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Even if I could create sentient beings, this wouldn't imply the power to declare what is good or true by fiat. 2 + 2 = 4, massive objects attract each other gr

Even if I could create sentient beings, this wouldn't imply the power to declare what is good or true by fiat. 2 + 2 = 4, massive objects attract each other gravitationally, and it's morally problematic to put children in ovens for being Jewish even if a maximally powerful alien or wizard said otherwise. These things cannot be changed by any fiat, and being very powerful doesn't make it any more possible.

emiliobumachar 14y ago
A very powerful being could change gravity, but I agree with you on the rest.
- chacham15 14y ago
  No, the gravitational force would still be there, he might just overcome it with a different force.
- slurgfest 14y ago
  I'm not sure that's true, but even if it were, the change is not achieved by mere fiat.
fusiongyro 14y ago
> this wouldn't imply the power to declare what is good or true by fiat There are volumes upon volumes of philosophical work spent discussing this one idea. I wouldn't think less of someone simply for having a different point of view, especially if it might be supported by more than a back-of-the-envelope argument.
halfcat 14y ago
If we live in a computed universe, which seems plausible, then it's trivial to change gravity or any physical laws. It's trivial to create a universe at any point in time. How would you know if the universe began 5 minutes ago? Your memories are easily seeded. Then we inhabitants of said universe go on to do "scientific experiments" by measuring the constructed virtual world around us, and we conclude religion is speculative based on... (wait for it)... faith in science. It's ironic that a belief in science requires just as much faith as belief in a god.