History of the Controversy
The foundations of the Pelagian controversy are formed when the English monk Pelagius arrives in Rome around the turning of the fifth century. Pelagius was at home with the Latin theologians of Rome, North Africa, and also the east. Despite the familiarity some early traditions suggest that his Christian views were tainted by the naturalism of Druids from his early life in Britain and that his upbringing was not fully orthodox. Upon arriving in Rome Pelagius was troubled by the immorality he found in the city that was central to the Christian faith. It was not simply the iniquity that troubled Pelagius. He perceived that there was an underlying antinomian theology at work that gave license to the behavior he observed. During this time in Rome Pelagius wrote his “Commentary on the Epistles of Saint Paul”. Pelagius was quiet about propagating his doctrine during his time in Rome. There was no open debate but instead a private promotion of his teachings. The teachings of Pelagius began to take root among prosperous families and law students. It is during this time of taciturn teaching that Pelagius converts Celestius to his teaching. Celestius brought youthful energy and his argumentative training as a lawyer to the Pelagian cause. Celestius was the cause of the teachings of Pelagius to first become an ecclesiological controversy in Rome. Pelagius himself had an aversion to controversy but the exuberant Celestius was more aggressive with promoting Pelagius’ teachings. With Celestius involved the doctrines taught by Pelagius began to come out into the open. The teachings were evaluated and rejected by the church leadership in Rome.
It is during this time in Rome that Pelagius hears...
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St. Augustine considers his mother as a crucial factor in his conversion to Catholicism. However, through the analysis of his confessions, it leads me to believe that St. Augustine’s mother was not a decisive figure. Monica was in the background keeping him in thought and prayer, however Augustine’s watershed moments came as a result of his own examination of readings as well as his conversations with his friends and mentors. Therefore, I argue that Monica had delayed Augustine’s baptism and it was his own experiences that allowed him to come to God. Baptizing a baby at birth was a common practice during the time when Augustine was born.
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Francis of Assisi is one of the most influential personalities in the entire world. In the book ‘Francis of Assisi: Performing the Gospel Life,’ Cunningham recounts the life of this humble monk who lived in the medieval times, and shaped the Christian life, which spread in Western culture throughout the rest of history. I believe Cunningham accurately accounts for the life of Francis of Assisi, and in doing so; he provides a trajectory of the Christian faith from its early and historical proponents through its fusion with western culture, and its subsequent spread throughout the world.
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