As for the Bible being a positive influence on western civilization, I would say that that's only because it happened to be the book in the right place and time, the actual concepts aren't at all new, and in a lot of cases the Bible is ignored anyway.
Take the 10 Commandments:
Quote:
1. Have no other gods before me [the God of the Hebrews].
2. Make no images of anything in heaven, earth or the sea, and do not worship or labor for them.
3. Do not vainly use the name of your God [the God of the Hebrews].
4. Do no work on the seventh day of the week.
5. Honor your parents.
6. Do not kill.
7. Do not commit adultery.
8. Do not steal.
9. Do not give false testimony against another.
10. Do not desire another's wife or anything that belongs to another.
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The first four are completely ignored by western civilization. Capitalism is a core aspect of much of western civilization but violates #10. The core virtues of freedom of speech and freedom of religion don't just violate the first three, but are anathema to them. 6-9 are good but are just rules and restating the self-obvious to not do harm to others. #5 is common to most cultures, but interestingly enough the BEST things to come out of civilization have been when people disobeyed that commandment.. rights for women and minorities being pushed for by rebellious young adults going against the wishes and desires of their parents.
Solon the Athenian came up with the idea of equal rights before anyone else, here's his 10 commandments:
Quote:
1. Trust good character more than promises.
2. Do not speak falsely.
3. Do good things.
4. Do not be hasty in making friends, but do not abandon them once made.
5. Learn to obey before you command.
6. When giving advice, do not recommend what is most pleasing, but what is most useful.
7. Make reason your supreme commander.
8. Do not associate with people who do bad things.
9. Honor the gods.
10. Have regard for your parents.
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Much better, and positive and directing positive action rather than demanding legalistic adherence.