Mind on Fire: A Faith for the Skeptical and Indifferent (Classics of Faith and Devotion) (Paperback)

by Blaise Pascal (Author), James M. Houston (Editor), Os Guinness (Introduction)

Editorial Reviews

Review
In Mind On Fire, Blaise Pascal (a remarkable seventeenth century mathematician, physicist, and religious thinker) rigorously refutes the belief that to become a Christian you must first commit intellectual suicide. His burning conviction regarding the truth of the Christian faith produced writings that are still persuasive to the skeptical, the indifferent, and the hostile today. Drawn from his meditations, Mind On Fire contains Pascal's uncompromising defense of Christian belief, ably arranged by James Houston. Mind On Fire is a masterpiece of engaging theological scholarship. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Description
An Invitation to Reasoned, Passionate Faith

Mind on Fire is an easy-to-read translation of the classic Pensées by Blaise Pascal. Here the remarkable seventeenth-century mathematician, physicist, and religious thinker presents his uncompromising defense of the Christian faith a rigorous refutation of the myth that to become a Christian is to commit intellectual suicide.

Dr. James Houston has arranged Pascal's seemingly random meditations into a logical progression of thought the first time ever that an editor has carried out Pascal's original intention for his Pensées. Also included are selections from pascal's Letters to a Provincial, Pascal's own description of his conversion.

Dr. James Houston, editor of the CLASSICS OF FAITH AND DEVOTION, is a highly acclaimed scholar and pioneer in the field of evangelical spirituality. He came to North America from England in 1968 to lead Regent College in Vancouver, Canada, a worldwide center of spiritual formation.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155661831X
• ISBN-13: 978-1556618314
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,386,808 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pensees +, August 22, 2001

By	Rob Taylor "robtaylormade" (Raleigh, NC United States) - See all my reviews

In case you're wondering, this IS the Pensees. The only difference is that these thoughts are arranged topically under a new title plus five letters from Pascal are included in the rear of the book. This is not an abridged edition of the Pensees. That being said, this book will stimulate your thinking about human nature, divine sovereignty, faith, logic and apologetics in a way that few other works will. Being deeply influenced by Augustine, Pascal had an uncanny way for accurately portraying the human condition. His grasp of the sinful nature of mankind and the limits of reason was acute. Many believe that Pascal was a fideist (faith is not supported by reason) due to a cursory reading of the Pensees yet a more exhaustive reading will prove otherwise. Many of the Pensees, while not rationally proving Christianity, certainly state that he believed in a reasonable faith and not a leap of faith beyond logic. I would recommend this edition as opposed to the Pensees because of its logical arrangement in addition to the thought-provoking letters that are placed in the back. Definitely a great read.

45 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A passionate example for all, April 14, 2000

By	johniii (Seoul, South Korea) - See all my reviews

It is difficult to conceptualize exactly how much Pascal's faith meant to him. Reading his thoughts is like peaking into the journal of a reflective, passionate man, with no other ambition in life but to glorify God. Pascal's passion went beyond the intellectual borders of academia and into the personal realtionship he had with Jesus Christ. Pascal didn't want the God of the philosophers; he preferred the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. If you desire to glorify God with your mind, soul, and body, or if you are curious as to how such a person thinks, then I highly recommend this book as it will be an encouragment and a challenge to your intellect as well as your soul. I pray God gives me the grace to think as this man did.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PAR EXCELLENCE!, April 12, 2002

By	C. I. Strong - See all my reviews

This is the finest introduction to Blaise Pascal that I have ever seen! Within the pages of this book lie some of the greatest thoughts the human mind could ever aspire to perceive. 'Mind on Fire' is an easy to read, well-arranged anthology of Pascal's thought. In this book you will begin to see the role of logic and reason in the life of faith. If you are looking for an in-depth book, a book that penetrates the deep well of skeptical thought, 'Mind on Fire' will not waste your time or your money. Simply put, Pascal is a genius with a knack for apologetical thought.