A member of the Sorbonne, the theological faculty of the University of Paris. Brother to Jacqueline Arnauld, abbess of a Cistercian convent called Port-Royal outside of Paris. After Cornelius Jansen's death in 1638, he assumed the leadership of the Jansenist cause. In 1643, he challenged the Jesuits and their teaching that frequent confession could compensate for frequent sinning. Was nearly expelled from the Sorbonne for his controversy. Befriended Blaise Pascal, who helped him defend his position.

[tags]Antonine-Arnauld-II, Blaise-Pascal, BlogRodent, church-history, ChurchRodent, Cornelius, history, Jesuits[/tags]

(1623-1662)

A French physicist and Roman Catholic. Attended meetings of the Academy of Science with his father, and his scientific curiosity was aroused at an early age. Invented a calculating machine for his father, a tax collector, and discovered basic principles of atmospheric and hydraulic pressures. While recovering from a hip injury, was won over by Jansenists and became an avid student of Scripture. After a brief bout of disillusionment when his father died and his sister joined a convent, he was reconciled with God on November 23, 1654. Joined Arnauld as an advocate in his case against the Jesuits, his writings condemned by the Pope.

[tags]Blaise-Pascal, BlogRodent, church-history, ChurchRodent, history, Jesuits[/tags]