Pascal: The Struggle for Salvation

This course offers an overview of the theology and thinking of Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), one of the most creative and unique Christian intellectuals of his era, whose influence has been significant into the present among both Catholics and Protestants. We will examine Pascal in the context of his cultural milieu, in terms of theology, philosophy, and ecclesial/social setting. His Pensées will be a major focus, but we will also study his writing on reason and grace and his own theology of Scripture. Attention will also be given to his colleagues and peers in the Jansenist reform movement. Assigned readings will be in English, but a reading knowledge of French will be helpful for one's own research and writing.