After Augustine refuted the teachings of Pelagius, some tried a modified version of his system. This, too, ended in heresy by claiming that humans can reach out to God under their own power, without God’s grace; that once a person has entered a state of grace, one can retain it through one’s efforts, without further grace from God; and that natural human effort alone can give one some claim to receiving grace, though not strictly merit it."
I would be interested in hearing whether each of the RCs around here agree with this being a "heresy". All of them I have interacted with have in one form or another claimed "free will" is alive and well, and "graces" are initiated by actions of the believer. Sounds awfully close to Semi-Pelagianism to me. Thoughts?
This is very confusing. How is “free will” defined? What do you mean when say “free will”?
Sure sounds like Catholic teaching to me.
Absolutely ... With their 'free will" they go to confession to get grace, then they go to communion to get grace ... they do good works to "get" grace ..
Grace is giving what is not deserved ..