The Sean McDowell Show The Brilliance of Blaise Pascal (Jesus, Science, Islam, and more)
Jul 3, 2024
Dr. Doug Groothuis discusses Blaise Pascal's intellectual pursuits in math, science, ethics, and theology. They explore Pascal's unique perspective on science, philosophy, Christianity, and Islam, including his famous Pascal's Wager. The podcast delves into Pascal's contributions, miracle stories of Jesus, Deuteronomy prophecy, and the contemporary relevance of Pascal's Wager in today's diverse belief landscape.
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Pascal's Private Conversion And Hidden Papers
- Blaise Pascal had a profound private religious experience called the 'night of fire' that he documented and kept hidden until his death.
- After he died his family discovered hundreds of apologetic fragments showing he planned a comprehensive Christian defense.
Experimental Science And Biblical Revelation
- Pascal insisted on empirical experiments to test natural claims and helped shape falsifiability in scientific method.
- He integrated biblical revelation with experimental science without endorsing scientism.
Why Pascal Distrusted Natural Theology
- Pascal rejected formal natural theology though he accepted general revelation as taught in Scripture.
- Groothuis argues Pascal's theological objections to natural theology are inadequate and that natural theology remains useful.