Psychology

2 Pages 474 Words

In section IV of Penées by Blaise Pascal. The belief of God is discussed. One usually tries to use acts of nature as a proof of the existence of God, whether or not these acts can be explained from a scientifically expressed definition. Pascal finds this somewhat amusing but not surprising. He goes on to say that if these arguments were explained to the faithful or even ones who are looking for proof they will of course accept these arguments as valid proof. On the other had one who does not have faith or is losing faith will not be so easy to convince. Giving these people who have lost faith an argument which is suppose to prove God exists, which only focuses on the works of nature would not be concrete evidence that there is a God.

It is when scriptures are brought into play that one can give a better understanding and argument to what is of the nature of God. This being because scripture has a better knowledge to what things are of God and how to find God. For scriptures say those who seek God find Him.


Pascal says there are three sources of belief: reason, custom and inspiration. If you look at the Christian religion as said by Pascal, “… Which alone has reason, does not acknowledge as her true children those who believe without inspiration.” He goes on further by saying, “… the mind must be opened to proofs, and must be confirmed by custom and offer itself in humbleness to inspiration, which alone can produce a true saving effect.” Something that has come to my realization through this reading is that with certain religions including Christianity is that it involves a lot of formalities. It is said that it is superstition to put one’s home in formalities and pride to not submit to them. With this being true then one can only expect something from God if they bring the two together. How can one expect anything from god if they have too much pride to conform to a formality like kneeling down, bowing your...