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God of the Christians
Frenchman and one of the foremost mathematicians of his time. While still in his teens he made discoveries in geometry and calculus. He worked out the theory of probability and designed the first mechanical computer. Today there is even a computer language named after him. The list of his scientific accomplishments goes on and on. Here's what this brilliant man, also a noted religious philosopher, said about the Christian's relationship to God. THE GOD OF THE CHRISTIANS The God of Christians is not a God who is simply the author of geometrical truths, or the order of the elements; that is the view of the pagans and the Epicureans. He is not merely a God who exercises his providence over the lives and fortunes of men, to bestow on those who worship him a long and happy life. The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, the God of Christians is a God of love and comfort, a God who fills the soul and heart of those whom he possesses, a God who makes them conscious of their inward wretchedness, and his infinite mercy; who unites himself to their inmost soul, who fills it with humility and joy, with confidence and love, who renders them incapable of any other end than himself. -- Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), as found in EERDMANS' BOOK OF CHRISTIAN CLASSICS: A TREASURY OF CHRISTIAN WRITINGS THROUGH THE CENTURIES, compiled by Veronica Zundel, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1985, p. 61. [Lord, make me aware of my wretchedness. Remind me of your infinite mercy. Fill me with humility and joy, confidence and love. Draw me to my ultimate end - yourself. Amen!] Have a great day, Chip Stam |