Why I Am Not a Christian

One of the three main types of rhetorical appeals, as defined by Aristotle, Logos comes from Greek and means word or thought. In rhetoric, Logos refers to arguments that appeal to the audience’s reason and logic. Russell uses it in almost every section of “Why I Am Not a Christian,” and it’s one of the most prominent literary devices in the text. Bertrand Russell believes that logic is vital in understanding how the world works and in explaining why he—and, by extension, others—are not Christian. By using logic, he addresses many common arguments for being Christian, believing in God, and following the words of Christ. Because Russell is a philosopher, he’s trained in logical reasoning and employs it to his benefit.

A third of Aristotle’s rhetorical appeals were based on Pathos, which comes from the Greek and connotes experience and emotion. The goal of Pathos is to persuade through emotional means; an emotional investment naturally draws sympathy and makes an impression, helping people remember the speaker’s arguments. In “Why I Am Not a Christian,” Russell employs Pathos in many of his arguments to emphasize the cruelty that people have experienced because of Christian beliefs.