Sample Header Ad - 728x90

Why did the Catholic Church ban Pascal's Pensées?

5 votes
1 answer
331 views
The Wikipedia page for Blaise Pascal's apologetic work *Pensées* says that the Catholic Church banned the book: > However as conflicting with the orthodoxy of the Catholic Church it has been forbidden to print or read by the Index Librorum Prohibitorum. Source: [Pensées - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pens%C3%A9es) Following Wikipedia's citations, [Beacon for Freedom of Expression](https://beta.nb.no/extrip/beacon/9800645) says the book was banned for religious reasons in 1789, but offers no other information. Following Beacon for Freedom of Expression's sources again brings you to [FileRoom](https://www.thefileroom.org/documents/dyn/DisplayCase.cfm/id/80) , but that mostly discusses one of Pascal's other works. FileRoom cites another source, *Banned Books 387 B.C. to 1978 A.D.*, but it is a physical book that I don't have access to. So why was *Pensées* banned? I've read articles online about the book, but they all praise it and don't mention anything about it being heretical. The only thing I could think of would be that the French Revolution was happening the same year it was banned, but I don't know how that would affect Pascal's works.
Asked by John Patrick (51 rep)
May 2, 2024, 12:20 AM
Last activity: May 2, 2024, 09:40 PM