Plato's Republic or the Bible?  If you had the ability to implement 1 which would it be?
817822
Plato for sure... I was just re-reading the Republic recently and admiring all over again how very well he picked an issue apart by answering every question with another question until getting to the root of it. If only we all did that!
37623
Read Plato's Republic, Edmund Burcke, Machevelli's The Prince, John Locke's Two Treaties on Government,  histories on all the great societies of the world's history, and The rise and fall of Rome.\n\nThis gives you a good idea of what works and what doesn't
741345
My source of morality growing up (and up until Pangel helped me to see things differently) has been what was drilled into my head by very conservative Christianity, as it relates to the Bible.  I'd probably consider it my church teachings first, ego second, Bible third, and fear of damnation fourth.\n\nNow, however, I still consider myself a Christian, but I would call human decency first, and the Bible second (interpretted very differently than before).  They practically go hand in hand.  I now interpret the Bible based on the world I see around me.  How do the teachings of the Bible fit with the observations I see in my day-to-day life?\n\nGod bless!
965155
I agree. Jesus Himself used that model....He is a pretty good example to follow! Plus I myself am always most interested in what God has said - for His opinion is far more valid than mine.\n\nAlso it seems logical. For if we were answering questions about the constitutionality of something, it would only make sense that we would refer to the Constitution wouldn't it?
425024
I quote the bible because my opinion means very little. I consider the bible the true word of God.
134566
in The Republic, Plato illustrates a system of government in which there is a special class of Philosopher Kings who's business it is to run the government.  They are paid to do so, and can dedicate themselves to learning about laws and finding out what's best for the people as a whole.  Rome was a republic (for a time, before Ceasars took over and make it an Empire) with the citizens electing representatives.  This is part of the basis for the United States Government, which is actually a Republic. ("and to the Republic for which it stands...")  The fact that America is a Republic has nothing to do with the Political Party of the Republics.  Democrats don't intend to change our system away from being a Republic.  I consider myself a Conservative and vote Republican because I feel they're stance on financial issues is better.
995408
definetly... you cant pick and choose which parts of the bible to believe. it's an all or nothing game and the old testement is part of the bible.
1051666
No. It doesn't say either of things.\n\nBut it doesn't matter anyway. The bible is a book of fiction and is a terrible waste of paper. Recycle it. Maybe it can be used to make toilet tissue. That would be a good thing, finally.
510495
I prefer the King James Version because I believe it to be the most correct. \n\nOne of my favorite scriptures is:\n\nJames 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
14663
You might try Beliefnet.
995083
It would actually be the other way around.  The new testament is where Christianity draws its teachings from. The old testament is escentially a good place to draw lessons from, but for the most part it is agreed upon that it shouldn't be taken literally.
376180
Nope, not possible.  It is simply a work of fiction, albeit a very interesting one.\n\nThe bible was created merely as a means to further control and establish fear in the people of its time.
1126887
Get the Thomas Jefferson edition. Jefferson took two copies of the Bible and cut and pasted them to edit out any mention of miracles or Crucifixion.
976512
bible=the supposed literal word of god\nbible=rewritten in the 6th century by the pope and the cardinals.\n\nso, do you believe in that has been kept verbally for a few centuries, translated in dozens of different languages, and rewritten a few times? you would be better off believing in the literal word of the instructions to assembling a bike.
79553
That's a large order - here is a really good source for Plato and major philosophers.  Hope this helps.
574120
There is a Book called the Bible....\n\n\nOne example, Romans 9:13
1125308
Some of the best US Presidents where Religious.\n\nJohn Quincy Adams (1825-29):\n"The first and almost the only book deserving of universal attention is the Bible. I speak as a man of the world . . . and I say to you, 'Search the Scriptures.'"\n\nAndrew Jackson (1829-37) \n"Sir, that Book is the Rock on which our Republic rests!"\n\nAbraham Lincoln (1861-1865) \n"I am profitably engaged in reading the Bible. Take all of this book upon reason that you can and the balance by faith, and you will live and die a better man."