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The Library

Forty Centuries of Christian Writing

1780 works catalogued century by century, from the literature the Bible was written among to the present — each with a note on what it is, why it lasted, and where to read it.

401–500

The Fifth Century

2 works

c. 450

Latin

The Call of All Nations

Prosper of Aquitaine · c. 390–c. 455

A softened Augustinianism arguing that God genuinely wills all to be saved while salvation remains entirely by grace, written to make peace among the monks of Gaul.

Western · Theology1 TimothyRead elsewhere

c. 470

Latin

On Grace

De Gratia

Faustus of Riez · c. 405 – c. 490

A monk of Lérins turned bishop argues against absolute predestination on one side and against Pelagius on the other: grace is necessary throughout, but the will makes a real beginning, and God's foreknowledge is not God's decree.

Western Monastic · TreatiseRomansMatthew1 TimothyEzekielRead elsewhere

501–600

The Sixth Century

1 work

529

Latin

The Canons of the Second Council of Orange

The Council of Orange

Twenty-five canons settling the long quarrel over grace: the beginning of faith is itself God's gift, but the council pointedly declines to teach predestination to damnation.

Western · CanonsRead elsewhere