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deanopeez's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
spitzig's review against another edition
3.0
Disappointing. The arguments are a little old, and I was too familiar with them. I did not learn much from this book.
I was disappointed that he did not look at what I consider to be one of the strengths of religion-metaphor. He quickly dismissed the importance of psychological benefits of religion, as irrelevant if the dogma is untrue. But, some religions consider the metaphor as key. For example, Buddhism and Utiliarian-Unitarianism. Plenty of members of those religions are atheists and focus on the metaphors.
I was disappointed that he did not look at what I consider to be one of the strengths of religion-metaphor. He quickly dismissed the importance of psychological benefits of religion, as irrelevant if the dogma is untrue. But, some religions consider the metaphor as key. For example, Buddhism and Utiliarian-Unitarianism. Plenty of members of those religions are atheists and focus on the metaphors.
kevin_shepherd's review against another edition
5.0
"One of the works of literature for which [Russell] was awarded the Nobel Prize is a widely read essay first delivered as a lecture in 1927 entitled, 'Why I Am Not a Christian.' ...I haven't forgotten it yet, and I have promised myself that I never will. ...If you were to read his essay, and in the interest of open-mindedness I would urge you to do so, you would find that Bertrand Russell, who is one of the world's foremost logicians as well as a philosopher and mathematician, undoes with logic that is beyond dispute the first-cause arguement, the natural law arguement, the arguement from design, the moral arguements for a diety, and the arguement for the remedying of injustice." ~Philip Roth, Indignation
It is of some importance to note that this is a collection of essays spanning, in my edition, some 267 pages. The title piece, 'Why I Am Not a Christian,' is just 20 pages, leaving roughly 92.5% of the volume for other engrossing bits such as 'Life in the Middle Ages,' 'The Fate of Thomas Paine,' and 'Our Sexual Ethics.' All of which I found fascinating!
Russell's assertions on religion and related topics aren't necessarily earth shattering, at least not anymore. I think that only goes to show what an enormous influence he has had on modern secularism and free thought. You can hear his words, rephrased and reiterated, in the works of Christopher Hitchens, Jerry Coyne, and Victor Stenger (just to name a few).
"The attitude that one ought to believe a proposition, independently of the question whether there is evidence in its favor, is an attitude which produces hostility to evidence and causes us to close our minds to every fact that does not suit our prejudices." ~B.R.
Speaking for myself, I made my break with religious dogma years before I had ever heard of Bertrand Russell, so it should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me that I find his wisdom and scrupulous logic life-affirming. His reputation for brilliant and intelligent 'heresy' is justly deserved and his work is as relevant now as it was when it was written almost a century ago. In fact, in this era of American oligarchy and the increasing politicalization of faith, it is possible that Russell is more relevant now than ever.
"One is often told that it is a very wrong thing to attack religion, because religion makes men virtuous. So I am told; I have not noticed it." ~B.R.
It is of some importance to note that this is a collection of essays spanning, in my edition, some 267 pages. The title piece, 'Why I Am Not a Christian,' is just 20 pages, leaving roughly 92.5% of the volume for other engrossing bits such as 'Life in the Middle Ages,' 'The Fate of Thomas Paine,' and 'Our Sexual Ethics.' All of which I found fascinating!
Russell's assertions on religion and related topics aren't necessarily earth shattering, at least not anymore. I think that only goes to show what an enormous influence he has had on modern secularism and free thought. You can hear his words, rephrased and reiterated, in the works of Christopher Hitchens, Jerry Coyne, and Victor Stenger (just to name a few).
"The attitude that one ought to believe a proposition, independently of the question whether there is evidence in its favor, is an attitude which produces hostility to evidence and causes us to close our minds to every fact that does not suit our prejudices." ~B.R.
Speaking for myself, I made my break with religious dogma years before I had ever heard of Bertrand Russell, so it should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me that I find his wisdom and scrupulous logic life-affirming. His reputation for brilliant and intelligent 'heresy' is justly deserved and his work is as relevant now as it was when it was written almost a century ago. In fact, in this era of American oligarchy and the increasing politicalization of faith, it is possible that Russell is more relevant now than ever.
"One is often told that it is a very wrong thing to attack religion, because religion makes men virtuous. So I am told; I have not noticed it." ~B.R.
josh_paul's review against another edition
4.0
Nice summary of arguments against the existence of God in general and Christianity in particular. I don't know that there's anything too original here, but Russell is a good writer.
zakcebulski's review against another edition
challenging
informative
medium-paced
4.25
Wonderfully insightful. Would have loved more to be honest. Russell perfectly breaks down a handful of arguments for religion and articulates why they are based on fallacy.
Definitely interested to read more of his arguments and works in the future.
panicorpotato's review against another edition
5.0
As I read this, I just kept thinking, "Yes!" The essays are surprisingly easy to digest and use very basic, nearly irrefutable arguments. I was pleasantly surprised to find an essay on Thomas Paine and another on spirituality and sexuality. Both inspired and encouraged me to continue on my own spiritual quest. I'd recommend this book to Christians and non-Christians alike. It makes for very interesting reading.
aorth's review against another edition
4.0
Clear, concise, and reasonable. I most enjoyed the essays Why I Am Not a Christian, What I Believe, and Life in the Middle Ages. Bertrand Russell was a kind, thoughtful person that I would have liked to meet. A man ahead of his time!
amarj33t_5ingh's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.0
Other than the quaint prose, this is quite a sterling denouncement of Christianity and religion in general. My copy had scribbled remarks from Christians vilifying Russell. Amazingly, for a 1957 edition Russell's words are more crisper and conspicuous than the scribbles.