View source for Worship

{{Short description|Act of religious devotion}}
{{Other uses}}
'''Worship''' is an act of [[religion|religious]] [[wikt:devotion|devotion]] usually directed towards a [[deity]] or [[God]]. For many, worship is not about an emotion, it is more about a recognition of a God. An act of worship may be performed individually, in an informal or formal group, or by a designated [[leader]]. Such acts may involve [[honoring]].{{clarify|reason=What does this mean?|date=March 2025}}<ref>
{{cite book
 | last1 = Fergusson
 | first1 = David
 | author-link1 = David Fergusson (theologian)
 | chapter = The Theology of Worship: A Reformed Perspective
 | editor1-last = Forrester
 | editor1-first = Duncan B.
 | editor1-link = Duncan B. Forrester
 | editor2-last = Gay
 | editor2-first = Doug
 | title = Worship and Liturgy in Context: Studies and Case Studies in Theology and Practice
 | date = September 2008
 | url =  https://books.google.com/books?id=opetAwAAQBAJ
 | page = 71
 | isbn = 9780334041689
 | access-date = 28 December 2018
 | quote = The English term 'worship' itself derives from an Anglo-Saxon word for 'honour' (''weorthscipe'') suggesting again that worship is an action honouring one who is worthy.
}}
</ref>

==Etymology==
The word is derived from the [[Old English]] {{lang|ang|weorþscipe}}, meaning ''to venerate "worship, honour shown to an object or deity'',<ref name=Bosworth>Bosworth and Toller, Anglo-Saxon Dictionary, "[http://www.bosworthtoller.com/035322 weorþscipe]"</ref> which has been etymologised as "''worthiness''  or ''worth-ship"''—to give, at its simplest, worth to something.

==Worship in various religions==

===Buddhism===
{{Further|Buddhist devotion|Puja (Buddhism)}}
Worship in [[Buddhism]] may take innumerable forms given the doctrine of [[skillful means]]. Worship is evident in Buddhism in such forms as: [[guru yoga]], [[mandala]], [[thanka]], [[yantra yoga]], the discipline of the fighting monks of [[Shaolin Monastery|Shaolin]], [[panchamrita]], mantra recitation, tea ceremony, [[ganacakra]], amongst others. Buddhist Devotion is an important part of the practice of most Buddhists. According to a spokesman of the Sasana Council of Burma, devotion to Buddhist spiritual practices inspires devotion to the Triple Gem.<ref name=Bosworth /> Most Buddhists use ritual in pursuit of their spiritual aspirations. In Buddhism, puja (Sanskrit and Pali: pūjā) are expressions of "honour, worship and devotional attention"<ref name=Bosworth /> Acts of puja include bowing, making offerings and chanting. These devotional acts are generally performed daily at home (either in the morning or evening or both) as well as during communal festivals and Uposatha days at a temple.

[[Buddhist meditation|Meditation]] ([[samadhi|samādhi]]) is a central form of worship in Buddhism. This practice is focused on the third step of the [[Noble Eightfold Path|Eightfold Path]] that ultimately leads to self awakening, also known as enlightenment. Meditation promotes self-awareness and exploration of the mind and spirit. Traditionally, Buddhist meditation had combined [[samatha]] (the act of stopping and calming oneself) and [[Vipassanā|vipasyana]] (seeing clearly within) to create a complete mind and body experience. By stopping one's everyday activities and focusing on something simple, the mind can open and expand enough to reach a spiritual level. By practicing the step of vipasyana, one does not achieve the final stage of awareness, but rather approaches one step closer. Mindful meditation teaches one to stop reacting quickly to thoughts and external objects that present themselves, but rather to peacefully hold the thought without immediately responding to it. Although in traditional Buddhist faith, enlightenment is the desired end goal of meditation, it is more of a cycle in a literal sense that helps individuals better understand their minds. For example, meditation leads to understanding, leading to kindness, leading to peace, etc.<ref>Maex, Edel (May 2011). "The Buddhist Roots of Mindfulness Training: A Practitioners View". Contemporary Buddhism 12 (1): 165–175. doi:10.1080/14639947.2011.564835. Retrieved 2/9/15.</ref>

