In "The Consuming Fire," author John Scalzi critiques the reliance on a singular person's interpretation of divine inspiration as a foundation for societal control. He emphasizes that using vague and potentially misinterpreted words to structure social, political, and economic systems is questionable and likely unwise.

Scalzi's perspective invites readers to consider the implications of such dependence on individual authority and interpretation, highlighting the risks involved in allowing one person's beliefs to dictate the frameworks by which society operates. This reflection raises concerns about the stability and fairness of governance built on interpretations that lack clarity and consensus.