Changes

'''Pelagianism''' is a [[heretical]] [[Christian]] doctrine developed by a British monk named [[Pelagius]] around 400 AD. Although he was British, Pelagius mostly wrote in [[Rome]], where he came to the attention of the [[Roman Catholic]] authorities who have declared his teachings heretical on numerous occasions, the first being at the Council of Carthage in 412.<ref>[http://www.carm.org/apologetics/heresies/pelagianism CARM Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry: Pelagianism (carm.org)]</ref>

'''Pelagianism''' is a [[heretical]] [[Christian]] doctrine developed by a British monk named [[Pelagius]] around 400 AD. Although he was British, Pelagius mostly wrote in [[Rome]], where he came to the attention of the [[Roman Catholic]] authorities who have declared his teachings heretical on numerous occasions, the first being at the Council of Carthage in 412.<ref>[http://www.carm.org/apologetics/heresies/pelagianism CARM Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry: Pelagianism (carm.org)]</ref>

Pelagianism denied the Catholic doctrines of [[original sin]], the divinity of [[Jesus]], and [[salvation]] by [[grace]]. Pelagius held that salvation was achieved through one's own efforts, and was not a gift from God. Pelagianism also taught that human beings were born in a state of innocence with a nature that was as pure as that which [[Adam]] was given at his creation.

Pelagianism denied the Catholic doctrines of [[original sin]], the divinity of [[Jesus]], and [[salvation]] by [[grace]]. Pelagius held that salvation was achieved through one's own efforts, and was not a gift from God. Pelagianism also taught that human beings were born in a state of innocence with a nature that was as pure as that which [[Adam]] was given at his creation, hence there is no need to baptize infants and small children, nor any need for them to confess (before the age of five) that they have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

As a result of his basic assumption, Pelagius taught that man has an unimpaired [[moral]] ability to choose that which is spiritually good and possesses the [[free will]], ability, and capacity to do that which is spiritually good. This resulted in a gospel of salvation based on human works. Man could choose to follow the precepts of [[God]] because he had the power within himself to do so.  

As a result of his basic assumption, Pelagius taught that man has an unimpaired [[moral]] ability to choose that which is spiritually good and possesses the [[free will]], ability, and capacity to do that which is spiritually good. This resulted in a gospel of salvation based on human works. Man could choose to follow the precepts of [[God]] because he had the power within himself to do so.