General Concept of "Worship"
In its most general sense, worship has reference to regarding an object with honor, respect, devotion, reverence, veneration, adoration, or admiration. An object regarded as having value, worth, honor, or esteem is accorded recognition or worship.
Many have indicated that human beings in general have a fundamental need, drive, or desire to worship, since they were created with a spiritual life-function. Unlike the animal kingdom, which does not have spiritual function, all men have this basic need and human desire to worship; and therefore, all men are worshipping creatures. Anthropologists and sociologists seem to confirm this phenomenon.
The object of this spiritual desire to worship is often sought in something beyond ourselves. Men have often projected spiritual worth and value to metaphysical, mystical, and magical ideals and techniques, such as New Age "energy sources." Throughout history, men have found more tangible objects to worship such as the sun, moon, stars, mountains, waters, storms, etc. In order to objectify the object of their veneration, men have often constructed tangible images or idols to represent what they worship. Paul explains the spiritual factor of idolatry as having 'respect for demons' (Acts 17:22) and being "sharers in demons" (1 Cor. 10:20).
Mankind can also revert to worshipping himself and his own abilities. Humanism ascribes ultimate worth to man and his intelligence, creativity, and productivity. Writing to the Romans, Paul referred to those who "worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator" (Rom. 1:25). In so doing, man often becomes a slave to his own passions for power, possessions, relationships, sexuality, etc.
Anything that man becomes mentally and emotionally preoccupied with can become an object accorded with honor, value, and worth. The materialistic orientation of modern society affords innumerable objects for worship. Real estate, automobiles, clothes, stocks, bonds, and countless other objects are regarded as having great worth for the ascription of "worth-ship" in worship. Other people, such as athletes, musicians, and politicians, and even pastors are often idolized in hero worship. Associations with other people in such social groupings as fraternities, sororities, and special interest societies (even denominations and local churches) are often considered as having great worth that becomes "worth-ship."
All of these above mentioned objects of man's attention and desire have been formulated into collective religious expressions of worship.
Religious Concepts of "Worship"
By its etymological definition, religion involves...Read Full Article
