Analysis Of Pelagius s Pelagius - 1934 Words

Pelagius taught that because God commanded men to live good and morally perfect lives, it can be assumed he also gave man the ability to do so. He rejected the idea of original sin causing man to be in a state of depravity. Pelagius’ focus was on the â€Å"capability of human nature to achieve perfection.† There was no excuse to allow for anything less than perfection, for since he had the will and the ability, it was possible. Pelagianism is driven by the thought that man can work, through the power of goodwill, to a state of holiness to earn a place of communion with God. This thought creates a â€Å"self-righteous piety† that minimalizes the work of Christ, reducing him to a wise man and prophet because man can accomplish communion with God†¦show more content†¦The letter expressed concerns regarding the Pelagian teachings. The monks were concerned that Augustine’s teachings would minimalize the ideas of free will, merit and divine judgmen t, making their mission to turn mankind from a love of the world to the love of God, obsolete. They were willing to accept that God had a part in the reformation of man but were not willing to go so far as Augustine that God had total control in the process of reformation. Augustine’s Philosophies For Augustine, coming to faith was a three-step process; preparation by reason, practicing acts of faith, and understanding of faith. Christ is both a divine authority and an inner teacher and guide, as he reflects on in On the Teacher. The words of scripture are nothing by themselves, but God uses them to reveal Himself to man â€Å"in his soul.† Grace The grace of God is a necessary component of man being able to exercise his free will correctly and choose to do good. In On Grace and Free Will, Augustine says that the reason there are divine commands in scripture is so that man will not be ignorant of grace and free will. Therefore, God cannot be blamed when a man sins or deny the achievement of will when he chooses good, keeping the hope of reward for his good works alive. Augustine taught that when men do good it is because grace gives them the power to do