Christian apologist Jimmy Akin joins the host to address objections to Pascal's Wager, including lack of evidence, alternative options, and the belief in a condemning God.
Pascal's Wager is designed to address situations where an individual lacks convincing evidence and must make a decision based on practical reason.
Pascal's Wager can be adapted to compare other religious options, such as choosing Christianity over Hinduism based on the determination of one's fate at death.
Deep dives
Objections to Pascal's Wager
Objections to Pascal's Wager include the lack of evidence, the existence of other religious options, and the possibility of God condemning believers to hell. However, these objections do not overturn Pascal's Wager. The Wager is designed to address situations where an individual lacks convincing evidence and must make a decision. In such cases, it is rational to choose based on practical reason. Additionally, while the Wager traditionally compares Christianity and skepticism, it can be adapted to compare other religious options. It is important to note that the idea of God condemning believers to hell goes against the Christian view and is considered an evil deity viewpoint.
The Legitimacy and Usefulness of Pascal's Wager
Pascal's Wager remains legitimate and useful for those torn between Christianity and skepticism, which are often seen as the primary live options in the Western context. The Wager can also be adapted for comparing other religious positions. For instance, if torn between Christianity and Hinduism, wagering on Christianity is preferable because it determines one's fate at death, while Hinduism offers multiple chances through reincarnation. It is essential to understand that the Wager is not designed to address situations where the world is inherently perverse, as it assumes reason and practicality over such possibilities.
DAY 319
CHALLENGE
“Pascal’s Wager is open to objections: (1) It isn’t based on evidence; (2) Christianity and skepticism aren’t the only two options we can choose; and (3) how do you know that God won’t perversely decide to put you in hell for placing your faith in him?”
DEFENSE
None of these objections overturn Paschal’s Wager.
First, as we observe elsewhere (see Day 318), Pascal’s Wager is designed to deal with situations where an individual feels unable to make a decision based on evidence, yet where a decision must be made because not to choose would be to accept one position by de…
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