Bertrand Russell's essay Why I am not a Christian is a staple in philosophical literature, as well as the basis for the 'nouveau atheists.' ( )

these ratinjgs here are as pernicious and prejorative as the indiv idual's mind who rates the book. having said that, i am joyful with Russell's sardonic style. I do wonder if tghe Lord Bertrand read much of Mark Twain as they both have this acerbic knife they uswe on their enemies (or those who do not agree with them). he essays were read by thiks writer during his early college days (mid 1960s), and I remmeber being enthralled at the man's erudition, yet being "common enough" to be understood by the layman. The piece at the end explaining the process of Lord Russell's being blackballed by the New York city political system was eye-opening. Next time anyone calls a New Yorker a "liberal," I'm going to jump in whatever fray they are in and they WILL take note of what I say. YOU WANT A LIBERAL? read this book. ( )

A call to reason from a great thinker. ( )

The question of whether there is a god, and if so, what our relations with them should be, is a timeless one. I decided to read this book as a counterpoint to a book arguing for the existence and relevance of god a month or two ago. In contrast, Russell's point of view, expressed eloquently and forcefully, is that he believes there not to be a god, and that religion has by and large been a force for tyranny, anti-intellectualism, and negativity in the world through history. He attempts to refute the reasonable arguments for the existence of god, as well as rejecting the moral ones, and finally deploring the policies of religion that have listed until this day, in many cases, such as being anti-contraception.

Russell's prose is very well-written and persuasive, and the longest essay of the book, What I Believe, lays out a very interesting way of life for people to follow, as well. Other essays, concerning other atheists and their fate (on Thomas Paine), dealing with children, the ethics of sexuality, and other topics, are also very well done. Since it's a list of essays on similar topics, there is certainly overlap, but it's not too great, and that they were written at different times allows one to see the growth and changes in his thought over time.

I really enjoyed this book, and found it both thought-provoking and something that I will carry with me over time. The final essay, regarding how Russell was refused employment at the City College of New York by local government due to his atheism in 1940, shows that the influence of religion on politics and authority were already apparent, and the effects of atheism overblown, even then. It may have gotten worse since, but it's still visible in our past.

This one's definitely worth reading, if you have an open mind about the question of religion. ( )

It seems to me that Russel is a little overrated. He's long-winded and kind of dry a lot of the time and some of what he says seems kind of silly to me. ( )