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Pelagius" entire concept of free will is man's ability to do as he pleases because he is in absolute control of his own actions. However, with this freedom of choice comes the sole responsibility for the corresponding repercussions. Whether man chooses evil opposed to virtue or vice versa, the according fault or praise would lie within himself and none other. .
Though, man does not always think of these consequences or commendations beforehand. With every moment, people unconsciously act out of habit instead of calculated thinking because they have become so accustomed to these actions. Pelagius explains that performing a good deed became so difficult for some because "the long custom of sin which begins from childhood and gradually brings us more and more under its power until it seems to have in some degree the force of nature." This quote explains Pelagius" notion of how sin can become a habit which is done unconsciously without a second thought. .
Not surprisingly, many of those who knowingly commit sin are quick to develop excuses for their actions. Pelagius eventually became irate of the assortment of excuses he would hear: "It is hard!" "It is difficult!" "I am not able!" In particular, the excuse, "I am not able!" created outrage within Pelagius. He took this as a criticism of God, as the Creator, to beget men who were "insufficient for the keeping of His law." He felt that "God could teach us the true way; God could set us a holy example; but God could not touch us to enable us to will the good." Pelagius saw these conscious sinners as being insufficient within themselves; as they were expecting more from God than what was needed.
The basis of Augustine's rebuttal to Pelagius" views began with his opposing beliefs of original sin. Augustine argued that if children were born free of any sin, why were newborn infants baptized? He concluded that this common practice was to purge the child of what must have been the original sin inherited from birth.
