libterm.com Pelagianism is a theological doctrine that emphasizes human free will and denies the necessity of divine grace for salvation, asserting that individuals can achieve righteousness through their own efforts. This belief was declared heretical by the early Christian Church for undermining the foundational Christian teaching on original sin and grace. Discover more about the origins, key figures, and lasting impact of Pelagian thought in the rest of the article.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Pelagian | Postlapsarian |
|---|---|---|
| Human Nature | Inherently good and morally neutral | Corrupted and fallen due to original sin |
| Original Sin | Denied; humans born without sin | Accepted; humans inherit sin from Adam |
| Free Will | Fully intact and sufficient for salvation | Damaged; free will weakened by sin |
| Grace | Assists but not essential for salvation | Essential for redemption and salvation |
| Salvation | Achievable through human effort and will | Depends on divine grace and Christ's atonement |
| Key Proponent | Pelagius, 4th-5th century | Augustine of Hippo, 4th-5th century |
Origins of Pelagianism and Postlapsarianism
Pelagianism originated in the early 5th century, founded by Pelagius, a British ascetic who emphasized human free will and denied original sin, asserting that humans can achieve salvation without divine grace. Postlapsarianism refers to the theological view stemming from the biblical Fall of Man, which teaches that human nature is inherently fallen and sinful after Adam and Eve's disobedience in Eden. The key distinction lies in Pelagianism's denial of original sin's impact versus Postlapsarianism's affirmation of humanity's fallen, sinful nature requiring divine grace for redemption.
Core Beliefs of Pelagian Theology
Pelagian theology centers on the belief that human beings are born morally neutral and possess the inherent capacity to choose good without the necessity of divine grace. It asserts that original sin did not corrupt human nature, thus denying the concept of inherited guilt and emphasizing free will's role in achieving salvation. Pelagianism fundamentally challenges the Postlapsarian view that human nature is inherently fallen and dependent on God's grace for redemption.
Postlapsarian Doctrine: Definition and Foundation
The Postlapsarian doctrine centers on the theological concept that humanity fell from original righteousness following Adam and Eve's sin, resulting in a corrupted nature and a need for divine grace. It is founded on the biblical narrative of Genesis 3, emphasizing the consequences of the Fall, including mortality, sin, and spiritual death. This doctrine contrasts with the Pelagian view by underscoring human dependence on God's grace for salvation rather than inherent human ability to choose good without divine intervention.
Human Nature: Innocence vs. Inherited Sin
Pelagianism asserts that human nature is originally innocent and morally neutral, enabling individuals to choose good without divine grace. In contrast, Postlapsarian doctrine emphasizes inherited sin from Adam's fall, asserting that human nature is corrupted and inclined toward sin, requiring divine grace for redemption. The debate centers on whether humans possess innate moral purity or a sinful nature passed through generations.
The Role of Free Will in Salvation
Pelagian theology asserts that human free will is the primary agent in achieving salvation, emphasizing the inherent ability to choose good without divine grace. In contrast, the Postlapsarian perspective holds that free will is weakened and corrupted due to original sin, making divine grace essential for any righteous act or salvation. This theological debate fundamentally explores whether salvation is primarily enabled by human effort or solely by God's grace in overcoming human moral incapacity.
Divine Grace: Necessity and Sufficiency
Pelagian theology emphasizes human free will and the sufficiency of natural human abilities to achieve righteousness but underestimates the absolute necessity of divine grace for salvation. Postlapsarian doctrine asserts that due to the Fall, divine grace is both necessary and sufficient to overcome inherent human sinfulness, making it indispensable for justification and sanctification. The debate highlights the tension between human effort and the transformative power of God's grace in the redemption process.
Original Sin: Pelagian vs. Postlapsarian Perspectives
Pelagianism rejects the doctrine of Original Sin, asserting that humans are born morally neutral and possess the innate ability to choose good without divine aid. The Postlapsarian perspective, rooted in traditional Christian theology, holds that Original Sin, stemming from Adam and Eve's disobedience, corrupts human nature and necessitates divine grace for redemption. This fundamental theological divergence shapes differing views on human free will, moral responsibility, and salvation.
Historical Controversies and Church Responses
The Pelagian controversy centered on the doctrine of original sin and human free will, with Pelagius denying inherited sin and emphasizing moral ability without divine grace, which sparked significant theological conflict in the early 5th century. The Postlapsarian view, contrasting with Pelagianism, holds that human nature fell after Adam's sin, necessitating divine grace for salvation, a position upheld by key Church Fathers such as Augustine of Hippo. Church responses culminated in various councils and condemnations, including the Council of Carthage (418 AD) which anathematized Pelagian teachings, reinforcing doctrines of original sin and prevenient grace as orthodox Christian beliefs.
Pelagian vs. Postlapsarian Influence on Modern Theology
Pelagian theology emphasizes human free will and the inherent ability to choose good without the necessity of divine grace, contrasting with Postlapsarian views that stress the fallen human nature reliant on grace after the original sin. This distinction impacts modern theological debates on salvation, moral responsibility, and the nature of sin, where Pelagian influence often appears in discussions advocating for human moral agency and rationality. Conversely, Postlapsarian perspectives dominate mainstream Christian doctrines emphasizing the need for divine intervention and grace in overcoming human depravity.
Key Theologians and Lasting Legacy
Pelagianism, championed by theologian Pelagius in the early 5th century, emphasized human free will and the ability to choose good without the necessity of divine grace, contrasting sharply with the Postlapsarian view rooted in St. Augustine's doctrine of original sin and inherent human depravity following the Fall. Augustine's theological framework posited that humanity exists in a fallen state requiring divine grace for salvation, deeply influencing Western Christian thought and Church doctrine. The lasting legacy of this debate persists in contemporary discussions on free will, grace, and human nature, shaping diverse Christian traditions' doctrines and ethical teachings.
Pelagian Infographic
