Rating: 
Summary: Open to your mind to an opposing view
Review: Let's put our religious beliefs aside for a moment and simply deal with this book as a work of philosophy. Please disregard the first reviewer who gave this book only one star. As you can see from the content of their review, they present nothing which supports their attack on Russell's views. That reviewer is only seeking to defend his religion instead of objectively reviewing the book. Even if I did not agree with Bertrand Russell's views on religion, I would have to admire the simple and direct ways in which he presents and then supports his views. Please do not let one person's blind faith prevent you from reading this work and approach it with an open mind. Even if you are a devout Christian, I think you will be able to appreciate how well Russell presents and explains the mindset of someone with an opposing view. Regardless of your religious beliefs, I'm sure you will enjoy the works of one of this century's most profound philosophers.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic Essay
Review: The short essay for which the book is named "Why I am Not a Christian" has to be one of the best written and witty essays of the English language. One of the most amusing aspects of the negative reviews is that Russell is stated as being "bad at logic". This assesment against one of the greatest logicians of this or any century! What are the qualification of these reviewers? One must suppose it is their indignation at how a person absolutely destroys the Christian dogmas in about 10 pages. A book one simply must own, even if one disagrees!
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Summary: In reponse to : A. Christian (st_trobert02@tarleton.edu)
Review: I'd like to take a moment to respond to "A Christian". I too, am a Christian--Roman Catholic in fact. I believe it would also be appropriate for me to state that I have not yet read this book by Mr. Russell. However, I would like to let my opinion be known, nonetheless. When we talk about religion, we often get emotional. We all know that emotions obfuscate true reason in most instances. Now, it is hard for me to imagine that such a truly renowned intellect such as Bertrand would make harsh attacks on Christianity. What I am saying is that it is quite possible that "A Christian", and others, become so enveloped in their religion that they take major offense to statements issued by people with varying beliefs. Who is to say that anyone's beliefs are truly divinely inspired? Of course, everybody believes that his or her faith is "the way". Also, as "A Christian" writes, "Yes friends, I too implore you, think for yourselves! You will soon see that those who think for themselves become followers of Christ. Read your history man, don't stoop to sudden expertism!", I strongly disagree. I do agree that it is essential for an individual's survival that he/she thinks for him/herself. However, it should be stressed that we all learn from the knowledge of others. That is how our society has progressed throughout history--it is the nature of humanity. "A Christian" should realize that he is relying on the works of others everyday, such as the bible. If one chooses to believe in the words that Bertrand writes, do not assume that the individual is a "follower" and can not think for them self, but rather realize that the words of Bertand conform to their own beliefs. Also, it is an unfair assumption that "those who think for themselves become followers of Christ." I, as I have already stated, am a Christian. However, I do know plenty of Jews and Muslims, and even Atheists that think for themselves more than most do. They, obviously, aren't followers of Christ (Muslims are to an extent, but do not believe in him nearly to the same extent as Christians). And one last thing, while "read(ing) history", you can quickly find many flaws in Christianity, as well as supportive evidence to Christianity. One flaw is that it is theorized that the guards of Jesus' tomb were bribed by Jewish followers of Jesus to remove him from the grave, into a new location outside of the city. This is because it was offensive to the Jewish faith to bury Jesus inside of a city. If this is true, the entire Christian faith is invalid (resurrection is the basis of Christianity). Although this is not concrete evidence, it must be known that there is no concrete evidence for or against Jesus' divinity. Anyhow, my point is this: Until we expire, none of us will know our true destiny, and therefore which religion is truly accurate (and even that is an assumption). That is why it is essential for ALL OF US to be open minded to all faiths and even absences of faith. This does not mean that any of us should change what we truly believe--I think that would be a tragedy. But I do believe that all possibilities are valid and they should be explored and appreciated--not put down because of an emotion. "A Christian"--this is not meant as an attack on you, but merely a statement of my opposing beliefs coming from one Christian to another. The belief is the appreciation for all ideas and concepts, whether it is your belief or not. xbossxx@hotmail.com
Rating: 
Summary: Simply egregious!
Review: Anyone with an ounce of intellect will dismiss Russell's book out of hand. His attack on Christianity is utterly groundless and puerile. Asimov has since proved to be much more adept at refuting the tenets of Christianity. This attempt is singlularly amateurish! Those of you who would seek to destroy Christians will have to do much better than this. Yes friends, I too implore you, think for yourselves! You will soon see that those who think for themselves become followers of Christ. Read your history man, don't stoop to sudden expertism!
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Summary: A must read.
Review: Unequivocally one of the premier philosophers of the 20th Century, Russell eloquently outlines the case against Christian dogma. While some of the chapters that deal with contemporary ethics are somewhat out of date due to their having been written in the 1920s and 30s, the vast majority of the book is as compelling today as it was several decades ago. Indeed, I believe that his argument for the persecutory nature of Christians toward others with differing belief systems is as evident today as it was in centuries past. His review of the relevant historical events which shaped Christian beliefs (as well as clearly elucidating the shaky foundation in which these beliefs have been built) are a welcome reprieve from much of the literature in this area that is so prevalent in our society. Perhaps if Russell's book, or others like it, were required reading in our nation's schools we would witness a society of free thinkers. That is, citizens which applied reason and rational argument toward the acceptance of beliefs instead of relying purely on emotions. I wish to conclude this review by stating that Russell's book did more for my understanding of Christian beliefs than did 8 arduous years in a parochial school system.
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Summary: How does he do it?
Review: Yet again Bertie has managed to amaze me with the deepness of his thought, expressed in such simplistic terms. I have found it a big help, as it opens your mind to thinking without christian parameters. It is the best criticism of religion and the morals that the rewligions have left us with. I had often thought many of the things that he has written, but even so, I was tongue tied until I read this book. It has helped me express my feelings on the evils of religion. A great book as it has helped me with discussions that I've had, and if you are a christian it is just as good, because you should never have blind faith (eg believing in Tony Blair). ENJOY!
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Summary: Russell misses several important points.
Review: Like many non-Christians, Russell willingly caves in on the historical existence of JC without a fight, despite the fact that there is absolutely no reliable evidence whatsoever (except for forgeries and documents created 100 years or more after the supposed events by individuals who were not there) that JC is not a mythical composite of a variety of figures from other religions and folklore. Russell fails to hold JC responsible for the atrocities his followers have committed (and continue to commit) in his name. Hitler, after all, was a devout Roman Catholic who did nothing that the popes during the inquisition didn't do, and that the modern popes wouldn't still be doing if the rest of the world gave them the opportunity. And Christians have the nerve to argue that Atheism is immoral!?!?!? All in all, Russell covers the basic arguments fairly well, in a condescending and sometimes humorous manner. This should be a basic textbook for 6th graders in our public schools.
Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: This is the most perfectly lucid denunciation of Christianity ever published.
Rating:
Summary: THANK YOU, BERTRAND!
Review: Finally! A book for all us Anti-Christians! This is very good reading! I especially like this edition! Russell shows just how fake and stale Christianity is! Buy it and see the REAL truth!
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Summary: Devastates Christian Belief and the character of Jesus
Review: This is one of the best critiques of the Christian Religion ever written. Russell amply demonstrates that Jesus' character was far from perfect and that Jesus was not the most admirable man who ever lived. For all those not afraid of thinking for themselves.
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