Existence of God
The belief that God exists varies among individuals. The fact that the Christian God does not appear in a physical form creates difficulties among believers. Critics use the lack of physical identity of God to question the existence of God. Pascal Wager does not give substantial evidence on the existence of God. However, Pascal argues that since no one is sure of the existence of God, the best option is to play safe, instead of regretting taking sides on the matter. Kierkegaard would agree with Pascal’s agreement, although faith does not leave a chance for having doubts. The existence of God takes different perspectives when the ideas of Pascal and Kierkegaard are used as the basis of knowledge.
Pascal Wager believed that the idea of the existence of God was not sure. Moreover, Pascal believed in staying on the right rather than taking a regrettable action (Rota, 2017). Therefore, Pascal believed that people should believe in the existence of God instead of regretting in the future. According to Pascal, the punishment promised for not believing in God was too high to accept. Therefore, people should believe in the existence of God.
Kierkegaard would agree with Pascal that God exists. However, the idea behind the Pascal and Kierkegaard’s arguments would differ in the explanation (Shakespeare, 2017). Kierkegaard did not believe in doubts. According to Kierkegaard, faith should be firm, and no doubts should be allowed. Therefore, the belief in God should be accepted by everyone without question.
The view from Kierkegaard appears more convincing. Pascal’s argument is based on the fear of the consequences that might come up for not believing. Therefore, Kierkegaard holds a firm belief and convinces followers that God exists. Generally, people will not believe an argument that is founded on doubts and fear.
In sum, the existence of God takes different perspectives when the ideas of Pascal and Kierkegaard are used as the basis of knowledge. Pascal believed that people should believe in the existence of God instead of regretting in the future. Kierkegaard believed that faith should be firm, and no doubts should be allowed.
References
Rota, M. (2017). Pascal’s wager. Philosophy Compass, 12(4), e12404.
Shakespeare, S. (2017). Kierkegaard, language and the reality of God. Routledge.