PELAGIUS

A British monk teaching principally in Rome and N Africa. Named after him is the contentious claim that human beings through active willing can perfect themselves. This goes against the hitherto traditional Christian teaching that they are so affected by a propensity to self interest (sin) that they need radical help if they are to behave otherwise – given through faith in God and mediated through a transformative community. Recent research challenges the judgement that Pelagius is fairly branded by the church as heretical in his actual teaching.

Life

• Brief Britannica biography of Pelagius
  

Writings

• Pelagius and Free Will
• A brief account of the teachings of Pelagius