Odds Are

Blaise Pascal was great, based on the little I’ve read of him on Wikipedia. He did a lot of stuff with “conics,” which I don’t understand. He invented the hydraulic press and the syringe, which I know a little bit about. He also has a triangle named after him, which we all know is, “An infinite triangular array of the binomial coefficients which play a crucial role in probability theory, combinatorics, and algebra.” It’s so elementary that I don’t think I need to further explain it.

Pascal was also famous for his philosophy, notably a concept called, “Pascal’s wager.” I was reminded of it the other day when reading about the death of Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams. In his last days he subscribed to that philosophy. I’m not going to opine on Scott Adams generally, but Pascal’s wager is something that I’ve had opinions about for a while.

Pascal’s wager our entire lives are a gamble with regards to the existence of God. I will oversimplify based on my understanding: In this, there are four different possibilities: 1) God does not exist and you don’t believe in God (nothing happens), 2) God does not exist and you do believe in God (nothing happens) 3) God does exist and you do believe in God (An eternity in heaven) or 4) God does exist and you don’t believe in God (You go to hell, which is bad). This clearly incentivizes believing in God because if God doesn’t exist you don’t lose anything, but if God does, then you win the best outcome.

While it makes a convincing argument, it strikes me as an easy way out of the effects of actual faith on a person’s life.

This is the most cynical way to express something that is anathema to cynicism. Faith and belief is not a self-focused thing. It is a way of coming to terms with some of the biggest questions. The idea of belief in God is about understanding our place in the universe and how we are called to live in a way that reflects our creator. Faith is not a “get out of hell free” card, but Pascal’s wager suggests that very thing.

Our faith should not be for our own benefit. If the only result of faith is going to heaven, then why not just have everyone be a death-bed convert? If we think of our beliefs as nothing more than insurance, then why not do whatever awful things we want and then just paper it over with a hollow confession of belief?

Our faith compels us to love our neighbor; to seek justice for the oppressed; to be in humble service to those who need it the most. Our faith impels us to live lives that witness to a kingdom in which all are loved and all people are seen as beautiful. Our faith is what guides us to find love even among our enemies; to seek common good despite differences; to stand against those things that prevent human flourishing. Neither heaven nor hell are a part of that equation.

I have nothing specifically against Blaise Pascal. In fact, I love triangles and public transportation (which he invented, by the way). What I dispute is the idea that a life of faith is merely playing the odds. I don’t begrudge anybody their faith or conversion; we all have our own journeys. But a faith that is rooted in selfish motives is not a faith that I want to share.

Peace,

Jeff

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Faith isn’t about hedging our bets; it’s about how we choose to live and love right now. If you’re drawn to a faith that seeks justice, practices compassion, and works for the common good, you’re invited to explore that journey with us at Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church in Brighton, NY. Come be part of our community this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for a meaningful time of worship and togetherness. We’re saving a seat for you.