pelagianism

noun

1. a follower of Pelagius, who denied original sin and believed in freedom of the will.

adjective

2. of or relating to Pelagius or Pelagianism.

noun

1. Christianity a heretical doctrine, first formulated by Pelagius, that rejected the concept of original sin and maintained that the individual takes the initial steps towards salvation by his own efforts and not by the help of divine grace

adjective

1. of or inhabiting the open sea

adjective

1. of or relating to Pelagius or his doctrines

noun

2. an adherent of the doctrines of Pelagius

1530s (n.); 1570s (adj.), from Medieval Latin Pelagianus, from Pelagius, Latinized form of the name of 4c. British monk who denied the doctrine of original sin. Combated by Augustine, condemned by Pope Zosimus in 418 C.E. His name in Welsh was said to have been Morgan, literally “sea-dweller” (cf. Greek pelagos “sea;” see pelagic). Related: Pelagianism.