Semipelagianism
A doctrine of grace advocated by monks of Southern Gaul at and around Marseilles after 428. It aimed at a compromise between the two extremes of Pelagianism and Augustinism, and was condemned as heresy at the Œcumenical Council of Orange in 529 after disputes extending over more than a hundred years. The name Semipelagianism was unknown both […]
Sabellianism
One of several forms of Modalistic Monarchianism that appeared in the 3d and 4th centuries AD, Sabellianism was a Christian heresy named after Sabellius, a priest excommunicated by Pope Callistus I in 220. Denying the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, Sabellius contended that God is three only in relation to the world, in so many […]
Quietism
(Latin: quietus, quiet) A false or exaggerated mysticism, inculcating the view that the soul in all its relations with God should be entirely passive, self-suppressive or annihilating, and wholly absorbed in Him. It is characteristic of the pantheistic religions of India. Historically it appeared among the Gnostics and other early sects, later among the Beguines, Fraticelli, […]
Priscillianism
A heresy which was introduced into Spain towards the end of the 4th century by an Egyptian named Marcus. The system was based on the Gnostic-Manichaean doctrine of a two-fold principle of the world, one good, the other bad, and derived its name from Priscillian, who became its leader. The sect gradually assumed the form […]
Pneumatomachi
(Greek: pneuma, spirit; machomai, fight) Members of a fourth-century heretical sect which denied the Divinity of the Holy Spirit. See also Macedonianism. New Catholic Dictionary
Pelagius and Pelagianism
Pelagianism received its name from Pelagius and designates a heresy of the fifth century, which denied original sin as well as Christian grace. Life and Writings of Pelagius Apart from the chief episodes of the Pelagian controversy, little or nothing is known about the personal career of Pelagius. It is only after he bade a […]
Pelagius; Pelagianism
A heretic and his teachings. Pelagius, of whom little is known, began the spread of his false doctrines at Rome, c. 405. His teachings might be summarized as follows: God did not give Adam immortality, nor did Adam need grace to avoid sin. His sin was personal, and therefore was not transmitted to posterity. Hence, […]
Paulicians
Eastern heretics, derived from Manichaeism, begun by Constantine Mananalis c.657 and existing till about the middle of the 11th century. During the Saracen attacks many of them formed a political party disloyal to the cause of the Roman Empire. Originally, they held the following: the God of the material universe and the God of the […]
Origenism
The doctrines ascribed to Origen of Alexandria, one of the outstanding ecclesiastical writers of the early half of the 3rd century. He claimed that Scripture has a threefold sense: the literal, the spiritual, and the mystic; many passages have no literal meaning and must be interpreted in an allegorical way. In his voluminous writings, most […]
Novatian
Antipope from 251 to c.258. Born probably Rome. His early life is known to us principally through the letters of Pope Cornelius to Fabius of Antioch. While a catechumen he was thought to be possessed and was consequently exorcised. Because of a serious illness he was baptized by affusion, but was not confirmed, which made […]