Theology and Christianity: The Works of Augustine and Pelagius
The Works of Augustine and Pelagius on the Relationship Between Theology and Christianity
Pelagius and Augustine are two of the most well-known and influential figures in the history of Christianity and theology, respectively. Their writings date back to the fourth century and have had a significant impact on and contribution to contemporary Christian theology and philosophy. The primary focus of the debate between the two theologians was on the doctrine of original sin and the nature of free will following Adam’s fall, both of which were discussed at length.
Pelagius was of the opinion that human beings are born with the ability to choose their own actions. It is his belief that the exercise of free will Helps us in deciding whether or not to sin. He considers humans to be similar to Adam before the fall and believes that God only creates good in humans, as opposed to the opposite. If we are sinners, Pelagius believed that our actions, decisions, and choices determine whether or not we are sinners. He even uses the story of Job to support his point of view, pointing out how he chose not to sin in the face of seemingly hopeless circumstances. Pelagius also attempted to persuade the audience that the case of Adam and Eve was a unique and independent case with no connection to the rest of the human race, as opposed to the other cases.
For his part, Augustine was of the opinion that the sin committed by Adam and Eve had a direct impact on the entire human race. According to Augustine, the sin of the first man resulted in the sinful nature being inherited by the entire human race. Therefore, all humans are bound by the sin, and it is only through the Grace of God that we are granted forgiveness and a second chance to relive our lives with a fresh opportunity to live a life of faith and holiness before God.
Pelagius was also more focused on his devotion to and commitment to God than his predecessors. He had a strong zeal for Godliness, and he made significant efforts to bring about moral transformations. Aside from this, Pelagius was opposed to Augustine’s belief that the original sin committed by Adam was transferred to the whole of humanity. Adam’s sin was for himself, he insisted, and there is no connection between Adam’s sin and the sins of humans who have not yet fallen into sin. Aside from that, Augustine took issue with Pelagius’ theory about the fall in the garden. According to him, a person’s original sin occurs when they make the wrong choices and decisions as a result of their own free choice and decision. Then he goes on to say that it is only through receiving Grace and redemption that we are given the ability to choose whether or not we will sin. We are enticed to sin by our irresistible desires before we receive the Grace of the Lord.
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