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Blaise Pascal (June 19, 1623—August 19, 1662) was a French mathematician, inventor, scientist, and theologian/philosopher. Despite his poor health, Pascal made significant contributions in mathematics and physical science, particularly in the fields of hydraulics, atmospheric pressure, and vacuums. He emphasized the importance of strict empirical observation and the use of controlled experiments. In mathematics, he played a key role in the development of differential calculus and probability theory. As an inventor, he created a digital calculator to facilitate commerce with the non-base 10 French monetary units. Additionally, he is credited with inventing the syringe and the hydraulic press.
Pascal was brought up in the Roman Catholic tradition but encountered Jansenists during his teenage years. The Jansenists, a Catholic splinter group named after the Dutch theologian Cornelius Jansen, believed in salvation through grace rather than human merit. Pascal adopted this faith, although some contemporary scholars find little evidence of its influence on his life. However, on November 23, 1654, he underwent what some describe as a “second conversion,” surrendering himself completely to Jesus Christ. He documented this experience and concealed it inside his jacket lining, only to be discovered posthumously.
Following his spiritual transformation, Pascal continued his scientific pursuits while devoting considerable time to theological contemplation and writing. He became part of a Jansenist community that later engaged in a dispute with the Pope, the Jesuits, and much of the ecclesiastical leadership in France. Writing under the pseudonym Louis de Montalte, Pascal authored a series of eighteen letters defending the Jansenists and criticizing the Jesuits. These letters, characterized by a conversational style infused with wit, sarcasm, irony, and humor, diverged from the conventional French theological discourse of the era.Letters were well-received, but ultimately the Jansenists were condemned by a papal bull and all but eradicated in France. These letters today are known as Les Provinciales or Lettres Provinciales (“The Provincial Letters”) and are available in English online.
Next, Pascal began work on what he hoped would be a comprehensive apology for the Christian faith. This work, published after his death, was called Pensées (“Thoughts” or “Reflections”). In this work, Pascal did provide evidence for the Christian faith, but he rejected the idea that one could arrive at the truth through rational processes alone. After reviewing all the evidence, he said, we are still left with a measure of uncertainty. It is here that we must make a choice, and it is his argument at this point that has had Pascal’s most lasting impact on Christianity. Pascal’s Wager, as it is called, explains that it only makes sense to wager that God exists. If a person “bets” that God does not exist and is wrong, he loses everything. On the other hand, if a person “bets” that God does exist and is wrong, he really loses nothing. Pascal also points out that there is no middle ground; everyone must make a bet one way or the other.
The wager is not a blind leap of faith because there is evidence to support God’s existence—just not enough to eliminate all uncertainty. The wager is not a proof of God’s existence; rather, it is a wise choice given the stakes and the probabilities. Some atheists counter that the person who “bets” on God and is wrong stands to lose a lot, including fun and happiness in this life, intellectual honesty, and self-respect. However, there are great numbers of believers who have all these things along with love, joy, and peace. If atheism is correct, when we die, it is all over and a happy believer is no worse off than a happy unbeliever, even if the believer was wrong all his life.
Pascal’s Wager encourages those who are struggling with the existence of God, the truth of Christianity, or the possibility of eternal life.
e to consider all the evidence and then proceed on the basis of the only choice that makes sense. It should also give comfort to believers who occasionally experience doubts. Rather than abandoning oneself to a life of atheism or unbelief, one should keep trying to find God, who promises, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” «And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. », (Jeremiah 29:13).
