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Authority Quote by Simon Blackburn

“A god that created the world and then walked off the site leaving it to its own devices is not a fit object of worship, nor a source of moral authority.” quote by Simon Blackburn
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“A god that created the world and then walked off the site leaving it to its own devices is not a fit object of worship, nor a source of moral authority.”

Simon Blackburn

About This Quote

Source Book: The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Religion, 2005

The quote argues that a deity who creates then abandons the world lacks relevance for worship or moral guidance.

In simple terms: A god who leaves the world isn’t worthy of worship or moral authority.

Key Takeaway

Seek moral frameworks independent of divine authority.

Themes

theism authority morality

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical theological

When to use this quote

  • personal belief systems
  • ethical decision making
  • religious practice
  • philosophical debate

Key Concepts

Divine abandonment moral epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What grounds moral authority if not a deity?
  • How do you find meaning without divine oversight?
A Different Perspective

Assumes a specific theological view; may not apply to all faiths.

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