@philosophyminis: Most people assume that Pascal's Wager is just a dodgy gamble for the existence of God, where he says, ‘We might as well believe in God in case there is a hell, or in case there is a heaven.’ But there is a lesser known part of Pascal's argument that is perhaps more interesting. Pascal moves away from talking about the afterlife to talking about this life instead, and he asks, ‘What if there are real life benefits to being religious?’ Let's assume for the minute that there is no definitive proof either way, whether God exists or not. And into this uncertainty, Pascal asks, ‘What if believing in God is just a good choice?’ Pascal argues that there are certain worldly benefits to believing in God, and especially in becoming a Christian. For example, it will make you honest because you think God is always watching. It will make you humble because you are tiny in comparison to divinity. In his words, it will make us ‘generous, grateful, a sincere friend, and truthful.’ And today we might add the social benefits as well, because in a world where third spaces are dying, and people feel lonelier than ever, religion offers support, companionship, and friendship. It might be objected that you cannot just choose to believe in the way you turn a light switch on and off. But here Pascal says that we can take steps to try. Go to church, read the Bible, and say your prayers. Act religious, and you will become religious. Fake it til you make it. So, what do you think? If religious belief would make you better and happier, why not give it a go?’

Jonny Thomson

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Region: GB

Wednesday 13 May 2026 13:46:17 GMT