Why I Am Not a Christian

Bertrand Russell’s Lecture “Why I Am Not a Christian” cites the work of many other philosophers, scientists, and thinkers, like Kant, Darwin, and Voltaire. Why does he cite these specific thinkers? Do they add anything to his lecture? Why or why not?

Russell examines the logical arguments on which Christianity is based. He uses reason and logic to dismantle many of these arguments but admits that logic isn’t why people are Christian. It’s because they’re taught to be or fear an existence without a Godlike figure. Is he right? Are emotion and upbringing the main reasons people follow religion? Why or why not?

In “Why I Am Not a Christian,” Russell argues that societies built upon enforcing Christian and Church doctrine tend to be far more “wicked” than those with a secular lean. What instances might prove or disprove that theory?