Pelagianism and Modern Culture

“Christ the Vine” (1674), Hellenic Institute of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies, Venice, Author Tzim78 (CC BY-SA 4.0 International)

Dating from the 4th Century, Pelagianism holds that human beings can attain perfection through the application of free will alone [1A].

An outgrowth of stoicism, Pelagianism effectively dismisses the impact of original sin [1B][2A][3A].  Instead, this heresy maintains that human beings have the capacity to exercise absolute control over bodily appetites [2B].  Grace is, at best, a helpful supplement in this view.

Consequently, Christ is seen as a mere model of holiness, rather than as our Redeemer [2C].

“For what I am doing, I do not understand.  For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do” (Rom. 7: 15).

This is, of course, in sharp contrast to the Gospel message, and the Apostle Paul’s acknowledgement of his own sin nature.

Modern Day Pelagianism

Pelagianism was condemned by the Council of Carthage in 418 AD [1C][2D].  However, it persists in various forms today [3B].

The concept of Salvation by works follows from Pelagianism [2E].   So does the “prosperity gospel” [2F].  So does the emphasis by many churches on numeric growth by any means (loud music, smoke machines, and sermons emphasizing self-actualization rather than virtuous living) [3C].

The Enlightenment’s humanist philosophy — with its sense of optimism about human potential and emphasis on self-determination — also, follows from Pelagianism [2G][3D].  Taken to its extreme, this philosophy “justifies” individuals in crafting moral systems for themselves, even to the extent of redefining their own gender [2H].

Indeed, the belief that human beings can overcome all problems on their own, without the need for God, pervades our culture [2I].

We have forgotten that we are sons and daughters of God, dependent on Him for our very existence.  Grace is the air we breathe (Rom. 5: 20-21; Eph. 2: 8-9)[2J][4][5].

“…God…has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began…” (2 Tim. 1: 8-9).

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[1A, 1B, and 1C]  Wikipedia, “Pelagianism”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelagianism.

[2A through 2J]  EWTN OnDemand, “The Heresies – Pelagianism”,  Episode 3, 3/17/22, https://ondemand.ewtn.com/paid/Home/Series/catalog/video/en/the-heresies.

[3A through 3D]  Stratigeer, “Pelagianism – the accidental heresy alive and well in the church today” by Shaun Turner, 12/15/22, https://stratigeer.medium.com/pelagianism-the-accidental-heresy-alive-and-well-in-the-church-today-7f5e77c76f74.

[4]  Harvest, “Why We Need God’s Grace” by Greg Laurie, 4/14/21, https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/why-we-need-gods-grace/.

[5]  Steps to Life, “Bible Study Guides – The Importance of Grace” by Judy Hallingstad, 11/14/17, https://www.stepstolife.org/article/bible-study-guides-importance-grace.

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