Current research on Pelagianism has revealed that the term “Pelagians” was coined in 419, after the disappearance (presumably death) of Pelagius. This raises questions regarding Augustine's introduction of the category and its distinction from Manichaeism. One theory suggests that Pelagianism originated from ascetic circles aiming to emphasize free will and attribute their ascetic lifestyle to personal effort. This lecture will explore the contrasting perspectives on human nature between Augustine and Pelagius within the ascetic framework. Additionally, it will shed light on Augustine's paradoxical rejection of fatalism and his development of the concept of predestination in his City of God, providing insights into the Roman Empire and the church in their respective contexts.
 

Speaker 
Prof. Volker Henning Drecoll
Chair of Church History (Early Church)
Faculty of Protestant Theology
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

Organizers: 
Divinity School of Chung Chi College, 
Centre for Christian Studies, 
Centre for Catholic Studies

The Lecture will be conducted in English. 
Zoom link will be provided to participants outside of Hong Kong.