Happy Birthday, Old Friend

 

Today is the 400th birthday of Blaise Pascal. I could go on and on about the different ways that Pascal has helped me to think about the world that have made a significant difference to me. For anyone who knew me during the years from 1999-2008 when i was actively researching Pascal for my master's thesis and dissertation i am sorry for the many times that i said something in conversation like, "Pascal said something about this . . . " But i won't apologize for trying to give people a reason to read something that he wrote. If you have never taken the time to read the Pensées ("Thoughts"), put them in your digital library (you can probably find them for free) or buy a second-hand copy to read through at times when you have a moment to be reflective and thoughtful.

The Pensées is essentially a set of snippets and sections of writing reflecting on human nature, culture, God, Scripture, and many other topics. Most famously he fashioned an argument for giving a chance for God to demonstrate that he exists by doing things like going to church, reading the Bible, praying, etc. This is known as the "Wager Argument" and is often presented in a way that shows a deep misunderstanding of Pascal's attitudes.

Pascal was an insightful thinker and had a way of putting a finger on the pulse of his time. But as he observed those in 17th century France, he also said many things that resonate in ways that are incredibly beneficial for us today. For example, he spoke of the ways that human beings avoid the searching questions of their lives by seeking diversion in all sorts of ways. He connects with those who have come to recognize how little certainty really exists in our lives and how much this drives us to the God who exists but who so often "hides Himself." In a time in my life when i thought i needed to have a mental certitude about all of the articles of my faith, Pascal gave me permission to recognize the infinity and inscrutability of God and His plans. Walking a path of faith alongside this all-too-human 17th century saint, spending countless quiet hours with his writings, changed my life. My faith is more real and more grounded because of him.

I always come back to this one quotation that expresses to me something of the truth that Pascal helped me to grasp:

"Know then, proud man, what a paradox you are to yourself. Be humble, impotent reason! Be silent, feeble nature! Learn that man infinitely transcends man, hear from your master your true condition. Listen to God."

You might think that after writing about Pascal for so long i might get tired of him and honestly by the time i finished with my dissertation, i was a bit weary of thinking of him all the time. But with some years in the rearview mirror i realize how much i still appreciate him and his work. So if you ever want to talk about a 17th-century French mathematician, scientist, inventor, philosopher, theologian, i am always up for it.

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