Why I Am Not a Christian - Bertrand Russell

Why I Am Not a Christian

By Bertrand Russell

  • Release Date: 2013-01-21
  • Genre: Philosophy
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 1,072 Ratings
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Description

This is a famous but very controversial piece by Bertrand Russell. It was a lecture delivered in 1927 at National Secular Society, London. Later in 1957 it was part of a book with the same title and reached international fame. He examines one by one several highly regarded arguments for the existence (or necessity) of God. His main point however is the possibility of morality based on another principle than God. It is quite a challenging reading and one we must all face, regardless of our belief or lack of it, thereof. Enjoy!

Reviews

  • A decent survey

    3
    By Dobv_123
    This short essay provides a wide array of arguments against Christianity, and each one of them merits serious discussion. The gravest errors the author makes is that he assumes the discourse has stopped, and tackles many arguments at their inception in the early days of the church. Addressing an argument at its strongest, and addressing an argument at its most popular are two very different things. Not a good place to stop, but a good place to start. Pick a topic that was most impactful to you and find out what people are saying about it today.

  • Not that impressed

    2
    By Al Stewart
    While he makes the best arguments against a supreme being, early on in the book, it’s clear as you read in that he is a bitter, angry man. Perhaps this is why he died so empty and helpless.

  • I can’t say it better than Russell

    5
    By Tew312
    Excellent arguments by a very wise man. I can only hope that his words are heeded by the Young before their minds and hearts are warped and damaged by the Fears of their Elders.

  • What I expected

    5
    By Audiyo82
    I thought it was a good speech. Obviously Christians, and other worshippers of God, may not think so, but there is a lot of truth in the words of this transcript, the history of our species, that would make a stranger of religion ask “why?”

  • Why I’m not or why IM NOT PERSUADED

    4
    By pvrmgr
    Some good points. Again use of hyperbole is too much in my reading. His rebuttals for all but the last two topics were somewhat vague maybe nebulous. He did have some good thought generators regarding Jesus. However he came across more of I’m not persuaded rather than simply a hard I’m not.

  • Anthropocism

    5
    By daylasims
    Humans are the center and the highest order of intelligence. Those not human like us, do not have to be treated humanely or justly. Excellent overall picture of why we have religion.

  • Sublime. Must-Read.

    5
    By vai.thoughts
    Everything a sceptic needs to finally break free from the chains of religion.

  • Boo

    4
    By dmlimited
    He’s based, but kinda a dumb dumb on certain opinions.

  • Very Weak...

    1
    By SSJ1970
    ...arguments for not being a Christian. Before I read this book I was fearful that it would dissuade me from being a Christian. Having read the book not only did the author present a very weak case for why he’s not a Christian he did even less to convince me to not be a Christian.

  • Why I am not a Christian

    5
    By writer of pulp fiction
    I found this a powerful read, even though it is dated! The all to short story 47 pages, packs quite a punch. Very much for today’s reader! I highly recommend it for those of us walking the fine line between pagan and Christian.

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