Pelagianism

British  

/ pɛˈleɪdʒɪəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. Christianity a heretical doctrine, first formulated by Pelagius, that rejected the concept of original sin and maintained that the individual takes the initial steps towards salvation by his own efforts and not by the help of divine grace

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Example Sentences

Heresy or not, Pelagianism was a good deal easier to live with.

From Time Magazine Archive

Pelagius made many converts to his more optimistic doctrine; but after years of vigorous controversy between him and Augustine, the Church decided that Pelagianism was heresy.

From Time Magazine Archive

Put in secular terms, the Pelagianism of America means an unshakable faith in the righteousness of the U.S.

From Time Magazine Archive

The 16th century Council of Trent re-endorsed Augustine's attack on Pelagianism for the Counter-Reformation Catholic Church.

From Time Magazine Archive

He was educated at Merton College, and was one of the best geometers of his time, besides being the author of an important tract against Pelagianism.

From The Cathedral Church of Canterbury [2nd ed.] A Description of Its Fabric and a Brief History of the Archiepiscopal See by Withers, Hartley