===Christianity===
{{main| Christian worship|Anglican devotions|Church service|Mass in the Catholic Church|Catholic devotions}}
In [[Christianity]], a [[church service]] is a formalized period of communal worship, often but not exclusively occurring on Sunday (or on Saturday in the case of those churches practicing [[seventh-day Sabbatarianism]]). The church service is the gathering together of [[Christians]] to be taught the "Word of God" (the [[Holy Bible]]) and encouraged in their [[faith]]. Technically, the "church" in "church service" refers to the [[Church (congregation)|gathering of the faithful]] rather than to the [[Church (building)|building]] in which the event takes place. In Christianity, worship is reverent honor and homage paid to [[God in Christianity|God]]. The [[New Testament]] uses various words to express the concept of worship. The word ''proskuneo'' - "to worship" - means to bow down (to Gods or to kings).<ref name=Bosworth/>

[[Mass in the Catholic Church|'''Mass''']] is the central act of divine worship in the [[Catholic Church]].<ref>[http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=34771] Hardon, John, ''Modern Catholic Dictionary''</ref> The [[Congregation for Divine Worship]] at the Vatican publishes a ''Directory on [[Popular piety|Popular Piety]] and the Liturgy''.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20020513_vers-direttorio_en.html 'Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy: Principles and Guidelines]</ref> [[Catholic devotions|Roman Catholic devotions]] are "external practices of piety" which are not part of the official [[Christian liturgy|liturgy]] of the Catholic Church but part of the popular [[spiritual practice]]s of Catholics.<ref name=Bosworth /> They do not become part of liturgical worship, even if conducted in a Catholic church, in a group, in presence of a priest.

[[Anglican devotions]] is private prayers and practices used by [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] Christians to promote spiritual growth and communion with [[God]]. Among members of the [[Anglican Communion]], private devotional habits vary widely, depending on personal preference and on affiliation with [[low church|low-church]] or [[high-church]] [[parish]]es.

====Adoration versus veneration====
[[File:Kizhi KhashezeroWaysideCross 007 7531.jpg|thumb|A wayside cross in [[Kizhi]], [[Republic of Karelia]]]]
The [[New Testament]] uses various words translatable as "worship". The word ''proskuneo'' - "to worship" - means to bow down to Gods or kings.<ref>Called to Worship: The Biblical Foundations of Our Response Vernon Whaley - 2009 - In the Greek, the word for worship, proskuneo, means to express deep respect or adoration—by kissing, with words, or by bowing down. Associated words include ''epaineo'', "to commend or applaud"; ''aineo'', "to praise God"; and ''sebomai''.</ref>
 
[[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholicism]], [[Anglicanism]], [[Oriental Orthodoxy]], and [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] make a technical distinction between two different concepts:

* ''[[adoration]]'' or ''[[latria]]'' (Latin ''adoratio'', Greek ''latreia'', ''[λατρεία]''), which is due to God alone
* ''[[veneration]]'' or ''dulia'' (Latin ''veneratio'', Greek ''douleia'' ''[δουλεία]''), which may be lawfully offered to the [[saint]]s

The external acts of veneration resemble those of worship, but differ in their object and intent.  Protestant Christians, who reject the veneration of saints, question whether Catholics always maintain such a distinction in actual devotional practice, especially at the level of [[folk religion]].

According to [[Mark Miravalle]] the English word "worship" is equivocal, in that it has been used (in Catholic writing, at any rate) to denote both adoration/''latria'' and veneration/''dulia'', and in some cases even as a synonym for veneration as distinct from adoration:

<blockquote>
As St. Thomas Aquinas explains, adoration, which is known as [[latria]] in classical theology, is the worship and homage that is rightly offered to God alone. It is the manifestation of submission, and acknowledgement of dependence, appropriately shown towards the excellence of an uncreated divine person and to his absolute Lordship. It is the worship of the Creator that God alone deserves. Although we see in English a broader usage of the word "adoration" which may not refer to a form of worship exclusive to God—for example, when a husband says that he "adores his wife"—in general it can be maintained that adoration is the best English denotation for the worship of latria.

Veneration, known as dulia in classical theology,  the honor and reverence appropriately due to the excellence of a created person. Excellence exhibited by created beings likewise deserves recognition and honor. We see a general example of veneration in events like the awarding of academic awards for excellence in school, or the awarding of olympic medals for excellence in sports. There is nothing contrary to the proper adoration of God when we offer the appropriate honor and recognition that created persons deserve based  achievement in excellence.

