pelágio

Pelágio was a theologian who lived from approximately 354 to 430 or 440 AD. He was a prominent opponent of Augustine of Hippo on the doctrines of original sin and divine grace. Pelágio's teachings, later known as Pelagianism, emphasized human free will and the ability of individuals to live sinless lives through their own efforts and by following God's law. He believed that humans were born without original sin and that Adam's sin only affected himself and not all of humanity.

Pelágio's views were particularly influential in Britain, where he spent some time. His main arguments centered on the idea that God would not command humans to do what is impossible, and therefore, they must have the capacity to choose good over evil. He saw baptism as a cleansing from actual sins committed, rather than an eradication of inherited original sin. He also taught that divine grace was not an internal transformation but rather the gift of free will, the revelation of God's law, and the example of Jesus Christ.

Augustine, on the other hand, strongly defended the doctrine of original sin, asserting that humanity inherited Adam's sin and its corrupting influence, and that salvation was solely dependent on God's irresistible grace. The controversy between Pelágio and Augustine led to significant theological debates within the early Christian church. Ultimately, Pelagianism was condemned as heresy by several church councils, including the Council of Carthage in 418 AD and the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD. Despite its condemnation, aspects of Pelagian thought regarding human responsibility and the role of free will continued to surface in later theological discussions.