Pelagianism

An understanding of how humans are able to merit their salvation, which is diametrically opposed to that of Augustine of Hippo, placing considerable emphasis upon the role of human works and playing down the idea of divine grace. Pelagianism argues that every individual has the free will to choose to perform good or evil acts, and that by always choosing to behaving virtuously, people can earn salvation through their own moral perfection.

The term Pelagianism derived from Pelagius, a fifth century monk. Mainstream Christians (led by Augustine of Hippo) resisted the Pelagian view concerning free will, and its supporters were condemned as heretics.