Why I Am Not A Christian Summary

Bertrand Russell's "Why I Am Not A Christian" was originally a talk he gave that was published as a pamphlet later that same year. The lecture was given at Battersea Town Hall to the South London Branch of the National Secular Society on March 6, 1927. Russell gave this lecture after his secular views cost him a job. Due to his political and secular standpoints and his acceptance of the "gay until graduation" version of homosexuality, Russell was denied a professorship In New York. In fact, Russell was judicially declared "unfit" to teach philosophy at the College of the City of New York. Upon reading this essay, I found its subject matter to be just as intriguing as the reason that Russell created it. Having been a big fan of Russell's epistemological books, I was impressed that this book displayed the same clarity of thought and communication. Typically, I find his writing to be very clear headed and articulate, especially compared to newer Athiest writings. He first begins by identifying a definition of "christian". More specifically, he identifies his own interpretation of what "christian" means. This appeared to be a wise place to begin, so as to avoid technicalities about syntax later on. Russell realizes the …show more content…
For instance, he argues that the Mohammedans satisfy the first requirement, but would not call themselves Christians. Therefore, the second condition of believing in Christ is needed. However, I do find one thing interesting. His definition of a Christian does not require a person to believe in Hell. He had political explanations for this, which I can accept for the purpose of his argument. Although, I feel that my definition of a Christian would include a belief in Hell. I must also admit that I found myself confused about his statement regarding the geographical division of Christians; whatever point he was trying to make here was lost on