The Oxford Handbook of the Pelagian Controversy

The Oxford Handbook of the Pelagian Controversy delves into the heart of one of Christianity’s earliest and most profound theological disputes. The Pelagian controversy, characterized by fierce debates on topics such as original sin, grace, and predestination, was a pivotal moment in the development of Christian doctrine during the early fifth century, unfolding across continents and involving influential figures like Augustine of Hippo, Pelagius, Caelestius, and Julian of Aeclanum.

Beyond a mere theological and ecclesiastical debate, Pelagianism was an historical event which had far-reaching consequences, even influencing imperial decisions, and shaping later evolutions in the West -- theologically, philosophically, but also politically and historically. While shedding light on the historical intricacies of the Pelagian controversy, this Handbook also explores its enduring legacy. The discussions surrounding human autonomy, sexuality, and human limitations continue to shape contemporary theological and ethical discussions.

With a strong emphasis on methodological precision, this comprehensive volume offers a balanced view of the Pelagian controversy, avoiding oversimplification, highlighting the importance of lost sources and the contributions of lesser-known figures, and uncovering the reception history of the controversy through the centuries. This Handbook is an indispensable resource for scholars and students interested in the history of the West and of Christianity, particularly concerning the profound philosophical and theological questions that continue to influence our modern culture.

Anthony Dupont, Research Professor, KU Leuven, Giulio Malavasi, Independent scholar, , Brian Matz, Professor of the History of Christianity and Associate Dean, Aquinas Institute of Theology

Anthony Dupont is a Research Professor in Christian Antiquity affiliated with the Research Unit History of Church and Theology at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, KU Leuven, Belgium. His scholarly pursuits focus on the theology and philosophy of Augustine of Hippo (354-430). Dupont was recently appointed to the Chair Augustine of Hippo, the mission of which is to deepen the understanding of Augustine’s intellectual legacy and to foster broader dissemination of his ideas through rigorous academic inquiry.

Giulio Malavasi is an independent scholar and a civil servant in the Italian government. He publishes regularly on the Pelagian controversy, focusing on the historical construction of Pelagianism as a heresy, on the theological differences within the so-called Pelagian movement, and on the history of Pelagianism in the East. He recently published La controversia pelagiana in Oriente (2022) and co-edited the volume Sancti uiri, ut audio: Theologies, Rhetorics and Receptions of the Pelagian Controversy Reappraised (2023).

Brian Matz is Professor of the History of Christianity and Associate Dean of Aquinas Institute of Theology, a graduate school affiliated with Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA. He is the author of several books and articles on the theological controversies of and the reception of Augustine in the Carolingian era, on Gregory of Nazianzus, and on early Christian social ethics.