSY 5
A. DOCTRINES OF PELAGIANISM 6
B. AUGUSTINE’S RESPONSE 8
III. RESULT 10
CONCLUSION 10
BIBLIOGRAPHY 12
INTRODUCTION
Tracing the history of Christianity, there have been immense intellectual wars engaged for the sake of truth. Clearly, Christianity was a small religion with little importance in second and third centuries. The church had other most burdensome and serious problems to solve. They struggled with persecution from outside the church especially from the Emperors and doctrinal debates from within the church that birthed the Church leaders, now called the “Church Fathers.” Doctrines were investigated, developed and solidified to protect their beliefs. The canon of the New Testament was established to guard the wrong teachings and interpretations. The major point in Christianity came during the early fourth century AD, when Constantine became the emperor. Although that Christianity became legitimate and persecutions ceased, this did not stop controversies to creep in the church.
And since the early fifth century to this day, one of the most disputes classified as unresolved by most historians of Christian theology is Pelagian controversy. Pelagian controversy includes most of the relevant and difficult topics which are usually discussed in works on systematic theology.
Since the Pelagianism controversy centered upon the two figures: Pelagius and Augustine of Hippo, this paper will be exposing the issues, arguments and influence of Pelagianism, as the most frequently-revisited “heresy” which continues to impact the new generation’s belief and also to acquaint Augustine’s character and role to it. Interestingly, this clash was regarded as one of the difficult and significant theological and political controversies in Christian history which repeats itself again and