Pelagianism

ecumenical council in Ephesus in June–July 431, convened by Emperor Theodosius II

thumb|Artistic portrayal of Pelagius, for whom Pelagianism was named

Semi-Pelagianism (or semipelagianism) is a historical Christian theological and soteriological school of thought about the role of free will in salvation. In semi-Pelagian thought, a distinction is made between the beginning of faith and the increase of faith. Semi-Pelagian thought teaches that the latter half – growing in faith – is the work of God, while the beginning of faith is an act of free will, with grace supervening only later.