03-26-2004, 02:52 PM
I probably need to crack open my book on Pascal and sort it out, but:
I realize I am post Pascal, and many ideas have come along since his thoughts hit the foolscap, but "yes you should" strikes me as an answer that leaves in the power of the original questioner the option to "take that leap of Faith." However, the "yes you should" reply is, to me incomplete, since the reply needs more than a yes to take the person who has not yet adopted the belief to where the Faith becomes real versus erzatz. I think I read the cynicism as being "yes, because I said so and for not other reason, trust me" but I may have missed a subtler point.
Quote:If someone asks, "should I believe in God", then it is safe to assume that he doesn't. To reply "yes, you should" knowing that it is not in the questioner's power is pretty cynical.
I realize I am post Pascal, and many ideas have come along since his thoughts hit the foolscap, but "yes you should" strikes me as an answer that leaves in the power of the original questioner the option to "take that leap of Faith." However, the "yes you should" reply is, to me incomplete, since the reply needs more than a yes to take the person who has not yet adopted the belief to where the Faith becomes real versus erzatz. I think I read the cynicism as being "yes, because I said so and for not other reason, trust me" but I may have missed a subtler point.
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete