Vocations

1. Vocations Pelagius vs. Augustine Mr. Salter

2. Augustine vs. Pelagius p 18 • Pelagius emphasized unconditional free will and the ability to better oneself spiritually without grace. • This was in direct contrast to Augustine, who believed that humanity was completely helpless in Adam’s sin and in desperate need of grace. • Pelagius taught one could live a sinless life and merit heaven

3. Augustine vs. Pelagius p 18 • Pelagius taught one could (should) live a sinless life and merit (earn) heaven • Pelagius rejected the teaching of “original sin,” that resulted in ‘the Fall’ of humanity from God’s grace • Pelagius thought that God commanding a person to do something that he lacked the ability to do would be useless: “To call a person to something he considers impossible does him no good.” It should be within our power to achieve “good” on our own

4. Augustine vs. Pelagius p 18 • Augustine teaching on Original Sin • Augustine said, Adam originally possessed freedom; the free will to sin (or not sin) • After the Fall, all human beings participate in Adam’s sin (concupiscence), which renders them not able not to sin. • After the mediation of divine grace in Jesus Christ, humans are once again given the ability not to sin • Because of Original Sin, humans are no longer naturally good—that's why we need Jesus’ redemption