Pelagianism facts for kids
Pelagianism is a set of ideas named after a man called Pelagius. It is a belief that people are not born with original sin. This means people are not automatically sinful from birth. Instead, Pelagius thought that humans can choose between good and evil. They can do this using their own will, without special help from God.
Pelagius believed that Adam's sin was a bad example for others. But it did not make everyone else sinful. He also thought that Jesus came to set a good example. Jesus also paid the price for people's sins. Pelagius felt that people choose to sin, like someone choosing to break a rule. They need forgiveness, not because they were born bad.
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What Is Pelagianism?
Pelagianism is a religious idea. It says that humans are born good. They have the power to choose to do good things. They do not need God's special help to avoid sin. This idea was very different from what many other Christians believed.
Pelagius's Main Ideas
Pelagius taught that every person is born with a free will. This means they can choose to follow God's rules. They can also choose to do bad things. He believed that if God tells us to do something, we must be able to do it. Otherwise, God would not be fair.
Original Sin and Free Will
Many Christians believe in original sin. This is the idea that all humans are born with a sinful nature. This nature comes from Adam and Eve's first sin. Pelagius disagreed with this. He thought that Adam's sin only hurt Adam. It did not pass on to all future people.
Pelagius said that people choose to sin. They are not forced to sin because of their birth. He saw people as responsible for their own actions. They are like people who choose to commit a crime. They need to be pardoned, not seen as victims.
Jesus's Role in Pelagianism
Pelagius believed Jesus was very important. Jesus showed people how to live a perfect life. He was a great example for everyone. Jesus also died to pay for the sins people chose to commit. He helped people get forgiveness for their bad choices.
Why Was Pelagianism Important?
Pelagianism was a big topic in early Christian history. It caused many debates. The main argument was about human nature. It also questioned how much God's grace helps people.
Condemnation of Pelagianism
The ideas of Pelagius were discussed by church leaders. In 431 AD, the Council of Ephesus decided against Pelagianism. They said it was a heresy. A heresy is a belief that goes against official church teachings.
Why It Was Condemned
The church leaders believed that humans need God's help. They thought people cannot be good enough on their own. They felt that Pelagius's ideas made God's grace seem less important. They also thought it made Jesus's sacrifice less necessary.
Pelagius Today
Today, there are no known groups of Pelagians. Most of Pelagius's writings have been lost. Some people still think his ideas were misunderstood. They believe he just wanted people to take responsibility for their actions.
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