Irregular Books

Christianity has become the presumed religion, the powerful, pushing global faith. Christianity is the by-the-book religion.

If you’re not a Christian, it might be because you’re a member of some other religion. That is not the life described by Betrand Russell’s classic book “Why I Am Not A Christian”. Although it focuses on Christianity, Bertrand Russell’s book really focuses on the broader flaws in religion in general.

Don’t take Bertrand Russell’s thoughts as a new kind of secular faith. If you’re not religious, you ought to have your own set of reasons. Chances are that you’re an independent, critical thinker. Pursue that inclination.

Still, it’s reassuring sometimes to receive confirmation of one’s feelings from a witty, intelligent and highly respected comrade in heresy. Why I Am Not A Christian l provides just this sort of confirmation.

Convincing without imposing on the reader, Why I Am Not A Christian is a classic of freethought, a series of Russell’s essays on “religion and related subjects”, all of which are quite enjoyable to read. Russell must be counted as one of the finest writers of the 20th century.

For those in doubt of your beliefs, convinced atheists and even the open-mindedly religious, Russell’s ideas on the role of religion in Western society are sure to prove thought-provoking. He clearly and calmly describes the reasons for his ideas in a way that is rare in religious literature. Russell challenges readers to think for themselves, showing how history and the current events of his time contradict the fundamental assumption of the majority that religion is a positive social force.

If you’re the sort to turn to the Bible or another holy book in times of uncertainty, this is not the book for you, for Russell asks that you allow yourself to trust your own mind. Why I Am Not A Christian is certainly not an Atheist Bible. Surely, the strongest atheists are those who, like Russell, read and listen to the thoughts of others but follow a path which is truly their own.