We must make a further clarification regarding the use of the term "worship" in relation to the categories of adoration and veneration. Historically, schools of theology have used the term "worship" as a general term which included both adoration and veneration. They would distinguish between "worship of adoration" and "worship of veneration." The word "worship" (in a similar way to how the liturgical term "cult" is traditionally used) was not synonymous with adoration, but could be used to introduce either adoration or veneration. Hence Catholic sources will sometimes use the term "worship" not to indicate adoration, but only the worship of veneration given to Mary and the saints.<ref>{{cite web|title= What Is Devotion to Mary?|author-first= Mark|author-last= Miravalle |author-link= Mark Miravalle|publisher= Mother of all peoples
|access-date= November 2, 2013|date= November 24, 2006
|url= http://www.motherofallpeoples.com/2006/11/what-is-devotion-to-mary/|website=www.motherofallpeoples.com}}</ref>
</blockquote>

[[File:Iljan Praasniekka Ilomantsissa 19.–20. heinäkuuta 1996.jpg|thumb|''Ilja Praasniekka'', the [[Elijah Day]] worship on the shore of lake in [[Ilomantsi]], [[Finland]] in July 1996]]
Orthodox [[Judaism]] and orthodox [[Sunni Islam]] hold that for all practical purposes veneration should be considered the same as prayer; Orthodox Judaism (arguably with the exception of some [[chasidism|Chasidic]] practices), orthodox Sunni Islam, and most kinds of [[Protestantism]] forbid veneration of saints or of [[angel]]s, classifying these actions as akin to [[idolatry]].

Similarly, [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] assert that many actions classified as [[Patriotism|patriotic]] by Protestant groups, such as saluting a [[flag]], count as [[Statolatry|equivalent to worship]] and are therefore considered idolatrous as well.<ref>
[https://books.google.com/books?id=vQfCTULnr7EC&dq=false&pg=PA97 Mitchell K. Hall (2009), ''Vietnam War Era : People and Perspectives'', ABC-CLIO, 2009, p. 97.]
</ref>

====Quaker Meeting for Worship====
{{main|Meeting for worship|Quakers#Worship}}
''[[Quakers]]'' (the Religious Society of Friends) have both unprogrammed and programmed Meetings for Worship. Unprogrammed worship is based on silence and inward listening to the Spirit, from which any participant may share a message. In unprogrammed meetings for worship, someone speaks when that person feels that God/Spirit/the universe has given them a message for others. Programmed worship includes many elements similar to Protestant services. Many programmed meetings also include a time during the service for silent, expectant waiting and messages from the participants. During the silence, people may stand up and Minister, this is where people start talking about what they have been thinking about. It is Quaker practice to only minister once.

===Hinduism===
{{Further|Puja (Hinduism)|Yajna|Bhajan|fasting|kirtan}}

Worship in [[Hinduism]] involves invoking higher forces to assist in spiritual and material progress and is simultaneously both a science and an art. A sense of ''[[bhakti]]'' or devotional love is generally invoked. This term is probably a central one in Hinduism. A direct translation from the Sanskrit to English is problematic. Worship takes a multitude of forms depending on community groups, geography and language. There is a flavour of loving and being in love with whatever object or focus of devotion. Worship is not confined to any place of worship, it also incorporates personal reflection, art forms and group. People usually perform worship to achieve some specific end or to integrate the body, the mind and the spirit in order to help the performer evolve into a higher being.<ref>[http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Worship "Worship"], Krishna Maheshwari, Hindupedia, the online Hindu Encyclopedia</ref>

===Islam===
{{Main|Ibadah}}
[[File:Mosque.jpg|thumb|In Islam, Sujud (prostrations) occupy a quintessential position in the five obligatory daily [[salat|formal prayers]].]]
In [[Islam]], worship refers to ritualistic devotion as well as actions done in accordance to Islamic law which is ordained by and pleasing to [[God in Islam|God]]. Worship included in the [[Five Pillars of Islam]], primarily that of ''[[salat]]'', which is the practice of ritual prayer five times daily.

According to [[Muhammad Asad]], on his notes in [[The Message of the Qur'an]] translation on [[Q51:56]],
<blockquote>Thus, the innermost purpose of the creation of all rational beings is their cognition of the existence of Allah and, hence, their conscious willingness to conform their own existence to whatever they may perceive of His will and plan: and it is this twofold concept of cognition and willingness that gives the deepest meaning to what the Quran describes as "worship".  As the next verse shows, this spiritual call does not arise from any supposed "need" on the part of the Creator, who is self-sufficient and infinite in His power, but is designed as an instrument for the inner development of the worshipper, who, by the act of his conscious self-surrender to the all-pervading Creative Will, may hope to come closer to an understanding of that Will and, thus closer to Allah Himself.<ref>{{cite book| title=The Message of the Quran | author = Muhammed Asad (Leopold Weiss). p918, 2003}}</ref>
</blockquote>

