Description
Frank Yates’ second lecture on Blaise Pascal focuses on the 18 “Provincial Letters” he wrote between 1656-1657 in support of Jansenism over Jesuit casuistry (a form of moral reasoning). It’s a fascinating look at theological controversy in the 17th century regarding human free will and divine grace. The official church reaction to Jansenism was to condemn the errors of this movement. Pascal wrote these letters in defense of divine grace.
Reverend Frank Yates is the interim pastor at Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church. He teaches New Testament in the religious studies program at UNM. He is a graduate of Abilene Christian University and UT Austin and has graduate degrees from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.