Christianity for Modern Pagans: PASCAL's Pensees Edited, Outlined, and Explained
by Peter Kreeft, Blaise Pascal
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Book Summary Information
Author: Blaise Pascal, Peter KreeftEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1993-09
ISBN: 0898704529
Number of pages: 341
Publisher: Ignatius Press
Book Reviews of Christianity for Modern Pagans: PASCAL's Pensees Edited, Outlined, and Explained
Book Review: Amazing from many angles...
Summary: 5 Stars
Where to begin? Kreeft spends the introductory chapter providing some historical background on Blaise, which is laudable, since few know much of him besides his being a 17th century mathematician. Kreeft reorders the Pensees from what is believed to be Pascal's intended order, but I think the decision makes sense, since Kreeft explains the structure and his reasons for it. The book is arranged into 28 chapters, varying in length, that build upon each other very naturally. There are a very few instances when Kreeft's commentary seems somewhat off the direct intent of Pascal's thought, but these are rare. By and large, however, Kreeft is tremendously helpful in providing the historical, literary, or philosophical background necessary to unveil the genius of Pascal. Pascal is so subtle, shrewd, and thorough, and his overall insight into human nature is startling and silencing. Several of his longer essays leaving you grasping for superlatives. His thoughts on the sinful, wretched nature of human beings was particularly incisive, since we seem to view sin in increasingly external terms, i.e. things that we do, actions we take. The subtle, internal sins (the sin that we ARE?) are nearly forgotten, but Pascal shines brilliant light on them, to the point where you just stop and sit sheepishly. Pascal possesses such a rare honesty, and just insight, insight, insight, ad nauseum. He SEES so much, and we should be ashamed at how shallow our handling of life, truth, and belief so often is. Would that we all face and ponder the realities of our existence so squarely, but even here, Pascal is unpacking why we do not. Folks looking for philosophical proofs and arguments will not find as many as they hope, but the reason becomes clear the further one travels in the book. They are there, but secondary to far more intimate matters. As I read, I was alternately impressed with Pascal and Kreeft. Kreeft's writing style is very breezy and nonchalant, but he possesses great acuity and clarity, and a wonderful linquistic flair. Imagine that: a brilliant, careful thinker, and a fine writer too. While a few of his comments left me scratching my head in ignorance, the remainder are the glove to Pascal's verbal hand. I cannot recommend this book enough. It took me several months to work through (although I lost some time due to lack of discipline), but it's worth every moment. I caution you to read slowly and carefully, as the sometimes short, pithy nature of the Pensees can encourage complacent speed. Methodical, deliberate reading is advised; take the time to work through the commentary and see how things fit. This is a fantastic book in every way.
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Summary of Christianity for Modern Pagans: PASCAL's Pensees Edited, Outlined, and Explained
Peter Kreeft believes that Blaise Pascal is the first post-medieval apologist. No writer in history, claims Kreeft, is a more effective Christian apologist and evangelist to today's uprooted, confused, secularized pagans (inside and outside the Church) than Pascal. He was a brilliant man--a great scientist who did major work in physics and mathematics, as well as an inventor--whom Kreeft thinks was three centuries ahead of his time. His apologetics found in his Pensées are ideal for the modern, sophisticated skeptic.Kreeft has selected the parts of Pascal's Pensées which best respond to the needs of modern man, and offers his own comments on applying Pascal's wisdom to today's problems. Addressed to modern skeptics and unbelievers, as well as to modern Christians for apologetics and self-examination, Pascal and Kreeft combine to provide a powerful witness to Christian truth.
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