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Title: Why I Am Not A Christian And Other Essays On Religion And Related Subjects
ISBN: 1409727211
Author:
Bertrand Russell
Publicate Date: 2008-05-18
Publish: 2008-05-18
List Price: $28.45
Average Customer Rating: 4.0
Format: Paperback
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| Customer Review: |
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1: A must read
One of the best book in phylosophy I've read. Even though I consider myself an agnostic, Bertrand Russell'literature is very clear con concise, without imposing his ideas on christianity, only explaining his point of view.
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2: Relevant Today
I should preface this review by stating that I am not a student of philosophy, nor was I previously familiar with Bertrand Russell's other works. I ordered this collection of essays after seeing it referenced in several other books dealing with secular humanism.
While some of the essays necessarily seem a bit dated (most were written between 1900 and 1960), many of the themes Russell touches upon seem particularly relevant today. Russell writes passionately and articulately about the dangerous role that dogma -- particularly religious dogma -- plays in curtailing free thought and active debate. Further, he warns of the pain and suffering that have historically followed when dogmatic views are forced upon the population at large by those in power.
There are many other powerful ideas contained in this collection. For example, Russell also provides sobering insights on the dangers inherent in any democracy -- particularly the "tyranny of the majority" which can silence unpopular ideas.
Given the chilling times we live in -- when reasoned debate and diversity of opinion seem to be increasingly threatened by dogma (both political and religious) -- Russell's ideas (and warnings) are especially poignant.
Of course, not all of the essays resonate today. The discussion of Catholic and Protestant skeptics seems a bit strange (to say the least).
Finally, this volume concludes with an article written by Prof. Paul Edwards detailing why Bertrand Russell was prevented by teaching at the College Of The City Of New York. It is a fascinating example of how the political and legal systems of a supposedly free democracy can be used to suppress unpopular ideas and impose dogmatic belief systems.
My only reason for withholding a 5th star is that I would like to have seen the publishers release an updated edition with greater historical background and footnotes. Otherwise, an excellent and thought-provoking collection of essays.
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3: Dogma or Progress?
The fact that short essays carried one theme, instead of a lengthy essays with complex nuances, strengthens the theories of B. Russell.
A bright ideological strategy to say the least.
Russell's atheism is not a tumultuous philosophy, but rather conceptual pacifism. And his anti-war policy echoes a high standard of ethics.
Then, should we question liberal morality when intended to equality and peace among nations?
I don't think so.
The historical Chairman Mao condemned religion as poison, Bertrand Russell defined religion as the expression of fear and social inquietude.
Through intellectual development, societies progress, and nations prosper. Mr. Russell is perfectly correct.
I give this book 5 stars without hesitation
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4: Stimulus
One need not be against religious belief to appreciate Russell's scholarship. If one is against the subjection of the individual for the benefit of the state, one can find much to appreciate in his philosophy, even if you disagree with his theistic views.
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5: This and Ibn Warraq
After 9/11, when I finally determined to clarify my own beliefs about gods and religions (I'd left them hazy for much too long) this and Ibn Warraq's Why I Am Not a Muslim were the two most useful books I found. Russell's essay isn't elaborate or long, but it covered the ground for someone like me who's lives in a basically Judeo-Christian culture. It was interesting and gratifying to see that Warraq's book (which gave me new knowledge about Islamic religion, history, and culture) was, in essence, much the same. Not that I started out thinking myself either a Judeo-Christian or Muslim, but it was interesting to get better perspective on how all the major religions offer basically the same set of rewards and pitfalls. I used to make Buddhism a benign exception to that, but not so much anymore after a glimpse of Sri Lankan history. Take Me With You When You Go Nutty to Meet You! Dr. Peanut Book #1
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