Ask AI: the bible copied alot of the much older surroundings pagan myths and re spun it's own yarn . it also uses a lot of plato

It's true that there are various theories about the influences on the Bible, and it's a topic of much scholarly discussion. Here's a summary of some key points related to your statement: 1. **Influence of Pagan Myths**: Some scholars argue that certain stories in the Bible may have been influenced by older myths from surrounding cultures. For example, the story of Noah's Ark has similarities to the Epic of Gilgamesh from ancient Mesopotamia. Other elements, such as flood narratives, creation stories, and heroic tales, are common in the mythologies of various ancient cultures and could reflect a shared heritage of storytelling. 2. **Use of Platonic Thought**: The influence of Greek philosophy, particularly Platonic thought, can be seen in later Jewish and Christian writings. The writings of Philo of Alexandria, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, are notable for merging Jewish theology with Platonic philosophy. Concepts like the Logos (Word) in the Gospel of John show some philosophical parallels with Platonic ideas. 3. **Contextualization**: It’s important to recognize that the Bible was written over centuries by different authors, many of whom were part of or influenced by the cultural contexts in which they lived. This means it’s natural for there to be some interplay between the Bible and surrounding cultural and philosophical milieu. 4. **Unique Elements**: Despite these influences, the Bible also presents unique theological and ethical teachings. The monotheism of Judaism and Christianity, the prophetic tradition, and the moral laws presented in texts such as the Ten Commandments are distinctive. 5. **Scholarly Debate**: Scholars continue to debate the extent and nature of these influences. There are a variety of perspectives ranging from those who see significant external influence to those who emphasize the unique aspects of biblical writings. It’s a rich field of study, and if you’re interested in exploring it further, you might look into works in comparative mythology, historical theology, and biblical exegesis. Books by scholars such as Joseph Campbell, Mircea Eliade, and those in the field of Ancient Near Eastern studies can provide deeper insights.