Is there any moral enormity which might not be justified by imitation of such a deity?

Is there any moral enormity which might not be justified by imitation of such a deity?

John Stuart Mill, a prominent philosopher and advocate for utilitarianism, believed in the principle of maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering. In his work, he often discussed the concept of morality and the role of religion in shaping ethical behavior. One question that arises in this context is whether there are any moral enormities that could be justified by imitation of a deity.

Mill argued that the actions of a deity should not serve as a moral guide for humans. He believed that morality should be based on rationality and the consequences of actions, rather than blindly following the example of a deity. In his view, imitating a deity could lead to moral relativism and justify any action, no matter how heinous, if it was believed to be in line with the deity's will.

For Mill, the key to moral behavior was the principle of utility, which states that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness and wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. This principle is based on the idea that the ultimate goal of morality is to maximize overall well-being and minimize suffering. By following this principle, individuals can make ethical decisions that are based on reason and evidence, rather than blind faith in a deity.

In the context of imitating a deity, Mill would argue that it is not a reliable or rational basis for moral behavior. Just because a deity is believed to have committed a certain act does not mean that humans should follow suit. Instead, individuals should use their own reasoning and judgment to determine the ethical course of action, taking into account the consequences of their choices on themselves and others.