펠라기우스 논쟁의 “역설적 긴장(paradoxical tension)” 관계

Abstract

This paper attempts to examine incompatible core arguments in the debate between Augustine and Pelagius within the scope of traditional theology, and to establish a new framework of understanding so called "paradoxical tension." First of all, Augustine argues that the human's free will as a result of Adam's abuse has just an ability to do evil things, so that God's grace is absolutely necessary. Secondly, about the understanding of original sin and the imitation of sin : original sin contaminated by the fall of Adam, the representative of human beings, is still passed down to the offspring. Hence Augustine's claim that all human beings are sinners. However, according to Pelagius all human beings are born good, but they just imitate sin on their own. Finally, Pelagius claims that God punishes all mankind for the crime of one individual in regard to God's love and justice. However, according to Augustine, God will love us and give us his grace. This conflict between both claims is because their respective philosophical and theological backgrounds are different. As well known, Augustine's position has been accepted, but it is my position that this is a historical error that overlooks the limits of human epistemology and language expressions. Rather, if the interactions in the “paradoxical tension” had been maintained, much more creative outcomes would have been produced thereby. Moreover, this paradoxical tension concept could be applied in various, political and social fields.