We’re going to do a thought experiment called Pascal’s Wager. Here’s how it works:
The philosopher Blaise Pascal argued that believing in God is a rational bet:
- If God exists and you believe: Infinite reward (heaven).
- If God exists and you don’t believe: Infinite loss (hell).
- If God doesn’t exist and you believe: Small loss (some time and effort).
- If God doesn’t exist and you don’t believe: Small gain (a bit more freedom).
Pascal said: Even if God probably doesn’t exist, the potential infinite reward makes believing the smart bet.
Do you find this argument convincing?
Stand up if you think Pascal’s logic makes sense.
Stay seated if you see problems with it.
Some questions to consider:
- Can you choose to believe something?
- What if you pick the wrong god?
- Is believing “just in case” genuine belief?
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