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Are we assured that there are two things which lead men to believe in the Gods, as we have already stated? What are they? One is the argument about the soul, which has been already mentioned - that it is the eldest and most divine of all things, to which motion attaining generation gives perpetual existence; the other was an argument from the order of the motion of the stars, and of all things under the dominion of the mind which ordered the universe. If a man look upon the world not lightly or ignorantly, there was never any one so godless who did not experience an effect opposite to that which the many imagine. For they think that those who handle these matters by the help of astronomy, and the accompanying arts of demonstration, may become godless, because they see, as far as they can see, things happening by necessity, and not by an intelligent will accomplishing good.

Plato#56

GodAstronomyBeliefDivinityOrderUniverse

About this quote

What does it mean?
Studying the stars and the order of the universe should lead people to believe in a divine mind rather than becoming godless.
In plain terms
Looking at how the universe works proves there is a plan, not just chance.
What can you take from it?
Study the natural world to find evidence of divine order.

Where it applies

  • scientific study
  • philosophical inquiry
  • faith formation

Putting it to work

  • observe nature
  • study astronomy

Questions to consider

  • Does studying nature increase or decrease belief in God?
  • Can order exist without a designer?

Another view

This assumes a religious interpretation of natural laws is the only valid one.

More from Plato

  1. Death is not the worst that can happen to men.

    Permalink to quote #55
  2. Aristotle has kicked us off, just as chickens do their mother after they have been hatched.

    Permalink to quote #57
  3. Not one of them who took up in his youth with this opinion that there are no gods ever continued until old age faithful to his conviction.

    Permalink to quote #54

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