augustine of hippo vs pelagius
they both charged the other with departing from Christian view and corrupting Christianity – believing the other had incorrect interpretations
this was an ongoing debate until 418 when Pelagius’ views were condemned at a Church Council and Augustine’s views upheld as it was in keeping with the teachings of st. paul.
original sin n its effect on the will n human society:
Post-Fall, human will became 'divided'.
Choice between right and wrong remains, but will is corrupted.
Tendency leans towards negative choices.
Internal conflict arises between desire for right and wrong actions.
Augustine resonated with St. Paul's Romans 7.
Paul describes struggle with sin's temptations and human weakness.
in romans 7v14-25: Paul expresses desire to be free from sin but feels bound to it.
Contrasts spiritual nature with fleshly nature.
Feels helpless in wanting to do right but succumbs to sin.
Recognises goodness of God's law but acknowledges its potential to incite rebellion against fallen nature.
Paul suggests sin overrides his free will.
Romans 3:20: Works of the law don't justify; law reveals sin.
Law's purpose: to expose, not eradicate, sin.
Paul assumes responsibility for his choices and actions.
Textbook suggests freedom found after death; Bible passage emphasizes freedom through Christ.
Paul's struggle provides comfort for Christians like Augustine.
Paul emphasizes human weakness, contrasting with confidence in Christ elsewhere.
Confidence rooted in faith in Christ.