No Organised Movement Existed, and No Individual Held the Collection of Views Attributed to ‘Pelagianism’

Abstract

Evidence shows that there was too much variation of ideas within the group identified as ‘Pelagians’ for the idea of a separate, organised group to be tenable. On issues alleged to define ‘Pelagianism’ there is no agreement in texts identified as ‘Pelagian’. Analysis shows that Pelagius’ opponents created the myth of a discrete and dangerous group by asserting links between individuals, and that what actually existed was the ascetic movement, which was very broad and unorganised. The chapter presents an accurate historical analysis of the enthusiasm for asceticism that swept through Christianity, and the cultural factors that generated so much ascetic literature, amongst it Pelagius’ writings..