Original scientific paper
Contribution of St. Jerome to the debate against the Pelagian heresy
Josip Knežević
orcid.org/0000-0001-9819-463X
Abstract
The aim of this article is to present the role and contribution of St. Jerome in refuting some elements of Pelagianism, such as those connected to the grace of God, free will, infant baptism, and, in particular, human capacity to be without sin (impeccantia). Jerome was among the first to refute the heretical theses of Pelagius, which he came to know through the works of St. Augustine that were available to him at that time (De peccatorum meritis et remisione et baptismo parvulorum and Epistula ad Hilarium). After briefly reviewing the attitudes of Christians in this period when they had just been emancipated within the Roman Empire, the article deals with the historical events surrounding the beginnings of the Pelagian controversy, as well as with the main theses taught by Pelagius, which were not in accordance with the deposit of faith of that time, as Jerome noted. Therefore, on the basis of his works Epistula ad Ctestiphontem and Dialogus adversus Pelagianos the article presents his response to the Pelagian theses. The controversy greatly confused people at that time and continued to baffle many after the death of the main actors in the dispute. In any case, Jerome’s contribution was crucial in the sense that by his actions he helped to preserve the purity of our faith regarding Christ’s redemptive role on the cross. There is no doubt that the popes had in mind the commitment of this great Dalmatian when, ex cathedra, they condemned this heretical teaching.
Keywords
Jerome; Pelagius; Pelagianism; impeccantia; Gratia Dei; liberum arbitrium.
Hrčak ID:
260877
URI
Publication date:
1.7.2015.
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