ISSN:
0036-9306
Source:
Cambridge Journals Digital Archives
Topics:
Theology and Religious Studies
Notes:
The traditional account of the history of the doctrine of predestination runs somewhat as follows: After the close of the apostolic era, Christians took little interest in the doctrine for the next three centuries. It was again brought into prominence during the early fifth century by Augustine, who was led, partly in reaction to Pelagianism, to formulate the doctrine in an extreme form. This produced a further reaction from a group of theologians led by Cassian, who regarded themselves as orthodox and as opponents of Pelagius, but who rejected the extreme Augustinian doctrine. It is generally considered that from a strictly logical point of view, there is more to be said for Augustine's doctrine, but that as he stated it it was found repugnant by many Christians. So Cassian and his followers are owed a certain debt for preventing the church from being saddled with the logical excesses of the greatest of the Latin fathers.1 All later statements, however, cannot but be Augustinian, Cassianite, or mediating positions between the two.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0036930600042988
Permalink
