What do you Worship? What do you mean by that?

Question

One of the answers I received recently included a particular phrase that got me thinking.  Kat DeMuriel said, “that we are born with an innate need to worship something.”  Well, my analytical brain function breaks this down and focuses on that word “Worship.”  

Worship is NOT inherent to all religious systems, (e.g. in Asatru, the gods are honoured, not worshiped.) Still, I think she may have a point as in every culture I can think of, there are central focuses which could be construed as worship of some form.   For examples here, consider money as being worshiped in the capitalistic world, and/or the scientific method by many self-proclaimed atheists.

So, to better understand your answer, please explain what the word ‘Worship’ means to you—no dictionary definitions please-and where that worship is directed.

Kat DeMuriel · Accepted Answer

Thank you for the "shout-out" if you will.  I will attempt to answer the question to the best of my knowledge.

Worship to me doesn't mean just believing in a Supreme being.  It is a part of my life.  When I say worship, to me that means striving to live my life in a way that would bring approval to my particular deity, in this case, the Christian God.  I honour him and thank him everyday for things in my life.  It is a kind of parent/child relationship.  I strive to please him and am disappointed when I do not.  Yet I also know that no matter what, he has great love for me, just as an earthly father.  So to me, honour and worship go hand-in-hand. 

As to what I said about an innate need to worship, I still hold to that.  Honoring one's ancestors by pouring out libations on their grave or leaving food is a form of worship to me.  Ancient cultures worshipped many things...sun, moon, relatives, rocks, even phallic worship.  Today?  people worship money, sports, celebrities, science, countries and such.  When it takes on an all-important role in your life, it becomes worship.  

There is so much more I want to say, but it is going off the track of the question, so I will stop now.  I hope I have answered the question as to what it means to me.  Thanks for the thought-provoking question.

Anonymous · Answer

I don't "worship" anything.  I find the concept patently ridiculous, and a sign of a weak mind and a lack of self-confidence.

That we are born with some "innate need" to do so is also patently ridiculous.

I can rationally appreciate the reliability of the scientific method, and use it to find out how the universe works, without "worship."  And I do.

Peace.

Anonymous · Answer

Worship? No i don't worship anything. I am however inspired by the US constitution.

Jenna W · Answer

I'm an atheist; I don't 'worship' anything.

Anonymous · Answer

I worship my holy father jesus christ

Arizona Knight Wolf · Answer

This is what I worship:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LmWVCdQydR8/TFOAvGy7x8I/AAAAAAAAIfI/CU1uSvxO8Jk/jessica-alba-feet.jpg

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What do you Worship? What do you mean by that?

6 Answers