Discussing the concept of heresy: the case of John Cassian (Provence, 5th century)

Abstract

Prosper of Aquitaine is best known for accusing the monks of Provence of being Semipelagians. Due to these accusations, since the 16th century, scholars would have considered that John Cassian´s 13th Conference (apr. 426 AD) played an important role in the development of a soft version of Pelagianism, after reading it as a contestation of Augustine´s teachings on grace, free will and predestination. This article intends to discuss the concept of heresy, analysing the 13th Conference not as opposing to Augustine´s positions, but as part of a monastical theological´s perspective, settled in Provence and centered in human agency and in the importance of obedience in order to achieve salvation.

Keywords

• Heresia
• João Cassiano
• 13ª. Conferência
• Semipelagianismo.