In Light of the Theological Positions of Pelagius and Augustine
By Trevor Cartwright
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Due to some superficial doctrinal similarities with the notorious heretic Pelagius, some of John Wesley’s opponents accused him of believing that the human will is inherently neutral and is capable of achieving a works-based salvation. Some of Wesley’s writings show how he was forced to clarify and defend his positions concerning these issues.
Did Wesley truly hold to Pelagian ideas, or were his opponents mistaken? Is there any merit to the claim that Wesley believed one’s natural faculties allow one simply to work hard enough to be saved? This paper argues that John Wesley held to a semi-Augustinian anthropology and soteriology.
