Answer to the Pelagians I

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Answer to the Pelagians I

Library Edition
translated by
Roland J. Teske, SJ
introduction by
Roland J. Teske, SJ
edited by
John E. Rotelle, OSA
    About the book

    What we call the Pelagian heresy actually took many forms, and had multiple proponents at different stages before it was officially condemned. Augustine, as bishop of Hippo, saw that these teachings were dangerous and set out to address them by explaining the true Church doctrine on these subjects. He first denounced the heresies verbally, in sermons and conferences. When a friend asked him to clarify the Christian doctrines contradicted by certain heresies, Augustine wrote down his rebuttal at length. Over time he wrote nearly a dozen distinct texts in direct answer to the various Pelagian heresies.

    This volume contains seven works of Saint Augustine of Hippo written between 412 and 420 or 421. They are all concerned with the Pelagian heresy from the time of its inception until after its condemnation in 418 by the emperor Honorius, by the Council of Carthage, and by Pope Zosimus.

    The works are:

    The Punishment and Forgiveness of Sins and the Baptism of Little Ones
    The Spirit and the Letter
    Nature and Grace
    The Perfection of Human Righteousness
    The Deeds of Pelagius
    The Grace of Christ and Original Sin
    The Nature and Origin of the Human Soul 

    About the author

    Augustine of Hippo is one of the greatest thinkers and writers in the Western world. After becoming a Christian he was made bishop of Hippo in Africa, where he was influential in civil and church affairs. His more than 100 books, 200 letters, and 500 sermons have left a lasting impact on Western philosophy and culture. His classic and best-selling works include The Confessions, The Trinity, The City of God, and Teaching Christianity.