The Error of Pelagianism and the Power of Grace: A Call to Humble Dependence on God
In every age, the Church confronts doctrinal distortions that obscure the truth of the Gospel. One of the earliest and most enduring of these is Pelagianism —a heresy that subtly undermines the foundational Christian truth that we are saved by grace, not by our own merit. While its origins trace back to the fifth century, Pelagianism—or something very much like it—remains a temptation even today. Understanding what it teaches and why the Church rejects it is essential for deepening our faith and avoiding the dangerous illusion of self-sufficiency. What Is Pelagianism? Pelagianism is a theological belief system named after Pelagius , a British monk who taught that human beings have the innate ability to do good and attain salvation without the assistance of divine grace. Pelagius denied the concept of original sin , arguing instead that people are born morally neutral and capable of choosing righteousness through the strength of their free will. In short, Pelagianism says: “You ca...