Pascal Dies, WCC Founded, St. Bartholomew’s Massacre

Christianity is a faith with a long and detailed history, with numerous events of lasting significance occurring throughout the ages.

Each week brings the anniversaries of great milestones, horrid tragedies, amazing triumphs, telling tribulations, inspirational progress, and everything in between.

Here are just a few things that happened this week, Aug. 19-25, in Church history. They include the death of Blaise Pascal, the founding of the World Council of Churches, and the beginning of a brutal massacre of Protestants.

Blaise Pascal Dies – August 19, 1662

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This week marks the anniversary of when Blaise Pascal, notable French mathematician, scientist, and religious philosopher, died from a malignant stomach tumor at age 39.

A native of Clermont-Ferrand, France, Pascal is credited with many discoveries and inventions, including an early calculator, a roulette machine, and reportedly, an early type of wristwatch.

Pascal also made pioneering advancements in scientific research…