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A review by theologiaviatorum
Four Anti-Pelagian Writings by Saint Augustine
informative
medium-paced
3.5
Having previously read Romanides on Ancestral Sin I wanted to acquaint myself with the Catholic view as well so I read these Anti-Pelagian writings by St. Augustine. In these four works, On Nature and Grace, On the Proceedings of Pelagius, On the Predestination of the Saints, and On the Gift of Perseverance St. Augustine sets out the Catholic doctrine against Pelagius. Pelagianism holds that all men and women are born without imperfection or defect. Each person is in the state of wholeness which Adam enjoyed before his Fall. At some point a person will commit a sin and experience a Fall of the same kind as Adam. While Pelagius believed this was the reality of the case he did not believe this was the necessary case. He taught that it was possible for someone to live a perfect life without sinning, if he so chose. Against this, Augustine of Hippo taught that Man is born guilty of Adam's sin and therefore condemned from birth. He is saved by the grace of God in the bath of regeneration (baptism). The emphasis upon grace is essential for St. Augustine. He will not admit the slightest bit of work or merit into salvation. He holds that the beginning, the growth, and the perseverance of our faith is the pure gift of God. According to Augustine, to say that God offers us grace in response to our faith is to say that he offers grace according to our merits, in which case grace ceases to be grace. Grace must always be entirely free and gratuitous. John Calvin's connection to the Bishop of Hippo is obvious. Unless I have misunderstood, there is no doctrine in the famous five points of Calvinism that is not found here in Augustine.
Edit (Feb. 18, 2025): I have since learned that while the English word "guilt" is used, these works were originally penned in Latin so there are issues of translation to deal with. Both "reatus" and "culpa" may be translated "guilt." I do not know which St. Augustine used here. I do not have access to the Latin texts. I do know, however, that regardless of Augustine's belief, it is not the Catholic belief that children are personally guilty of sin. The catechism reads, "Although it is proper to each individual, original sin does not have the character of a personal fault in any of Adam's descendants" (CCC ยง405).
Edit (Feb. 18, 2025): I have since learned that while the English word "guilt" is used, these works were originally penned in Latin so there are issues of translation to deal with. Both "reatus" and "culpa" may be translated "guilt." I do not know which St. Augustine used here. I do not have access to the Latin texts. I do know, however, that regardless of Augustine's belief, it is not the Catholic belief that children are personally guilty of sin. The catechism reads, "Although it is proper to each individual, original sin does not have the character of a personal fault in any of Adam's descendants" (CCC ยง405).