Final answer:
The heresy that claims humans are so powerless that they cannot contribute to their own holiness is known as Quietism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The heresy which held that human nature was so powerless a person could do nothing to grow in holiness is known as Quietism. This view suggests that human beings can only achieve a relationship with God through complete passivity and submission, negating the role of individual effort in spiritual growth.
It is a stark contrast to other perspectives, such as those argued by St. Augustine, who defended theological orthodoxy and believed that it is within human power to choose the good, though ultimately, divine grace is necessary. Augustine wrote against other heretical views such as Pelagianism, which asserts that humans can achieve salvation on their own without divine grace, and Arianism, which denies the divine nature of Jesus.