Pelagian Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Pelagian Culture - Essay Example Original sin and overemphasized necessity in Divine aid were considered as the fetters for human. Therefore, the essence of traditional Pelagianism was in negation of original sin influence upon human nature and in neglecting of Divine aid role for human salvation. Promptly these ideas were transformed into several moral principles, namely that human will is capable of choosing good or evil without Divine aid, and that humanity has full control and responsibility for its own salvation in addition to full responsibility for every sin. These old ideas are in a heart of modern society. Indeed, most of us live inspired by ideas of independence, self-sufficiency, and also responsibility for our free choice. However, allegorically some of us build our houses upon the sand. "And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." (Matthew 7:26-27). Are we strong enough to make the right choice between good and evil without God's will inside of us Are we so wise to disclose consequences of our actions hidden in future Last Last questions are contra-Pelagian for the "no" answers. It is interesting that these questions will become pro-Pelagian rhetoric for the "yes" answers assumed. It seems that psychologically Pelagian culture is a culture of self-confident and active individuals. And vice versa, non-Pelagian culture is "suited" for submission and confidence in God's will. For instance, Pelagius places free will at the basis of all turning to God for grace; see St. Augustine's critique in (Book I, chapter24). Then, doctrine of Pelagius somewhat conflicts with the words of Christ: "Without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5); see details in St. Augustine (Book I, chapter 30). It seems that for modern human being non-Pelagian culture is too passive and internal oriented. However, I suppose that this is essential feature of true Christianity. Of course, both Pelagian and non-Pelagian cultures have positive and negative aspects. To disclose these ones, let us consider the case of real person which tried to balance between own freedom and responsibility. This is the case of Albert Speer, the first architect of the Third Reich. He was talented designer having numerous architectural ideas. And he wished to realize them all. This was the case when individual wants to be self-fulfilled, but self-fulfilled at any price. It is important that this is a typical case for Pelagian (sic!) culture. Moreover, Speer was capable to understand and then realize monstrous architectural visions of Hitler. Therefore, he had access for almost all intellectual, financial and human resources of Nazi Germany. In other words, his free will was supported by external forces. And Speer worked. He felt oneself as a creator of beautiful, perfect and immense constructions. But simultaneously he agreed with the forced evictions of Jews from their houses t o make room for his plans, and also agreed with usage of the slave labour to build his constructions. After years, Speer acknowledged his own guilt, but as guilt of blinded creator with "see no evil" attitude towards the