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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