Baius, Michael (1513-1589)

Flemish Roman Catholic theologian. Professor of biblical studies and chancellor of the University of Louvain, he came to prominence for his highly controversial claims that there is no free will and that spiritual corruption is so intrinsic a part of human nature that salvation depends on faith and God's grace rather than good works. His views were contrary to orthodox belief and twice condemned as false and heretical. They later had a strong influence on Jansenism.

Baius was born in Melun and studied theology at the University of Louvain . In 1522 he became a professor there and in 1575 chancellor. He was a deputy at the Council of Trentin 1563. Published in 1563-64, his views on free will, sinfulness, and justification - inspired by the writings of St Augustine of Hippo - were openly opposed to the doctrines recognized at the Council of Trent. They were condemned as heretical by Pope Pius V in his bull Ex omnibus afflictionibus (1567) and in 1580 by Pope Gregory XIII. The Jesuits also attacked his works, their main advocate being Robert Bellarmine.