What theological concept did Pelagianism challenge?

Pelagianism challenged the necessity of grace for salvation, fundamentally questioning the role of divine grace in the process of human salvation. Pelagius, the proponent of this theological viewpoint, argued that humans could achieve salvation through their own ability to choose good and avoid evil without the need for God's grace. This stood in stark contrast to mainstream Christian doctrine, particularly the views held by figures such as Augustine, who emphasized that human beings, due to original sin, are inherently incapable of achieving righteousness on their own and therefore require divine grace for salvation.

Understanding the challenge that Pelagianism posed helps clarify its significance in Christian theology. It prompted a deeper exploration of grace and sin, leading to significant theological debates during the early Church, notably at councils like the Council of Carthage and the Council of Ephesus. These discussions shaped the development of doctrines regarding grace and salvation that continue to influence Christian thought today.