03-25-2004, 04:34 PM
Hi,
Of course, the argument you gave (i.e., who knows what religion is true, if any) is valid. But I find something more fundamentally funny.
Imagine, if you will, Pascal's time and place. Basically, when he said "religion" he meant Roman Catholicism. Now, asked if one should believe in God, his answer boils down to "either believe in him or fake it". Thus Pascal's god cares more for the form than the function -- he rewards believers and hypocrites alike. Interesting concept, a god who allows himself to be fooled and a heaven that can be entered by ass kissing.
--Pete
Of course, the argument you gave (i.e., who knows what religion is true, if any) is valid. But I find something more fundamentally funny.
Imagine, if you will, Pascal's time and place. Basically, when he said "religion" he meant Roman Catholicism. Now, asked if one should believe in God, his answer boils down to "either believe in him or fake it". Thus Pascal's god cares more for the form than the function -- he rewards believers and hypocrites alike. Interesting concept, a god who allows himself to be fooled and a heaven that can be entered by ass kissing.
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?