Something created this universe. We do not yet know something. Science presents a well studied theory that something is a creating force acting naturally. That theory is just about as close to being knowledge as theories can become. When the world accepts that theory of something as knowledge of something; something will still remain yet unknown.
Did the creating force act spontaneously by its own nature or did something decide to create this universe then apply the creating force? What existed before this universe was created? Can science declare that nothing existed? What belief can we test to gain knowledge of something or nothing existing before the creating force created this universe?
I cannot yet imagine any belief of something or nothing existing, prior to the creation of this universe, that we can test. I have seen some evidence that this universe existed before, then collapsed under its own gravity, and banged out again. I have seen evidence that another universe or two banged out nearby. Such evidence is fascinating, but, it gives us no way to test the something or nothing question in a knowledge building process.
I return to my headline question; by what authority does any person speak for the creator of this universe? Something that created this universe is not yet known. Something or nothing that existed before its creation cannot yet be studied. What certificate of authority can any person present to confirm their authority to speak for something?
Persons who do make claim to speak for the creator of this universe present holy books that were inspired by or dictated by the creator of this universe. Such books are written by humans and collated by humans and edited by humans and translated by humans so I must ask for an appointment with the creator to verify that the creator actually inspired or dictated these human writings and that they are accurately written and collated and edited and translated. Then I must ask the creator if any person, past or present, has been given authority to interpret and reinterpret the human writings. Then I must ask the creator if any person, past or present, has been given authority to speak for the creator. Then I must ask the creator why it would use human ghost writers and human spokespersons when the creator is able to write and speak for itself. Then I must ask the creator : if I create a universe, will I be holy and divine? If so, what makes it so?
It seems I would have many questions for the creator if I am ever granted the appointment I have asked for. It also seems that, before my request is granted, I must deny that any person, past or present, has ever held authority to write for or speak for the creator.
It also seems that, before I get an appointment with the creator, the only thing I can study is the creation, this universe, the book of creation. The knowledge I gain will be of the way things are meant to be or of the way things are. Surely, a creator would not demand that I make a decision regarding it without having knowledge of it. That demand would be unethical, immoral and unjust. So, my study of this universe, my study of the creation is homage to its creator and reverence for its creation.
I am left to express this wonderful challenge. I do not know where I came from or if I did. I do not know where I will go or if I will. Before the conception of this body, which I now operate, and after the death of this body remain unknown. I have no way to test any belief that I can imagine. Before the creation of this universe and after its transition remain unknown. I cannot test any belief which I imagine. Between the yet unknowable befores and afters; I exist within this universe, within this lifetime. I find that no part of this universe cares for me. I find that I am well equipped to care for myself. I find that no power exists, within this universe, but the power of decision. I have that power. I find no control but knowledge. I have acquired knowledge; I have the ability to acquire more. I find no external authority. I hold authority within myself. I am sovereign. I have granted strictly limited amounts of my power, control and authority to external creations known as local, state and federal governments which have limited purpose to benefit me and fellow citizens.
I am left, within this universe, within this lifetime, to fend fo myself. I have the power of decision. There is no other power. I see no other responsibility but to use this power or fail to use it or fail to prevent another person from using it or allow another person to use it. The power is mine. The control is mine. The authority is mine. I see no escape from the responsibility for it. I am here to use this power. I decide, therefore I am me.