Saint Bertrand Russell – Guide us with your wisdom.
A little while ago I asked around in various Atheist groups for nominations for Atheist sainthood. As a Rational Atheist, I know that Rational Atheists before me are not up in heaven putting in good words for me to the Flying Spaghetti Monster or anything – but nonetheless, there is a somewhat modified version of the concept of Sainthood which is very compatible with Rational Atheism, and for at least some Rational Atheists (although admittedly not all) quite useful.
What kinds of things was I looking for in Atheist Saints? I was looking for Rational Atheists of the past whose life examples would help us apply Rational Atheism (rather than religion) to all the challenges that we face in life. I was especially looking for those who left behind writings that could be a source of strength to us in this process – writings which can even keep us company in times of social isolation so that we don’t have to revert to delusions of God for this purpose.
Needless to say, it became apparent very quickly that Bertrand Russell would occupy a very high place on this list. Bertrand Russell was a British philosopher, mathematician, and peace activist, who was very instrumental in the development of modern Rationalist philosophy.
The writings he left behind (including an essay titled “Why I am Not a Christian” – which also is the name of a particular compilation of some of his selected works that includes that essay) are to this day a source of wisdom and mental companionship.
