Pelagianism

Pelagianism is a theory named after Pelagius, a Celtic Christian theologian. It is the belief that people are not born with original sin and that mortal will can still choose good or evil without divine aid. For that reason, Adam's sin was set as a bad example for those that came after him, but it had no other consequences. Jesus came to set a good example, much like Adam's bad example, but also to pay the price for sins. Pelagius believed that because people choose to sin, they are like criminals who need to be pardoned, not victims of an inherited sinful nature.

Pelagianism was condemned as heresy at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD. However, some people believe that Pelagius was simply misunderstood. Today there are no known Pelagians, but there are people who follow Celtic Christianity tradition, which respects Pelagius as a good example.

Related pages
Fall of Man

 Other websites 
Canons From The Council Of Carthage Against Pelagianism, May 1, 418 
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Pelagius and Pelagianism
Pelagians, Donatists, Monks, Anabaptists and other Perfectionists  - a sympathetic look at Pelagianism and similar 'perfectionist' movements
Pelagius Library : Online site dedicated to the study of Pelagius
Pelagianism: The Religion of Natural Man  - a critical look at Pelagianism

Category:Ancient Christianity