Why I Am Not a Christian

By Bertrand Russell

Why I Am Not a Christian - Bertrand Russell
  • Release Date: 2013-01-21
  • Genre: Philosophy
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 1,070 Ratings

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

  • 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.
  • Fine lecture, poor philosophy

    2
    By cloudofunknowing
    Russell starts with an implied bias and builds from there. He argues against Theistic principles which are falsely constructed. This lecture would be handled very easily by Chesterton, CSLewis, or any recent seminary graduate. I’m certain as a lecture it presented well to his audience, but as a philosophical work it is significantly lacking.