libterm.com Pelagianism is a theological doctrine that denies original sin and asserts that human beings can achieve salvation through their own efforts without divine grace. This belief contrasts with orthodox Christian teachings that emphasize the necessity of God's grace for redemption. Explore the rest of the article to understand the historical context and lasting impact of Pelagianism on Christian thought.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Pelagianism | Arianism |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Pelagius | Arius |
| Time Period | 5th Century | 4th Century |
| Core Belief | Humans can achieve salvation through free will without divine grace | Jesus Christ is a created being, distinct and subordinate to God the Father |
| View on Original Sin | Denied original sin; humans are born innocent | Accepted original sin, but emphasized the divinity hierarchy |
| View on Jesus Christ | Fully divine and human, but emphasis on human effort | Jesus as a created entity, not co-eternal with the Father |
| Church Response | Declared heretical at the Council of Carthage (418) | Condemned at the Council of Nicaea (325) |
| Theological Impact | Debate on grace and free will | Affirmation of Trinitarian doctrine |
Introduction to Pelagianism and Arianism
Pelagianism is a theological doctrine that emphasizes human free will and denies original sin, asserting that individuals can achieve salvation without divine grace. Arianism, contrastingly, is a Christological belief that denies the full divinity of Jesus Christ, positing that He is a created being distinct from God the Father. Both heresies significantly influenced early Christian debates on human nature, grace, and the nature of Christ, shaping the development of orthodox Christian doctrine.
Historical Backgrounds of Pelagianism and Arianism
Pelagianism originated in the early 5th century, founded by Pelagius, a British monk whose teachings emphasized human free will and denied original sin, sparking controversy within the Christian Church. Arianism emerged in the early 4th century, propagated by Arius, a Christian presbyter from Alexandria who argued that Jesus Christ was a created being, distinct and subordinate to God the Father, leading to widespread theological disputes. Both doctrines significantly influenced early Christian theology and ecclesiastical politics, culminating in condemnations by ecumenical councils such as the Council of Nicaea in 325 for Arianism and the Council of Carthage in 418 for Pelagianism.
Key Figures: Pelagius and Arius
Pelagius, a British monk, emphasized human free will and denied original sin, advocating that individuals can achieve salvation through their own efforts without divine grace. Arius, an Alexandrian priest, promoted Arianism by asserting that Jesus Christ is a created being distinct from and subordinate to God the Father, challenging the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity. Both Pelagius and Arius sparked significant theological controversies that shaped early Christian doctrine and the development of orthodox beliefs.
Core Doctrines of Pelagianism
Pelagianism emphasizes the inherent ability of human beings to choose good without the necessity of divine grace, rejecting original sin and asserting that Adam's sin did not taint human nature. The doctrine upholds that human will is capable of moral perfection through free will and personal effort alone, denying the essential need for Christ's atonement for salvation. This contrasts with Arianism, which centers on the nature of Christ and denies His co-eternity and consubstantiality with God the Father.
Core Doctrines of Arianism
Arianism centers on the belief that Jesus Christ is a created being, distinct and subordinate to God the Father, rejecting the co-eternity and consubstantiality affirmed by the Nicene Creed. It denies the full divinity of Christ, asserting that the Son was brought into existence by the Father and therefore had a beginning in time. This doctrine contrasts sharply with Pelagianism, which primarily deals with human nature and free will rather than the nature of Christ.
Views on Original Sin and Human Nature
Pelagianism rejects the doctrine of original sin, asserting that human nature is inherently neutral and capable of choosing good without divine grace. In contrast, Arianism centers on the nature of Christ but indirectly impacts views on human nature by denying Christ's full divinity, which complicates the understanding of salvation and human sinfulness. Pelagianism emphasizes human free will and moral responsibility, whereas Arianism focuses on the relationship between God the Father and Jesus, affecting theological interpretations of grace and redemption.
Christological Differences: Nature of Christ
Pelagianism asserts that Christ was a moral example whose human nature could be emulated without divine intervention, downplaying the necessity of original sin's impact on humanity. Arianism, in contrast, denies the full divinity of Christ, claiming He is a created being distinct and subordinate to God the Father, emphasizing a hierarchical relationship within the Trinity. These Christological differences highlight Pelagianism's focus on human free will and moral capacity, while Arianism centers on Christ's ontological status and divine nature.
Church Responses and Ecumenical Councils
The Church condemned Pelagianism at the Councils of Carthage (418) and Ephesus (431), affirming the necessity of divine grace for salvation and rejecting Pelagius' denial of original sin. Arianism was denounced at the First Council of Nicaea (325), which formulated the Nicene Creed to affirm the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father and counter Arius' claim that Christ was a created being. Both heresies prompted ecumenical councils to clarify orthodox Christology and soteriology, shaping doctrinal definitions on grace, the Trinity, and human nature.
Lasting Influence on Christianity
Pelagianism's lasting influence on Christianity is evident in its challenge to the doctrines of original sin and divine grace, prompting the Church to reinforce the necessity of grace for salvation. Arianism significantly shaped early Christian theology by provoking the development of the Nicene Creed, which affirmed the full divinity of Jesus Christ and established foundational Trinitarian doctrine. Both heresies triggered critical doctrinal clarifications that continue to underpin orthodox Christian beliefs and theological frameworks today.
Comparing Pelagianism and Arianism: Major Contrasts
Pelagianism denies original sin and emphasizes human free will in achieving salvation, whereas Arianism denies the full divinity of Christ, claiming He is a created being subordinate to God the Father. Pelagianism centers on moral ability and human effort for spiritual perfection, while Arianism focuses on Christology and the nature of the Trinity. These theological differences reflect contrasting views on grace, salvation, and the identity of Jesus within early Christian doctrine.
Pelagianism Infographic
