(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

Why I Am Not a Christian by Bertrand Russell

            The essay "Why I Am Not a Christian," was originally delivered by Bertrand Russell on March 6, 1927. Russell presented the lecture at Battersea Hall to the south London Branch of National Secular Society, England. The lecture then came in form of essay and was a popular touch point for Atheist community writer and thinker. Bertrand Russell is not only a renowned philosopher but perhaps he is best known for his political activism and dissension with the British Government. Considered a pioneer in the field of philosophy, Bertrand Russell was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1950 for his numerous writings. Apart from his academic circle he also gained a lot of popularity by taking part in many broadcasts of BBC and as an author of magazine and articles. Being a brilliant writer, he knows how to persuade others in such a way that they agree with him and he uses this trait in an effective manner for writing books and essays. In the essay Why I am not a Christian Bertrand Russell has emphasized upon the fallacies in believing in Christianity. The gist of the essay is that Bertrand Russell argues in the favor that people believe in God and religion out of emotion rather than a reason. The pre-eminent emotion that Russell makes accountable for this belief is fear. In this He encourages the readers to manifest themselves as free thinker and to have a reason for everything to believe in rather than to believe just because of emotion and fear. Although he profoundly phrase his essay, but he fails to explain the argument with strong evidence and instead he used his merely based assumptions to support his cause which makes the essay ineffective.
             Russell begins his essay by mentioning what he means by a Christian. According to him, there must be two standards in order to be a Christian. First, a person must believe in god and in immorality. He clearly mentions the fundamental belief of being a Christian without leaving a slightest doubt of disagreeing with.


Essays Related to Why I Am Not a Christian by Bertrand Russell

1. Is there a God

Throughout this essay I will explain the many reasons why there is a God not only in mind but in reality. ... "If I were asked to prove that Zeus and Poseidon and Hera and the rest of the Olympians do not exist, I should be at a loss to find conclusive arguments" (Bertrand Russell). ... Aquinas was widely known for his work in Christian theology. ... This proof offers a concept of God that really trancends to the traditional elements of medieval Christian theology. ... I know there are other people that will disagree with my statement's but believing in God is a leap of fait, one that...

  • Word Count: 953
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

2. The major features of the Cosmological Argument

The major features of the Cosmological Argument In this essay I am going to explore the major features of the cosmological argument. ... For example, to say that the computer I am currently using to write these words on exists it to say that the materials, machinery and people by which is constructed and made, also exist. ... • Why was the universe created? ... The cosmological argument is not just a Christian attempt to prove the existence of the classical theistic deity. ... Why do we believe God is not a contingent being? ...

  • Word Count: 1685
  • Approx Pages: 7
  • Grade Level: High School

3. Argument for the Existence of God

I feel as though, this topic in general, the topic of whether God does or does not exist, is not black and white (as in concrete), but instead contains a lot of "gray area.... The point I am trying to make is that, each of these beliefs requires some sort faith and therefore, this topic can lead to biased debates and discussions. ... In what is called the "First Cause Argument," Bertrand Russell assumes that every event must have a cause, and that cause in turn must have a cause, and on and on and on. ... " This is why I don't believe theories like the big bang theory ...

  • Word Count: 2697
  • Approx Pages: 11
  • Grade Level: High School

Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question