Pensées

Series XXXII represents an exchange between Pascal and the theologian Martin de Barcos. Pascal asks de Barcos questions concerning miracles, and de Barcos’s answers are given in the bracketed text.

Pascal defines a miracle as “an effect exceeding the natural powers of the means employed” (275). Pascal argues that miracles are “fundamental” for establishing the basis for faith because the “whole man,” both body and soul, must be convinced of the truths of the faith. Indeed, earlier in the book he had argued that absent miracles, Jesus’s contemporaries would not have been at fault for not believing he was the Messiah.

However, true miracles exist alongside events that seem to be miracles but are not, and there must be a sign or criterion by which the true miracles may be recognized. Further, true miracles cannot be performed by “false Christians” and those opposed to Christ and the Church—in the most extreme form, the Antichrist. Miracles are always on the side of the truth and are meant to confirm true beliefs.

Many of the remaining fragments deal with contemporary issues in theology. Fragments 902–904 include comments on controversies involving the Jansenists and Jesuits (See: Background).

In 902, Pascal sides with the Port Royal community against those who claim that it is sliding into heresy. In 904, he attacks the Jesuits for their use of “calumny” against him and for moral dishonesty. Pascal defends a healthy fear of God based on faith, rather than a “superstitious” and over-scrupulous fear based on a lack of faith. Finally, he defends the idea that Christ died to redeem all human beings, not just some—thus implying a critique of the Calvinist doctrine of predestination.