The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Pelagius

Hi

I was recently told by someone (who shall remain anonymous), that Pelagius has been misrepresented in history and that twice he was acquitted of heresy and only after his death, was he found guilty by a "kangaroo court".
This person says he has done a lot of research on Pelagius himself and now believes that he has been misrepresented.

The problem I am finding is that this person told me to do the research myself and was unwilling to give evidence (other than to recommend a book called Pelagius: A Reluctant Heretic by B.R. Rees) to show this misrepresentation of what Pelagius actually believed.

At this point, I really don't want to add this book to my collection as I have a few books on the go already.
Can anyone offer me any information on this matter that might help?

Tom

This may help answer your question: Pelagianism

Joe

Do you know of any articles that support Pelagius not being a heretic? I haven't found any as yet, I would like to compare the evidence that each side presents side by side.
Probably the best evidence is writing done by Pelagius himself.

Tom

These are Pelagius' friendly (well, sort of .... <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/giggle.gif" alt="" />), well maybe not <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/read.gif" alt="" />

Pelagius: To Demetrius (Rehabilitating Pelagius)

This is one "hip" article <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/evilgrin.gif" alt="" />
On the Proceedings of Pelagius

This one is unbiased <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />
The Pelagian Captivity of the Church

and of course you can read Mormon literature which just re-works some of Pelagius' theology and make their own salvation by merely following an alleged example of Christ. Mormonism is different than Pelaganism, however there are simliarties....

Maybe you can locate a copy of "Pelagius' Commentary on St Paul's Epistle to the Romans" by Theodore de Bruyn (Oxford University Press). It will instruct you first hand of his beliefs.....You are not going to find that much of Pelagius' original writings out there.

Is a heretic one who is merely called one by another, or is he one who embraces heresy? While sometimes it may be both, I think you see my point ....

Joe

Thanks for your input.
I am of the opinion that Pelagius is indeed a heretic. However, since I was told to research the matter myself, I thought it wouldn't hurt.
I do know for sure that people who are Pelagians, hold to heresy, but does that necessarily mean that their beliefs are that of Pelagius?
Probably, but it wouldn't hurt to find out for sure.

Tom

Joe

Thanks again for these links. What seems quite clear is that Pelagius was a man of high moral standards, who believed very strongly that the words of Scripture were the very words of God (as he was quoted saying in one of the articles I read).
From what I gather, he was very well liked by the average person, but because of his convictions against Augustine's and Jerome's beliefs (i.e., original sin etc...) he didn't mind speaking up against them.

The bottom line however is not about any good qualities Pelagius may or may not have had. I believe the bottom line is found in the theological positions of Augustine and Pelagius; they stand in stark contrast to each other.
In other words, one by the fault was a heretic, or perhaps both were heretics. But I am convinced by Scripture that it is very clear that what Augustine taught concerning original sin, is the Biblical view.

I will say however, if what I read is true. Pelagius was correct on one thing; he was justified in speaking out against babies being baptized to take away their sins.

If I am able to talk to the man that asked me to research Pelagius for myself, I will ask him if he believes Augustine was either a heretic or a liar. Logically, unless I am missing something, there are only four possible positions.
1. Augustine was a heretic
2. Pelagius was a heretic
3. Both were heretics
4. Pelagius didn’t speak out against Augustine views on original sin. But if that is the case, it would make Augustine a liar. We have lots of writing on the matter by Augustine.

Tom