Platonism and Judaism: Bridging the Gap

By Neil Spirtas

Platonism and Judaism: Bridging the Gap
978-1-964531-81-6
Neil Spirtas -- former Manatee Co., Florida Chamber of Commerce member, lecturer, author and poet who commemorates minds & cultures and encourages faith as a journey -- engages the reader here in a series of dialogs that address modern and past issues through the lenses of modern era philosophies and those of the past in ways that reveal connections between ancient and contemporary Judaism and the philosophies of ancient Greece's mighty thinkers. The dialog is reminiscent of the writing and legacy of Plato's reporting on the thoughts and teachers of his time that allowed him to show his own philosophical development but which, in this volume, demonstrates the similarities between and crossflow of ideas between Plato's Greece and Judaism. The characters that populate this volume are biblical and legendary except one, modern scholar, activist and philosopher C. David Anderson.
The book has drawn statements like these:
Socrates proposed that when the reasoning mind has no further questions, all that is left is love. This book testifies to the lasting impact of a brilliant and loving teacher. In a loving style that mirrors Plato's Apology - reportage that is homage - Spirtas captures the large lessons of a beloved professor, who foregoes the lectern for the Socratic Method of inquiry. The result is a shimmering series of insights into the timeless questions of the ancients: What is life worth living? What is goodness and why does it matter? Is an injustice always an injustice? This is a book that inspires us to reach into the past for a field guide to the present.
M.B. McLatchey, Professor of Classics and Author, Great Works of Ancient Greece

An absolutely riveting philosophical debate. My mind is still swirling about. Should be a required course for study at an international summit, a symposium on world betterment
Clara Macri, owner GEM Inc., Lover of the Arts

A book on ethics which reflects on the unique interests and intellect of a very important mentor, friend, teacher, and colleague of mine - Dr. C. David Anderson. It is never too late to honor someone of such ability, creativity, and enduring spirit. His philosophical, self-help, grassroots approach to Community Development (C.D.) helped provide vital leadership on how the U.S. should, and could work, with third world countries. An inspirational read for C.D. professionals. Thank you, Neil Spirtas, for your dedication and hard work.
Jerry Fitzgerald, former Iowa legislator, Peace Corps Projects Division Head (in Bolivia), '68 graduate of University of Missouri, M.S. in C.D.

Other works by Neil Spirtas include
When Men Cry: Life's Later Voyages
Korban Quest
Florida's Forgotten Crackers

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1964531810
• ISBN13: 9781964531816
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Wider Perspectives Publishing
• Length: 102 Pages
• Weight: 0.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"