Born Sinful? A Dramatised Debate

Join us as we travel back in time and bring to life the arguments between two charismatic individuals.

St Augustine of Hippo, one of Christianity’s most influential thinkers, wrote of Original Sin: the concept that we are all born sinful with a built-in urge to do bad things, and receive salvation only through God’s grace. It is an important doctrine within the Church and has had a long-lasting influence on European culture.

Pelagius, a British contemporary to Augustine, disagreed. He argued that we are born good as part of God’s Creation, and that Free Will gives us the choice of how to behave. For him, salvation could be achieved through our own behaviour. He had a wide following – including in fifth-century St Albans.

Join us as we travel back in time to the fourth century CE when the early Church was hammering out its doctrines, and bring to life the arguments between these two charismatic individuals. Pelagius and Augustine will share their arguments, and the audience is encouraged to join in the action. Expect a rowdy and no-holds-barred debate from this passionate pair!

When | Thursday 27 July 2023, 7.30-c.9pm

Where | St Albans Cathedral 

Cost | £10 (£6 students)

Speakers| Prof. Tim Boatswain and Stephen De Silva

(Please note this event is in-person only and will not be recorded.)

How to Book You can book online here using the button below, or by calling the Learning Administrator on 01727 890212 between 9.30am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday. Tickets will be on sale until 12noon on the day of the event. Please ensure that you provide a current email address when you book.  Clergy and Readers in St Albans Diocese have complimentary access to our Adult Learning courses, talks, study days, and reading groups. For clergy/Reader bookings, please email [email protected] with your name and role and we will confirm your place.