Pelagiuss

Pelagiuss, also known as Pelagius, was a 5th-century Christian theologian and bishop of Hippo Regius in North Africa. He is best known for his theological views, which were later condemned by the Church as heretical. Pelagius taught that humans could achieve salvation through their own free will and moral efforts, without the need for divine grace. This doctrine was a significant departure from the prevailing Augustine's teachings, which emphasized the necessity of divine grace in salvation. Pelagius' ideas were first condemned by Pope Leo I in 418, and later by the Council of Ephesus in 431. Despite the condemnation, Pelagius' teachings had a lasting impact on Christian theology, particularly in the development of the concept of original sin. His followers, known as Pelagians, continued to advocate for their views until the 6th century, when they were largely suppressed. Pelagiuss' legacy is complex, as his ideas were both influential and controversial, shaping the course of Christian thought for centuries.