The Foundation of the God Power Equation

The previous critique suggested using the God Power Equation to assess the power of an army or the authority of an officer, and even included the power of art among other interpretations of power.

To illustrate the concept of power, consider an explosion that surpasses any cinematic portrayal. Contemplate the magnitude of power displayed in such an event.

For context, Wolf-Rayet stars are known for their substantial dust production, as demonstrated by the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. The image shows the nebula surrounding WR 124, formed from material expelled by the aging star. This stage of mass loss occurs just before the star eventually goes supernova, when nuclear fusion ceases and gravitational pressure causes it to collapse and explode. MIRI aids astronomers in exploring previously theoretical questions about dust production and its role in the formation of stars and planets.

In this image, red represents wavelengths of 12.8 and 18 microns, green for 11.3 microns, and blue for 7.7 microns.

Now, consider the immense power displayed in this stellar event. The pre-supernova explosion spans ten light-years across, dwarfing our solar system, which measures approximately one ten-thousandth of a light-year in diameter.

This vast scale implies that the power involved in this stellar eruption vastly exceeds anything produced within our solar system. As mass is critical in determining power, the significant mass ejections from this star certainly indicate a tremendous amount of power.

The Power of Authority

The only other type of power I will consider in relation to the believer's argument is that of authority. For instance, how much power does a police officer possess? How does the power of a king compare? While both may share similar mass, a king likely wields more influence and resources. However, this form of power differs fundamentally from the explosive power illustrated earlier.

We might define power as a social construct that aids our species in navigating complex situations. When a police officer commands compliance, it is often out of respect for their authority. However, refusing to comply can have severe consequences, as highlighted in numerous news reports.

Similarly, biblical authority operates within this social framework, but it lacks any divine backing. While there are biblical accounts of divine wrath, these stories are either exaggerated or can be explained through natural phenomena.

For divine acts, such as miracles, God would need a source of power to intervene. For example, when Joshua allegedly commanded the sun to halt, it would require an immense force to achieve such a feat. This event could not have occurred, as the necessary power source simply does not exist.

Likewise, the story of Muhammad splitting the moon, if taken literally, would demand an extraordinary amount of power. While a massive asteroid could theoretically cause such an event, it is not something that can be commanded at will.

Ultimately, the authority attributed to God is maintained by believers who grant it power despite the absence of evidence for such a being. This dynamic serves as a form of social control, where religious institutions instill fear to enforce compliance. However, with robust legal systems in place, the need for such constraints is diminished. The realization that God lacks power can lead to a more liberated and socially responsible existence.

Thank you for engaging with my perspective.