Pascal’s Wager–Nancy Rue

10 January 2009 at 11:37 am (Christian Fiction, general fiction, Philosophy)
Tags: Christianity, Death, mathematics, Philosphy, Pick's disease, souls

I’ve had Pascal’s Wager in my collection since high school and just recently it seemed like a good idea to reread it. It’s one of those books you reread when you’re in a sort of pseudo-philosophical mood, but aren’t up for something heavier like Camus or Kant. Not to say that Rue’s book is pseudo-philosophical. I’d instead call it philosophy light, perhaps like Sophie’s World—good for those entering or thinking of taking Philosophy 101. Instead of being absurdist and nihilistic in nature, however, Rue chooses theology as her means of finding answers, and she gets it done without being preachy or heavy-handed.

Pascal’s Wager tells the story of atheist Jill McGavock dealing with the news that her brilliant doctor mother has a degenerative brain condition called Pick’s Disease. Seeing her mother becoming quickly and markedly not her mother, Jill has to decide how best to deal with the child-like shell of a woman who was once an accomplished doctor. Is her mother even in there any more or did she leave when her mind began to leave? That’s the question Jill sets out to answer. After meeting philosophy professor and Christian Sam Bakalis, Jill looks for the answer that might help solve her problems—does her mother have a soul? Although unwilling at first, she begins to study the works of Blaise Pascal, 17th Century mathematician, philosopher, and theologian.

Some of you more math-savvy readers out there may have heard Pascal’s triangle, but although Jill is a gifted mathematician, that is not the focus of her studies. Instead, Sam has challenged Jill to take Pascal’s Wager. Pascal posited that, since God cannot be proven or disproven through reason, everyone should act as if God exists. If, at the end of life, we are proven wrong, we have lost nothing. However, if we are proven correct, we gain everything. Jill refuses the wager at first—her mathematical reasoning won’t let her automatically believe in things unproven—so she sets out to prove things one way or another. Instead seeing facts and figures, though, Jill is finally convinced through the actions of her mother and those who support her during the early days of the disease.

While I prefer non-fiction when dealing with theological issues (I’m more of an analyst), I must admit that Rue does a fairly decent job of not shoving Christianity into the reader’s face. The Christian characters are Christian because of their actions more than their words—they don’t run around telling everyone to be a Christian, they simply ask that people consider believing and then they quietly continue being supportive to those who are questioning.

I like that. I’ve been a practicing Catholic my whole life and do not need to be convinced—I want facts, I want history, I want to further my understanding and peek my interest to learn more. Rue manages this through Jill’s journey to understand (and eventually believe in) the human soul. This isn’t a book of suspense—you know that Jill will eventually take the wager—this is a book of a journey, of gaining knowledge, of coming to acceptance. This novel reminds me of one of my favorite pieces of theological non-fiction, Augustin’s Confessions—looking at the facts logically, but ultimately coming to the decision on an emotional level.

Now on to my big gripe. Although the plot and concept of the novel are well done, the dialogue seemed stilted, especially when involving the main characters, Jill and Sam. This is unfortunate, as there is supposedly an immediate attraction and rapport between the two. Instead the reader sees many cheesy and stiff lines, as well as corny internal monologues coming from Jill. It’s as if Rue understands the story she wants to tell, but has trouble with the execution (I understand how she feels—this is why I stick with reviews). At times, I wanted to throw the book down and pound my head against the wall.

Still, a reader cannot help but feel sympathy for Jill as she deals with loving a sick mother who never showed her any love. If you’re wondering what kind of relationship mother and daughter have, check out the first couple of seasons of Grey’s Anatomy (yes, I know it’s not a good show, but it’s addictive). Unlike the TV show, however, Pascal’s Wager deals more with the heartbreak that comes with connecting to humans and God for the first time (no soap operatics, I promise).

While any reader can easily see the cheesier points that make the novel typical Christian fiction (it’s a fine genre, but you have to admit it can get a little corny at times), Rue still manages to create a story of her own that includes some thoughtful, theological dialogue. If you’re in a light theological or philosophical mood, you might want to try this novel on for size. It’s an enjoyable read.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars

Reviewed by: Meagan