Pasquier Quesnel

Date of Birth: July 14, 1634

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: December 2, 1719

Biography

Pasquier Quesnel was a notable French theologian born in the late 17th century. He is best remembered for his contributions to Jansenism, a theological movement emphasizing original sin, human depravity, the necessity of divine grace, and predestination. Quesnel entered the Congregation of the Oratory of Jesus, a society of priests founded in Paris, where he developed a reputation for his intellectual rigor and deep commitment to theological study. Quesnel’s most significant work, “Réflexions morales sur le Nouveau Testament,” became a cornerstone of Jansenist thought. This commentary on the New Testament emphasized a rigorous moral code and was widely read and disseminated. However, it also attracted controversy and opposition from the Catholic Church, leading to his eventual condemnation. In 1713, Pope Clement XI issued the papal bull “Unigenitus,” which condemned 101 propositions from Quesnel’s work as heretical. Despite the opposition, Quesnel’s works had a lasting impact on theological thought and religious practice. He spent his later years in exile, continuing his writing and correspondence with fellow Jansenists until his death.

5 Interesting Facts about Pasquier Quesnel

1. Pasquier Quesnel was expelled from the Oratory in 1681 due to his Jansenist beliefs.

2. His “Réflexions morales” was published in multiple editions and widely distributed, making it one of the most influential Jansenist texts.

3. Quesnel was arrested in 1703 but managed to escape and live the remainder of his life in Amsterdam.

4. The papal bull “Unigenitus” condemned his work, leading to a significant theological and political crisis in France.

5. Quesnel’s writings influenced later theological debates and were critical in the development of the Jansenist movement.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Pasquier Quesnel

1. “True devotion consists in doing the will of God with a smile, whatever the circumstances.”

2. “The grace of God is the beginning and the end of our salvation.”

3. “The love of God is the first and greatest commandment, and the love of neighbor is the second.”

4. “One cannot serve two masters without pleasing one and displeasing the other.”

5. “Faith without charity is a body without a soul.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Pasquier Quesnel was a theologian and did not accumulate significant personal wealth. His contributions were primarily intellectual and spiritual rather than financial.