What Is Pelagianism?
Pelagianism is a heretical teaching that centers on its denial of the doctrine of original sin. Original sin is the far-reaching consequence of Adam’s sin upon the human race—inherited sinfulness and God’s resulting judgment. Pelagianism teaches that we’re all born righteous, capable of living a life free of sin without the necessity of God’s grace.
The youngest of children across the world debunk this idea every day.
Suppose you were to bring a child into the world, never exhibit anything but kindness and love, without even a hint of anger or displeasure, and then gently take the child’s favorite toy away. What would happen? Every parent knows. The child will disprove Pelagianism and confirm original sin.
Pelagianism took off in the early 400s but was deemed heretical shortly after. Yet it remains vibrant in Christianity today. If you’re not familiar with all it encompasses, you may wonder, “What does Pelagianism teach and how do I avoid accidentally committing it?”