In the Muslim world, the word ''worship'' (in the literal context of ''worshipping'') is forbidden to be used if it refers to an object or action and not exclusively to Allah.<ref name="n-um">{{cite web|url=https://www.n-um.com/317-upotreba-rijeci-obozavam/|title=Upotreba riječi "obožavam"|language=bs|trans-title=Use of word "[I] worship"|last=Ljakić|first=Zijad|website=n-um.com|access-date=2019-09-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903150637/https://www.n-um.com/317-upotreba-rijeci-obozavam/|archive-date=2019-09-03|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Judaism===
{{Further|Jewish services}}
Worship of God in [[Judaism]] is called ''Avodat Hashem''. During the period when the [[Temple in Jerusalem|Temple]] stood, the [[Temple in Jerusalem#Temple services|rites]] conducted there were considered the most important act of Jewish worship.<ref>Shmuel Safrai, [https://www.daat.ac.il/daat/history/tkufot/hamikdash-2.htm Centrality of the Temple during the Second Temple period (Hebrew)]</ref> However, the most common form of worship was and remains that of [[Jewish prayer|prayer]]. Other forms of worship include the conduct of prescribed rituals, such as the [[Passover Seder]] and waving the [[Four Species]], with [[Kavanah|proper intent]], as well as various types of [[Jewish meditation]].

====Worship through mundane activities====
Jewish sources also express the notion that one can perform any appropriate mundane activity as the worship of God. Examples would include returning a [[Lost and found|lost article]] and working to support oneself and one's family.

The [[Shulchan Aruch|Code of Jewish Law]] ([[Orach Chayim]], Chapter 231) cites [[Book of Proverbs|Proverbs]] (3:6), "in all your ways, know him" ([[Hebrew]]: בכל דרכיך דעהו (''b'chol d'rachecha dei'eihu'')), as a biblical source for this idea.

===Sikhism===
In [[Sikhism]], worship takes place after the [[Guru Granth Sahib]], which is the work of the 10 Sikh Gurus all in one. Sikhs worship God and only one God, known as "One Creator", "The Wonderful Teacher" ([[Waheguru]]), or "Destroyer of Darkness".

===Wicca===
[[Wicca]]n worship commonly takes place during a full moon or a new moon. Such rituals are called an [[Esbat]] and may involve a [[magic circle]] which practitioners believe will contain energy and form a sacred space, or will provide them a form of magical protection.<ref>Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner - Page 114, Scott Cunningham - 1993</ref>

===Zoroastrianism===
[[Zoroastrian prayer|Prayer]] is one of the duties and worships of [[Zoroastrianism|Mazdayasna]], which is performed in order to always pay attention to the religious commandments and to give thanks to [[Ahura Mazda]] (God).
===Vaudou===
Worship of [[West African Vodún|voodoo]] is a cult of the spirit of the invisible world. This type of worship is inherited from ancestors of [[Ewe people|Ewe]] people like Adja-ewe, fon, Kotafon, Guin and Mina.   Voodoo or vaudou is a spiritual entity embodied in an objects made of clay,h ood, bronze and gold. Every January 10, [[Benin]] celebrate the Voodoo festival.<ref>{{cite web|website=kanaga-at.com |title=ouidah Voodoo festival |url=https://www.kanaga-at.com}}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>

==Modern worship==
In modern [[society]] and [[sociology]], some writers have commented on the ways that people no longer simply worship recognised deities, but also (or instead) worship consumer brands,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://concen.org/oldforum/showthread.php?tid=40110|title=Apple triggers 'religious' reaction in fans' brains, report says|website=Concen Forums|last1=Milian|first1=Mark|date=May 19, 2011|access-date=September 15, 2020|via=CNN}}</ref> sports teams, and other people ([[celebrity|celebrities]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sydney.edu.au/news/84.html?newsstoryid=10384|title=News - The University of Sydney|website=sydney.edu.au}}</ref> Sociology therefore extends this argument to suggest outside of a religion worship is a process whereby society worships itself, as a form of self-valorization and self-preservation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cf.ac.uk/socsi/undergraduate/introsoc/durkheim6.html|title=Emile Durkheim - The Sociology of Religion|website=www.cf.ac.uk}}</ref>

==Types==
* [[Ancestor worship]]
* [[Animal worship]]
* [[Idol worship]]
* [[Imperial cult]]
* [[Nature worship]]
* [[Pole worship]]

==See also==
{{Wikiquote}}
* [[Intercession]]
* [[Major world religions]]
* [[Sacrifice]] - an offering of propitiation or of worship

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Religion topics|expanded=topics}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Worship| ]]