Obviously worship of a deity would not make sense for an Atheist. But I was wondering something: what about "worship" of nature, or a loved one? Is there anything wrong, according to Atheists, with having a very strong adoration of, say, a spouse, or a sunset?
If you sprinkled flower petals before the walkway of your spouse, wouldn't this almost be a form of worship? Is there anything wrong with that?
What if you sat in awe at the beauty of nature, and in amazement at evolution having great joy that you evolved to experience this?
I think that the difference between admiration and worship is a matter of degree, perhaps. If so, then what could be wrong, from the Atheist's standpoint, of having intense admiration ("worship") for someone or something?
Not meant to be a divisive question by the way! Just interesting for discussion.
Thanks.
2007-06-21 12:28:03 · 26 answers · asked by Heron By The Sea 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"The worst moment for an atheist is when he feels
grateful and has no one to thank."
--Wendy Ward
2007-06-21 15:22:44 · answer #1 · answered by jayakrishnamenon 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Certainly atheists feel awe at the marvels of nature...there is no doubt at all about that, it's not worship however.
Love of a partner is just that...love isn't it?, how do you quantify that?
I personally don't care what other people want to worship so long as they don't want their religious beliefs inserted into legislation and enshrined in the laws of the country I live in, secular democratic society must keep religion and state separate.
2007-06-21 19:41:25 · answer #2 · answered by CHEESUS GROYST 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worship is typically the reverence offered to a god. In a more limited sense, it is the respect offered to a king or queen or such, but in general, as there is no God to worship, and atheist will not worship.
They might offer reverence or respect to certain individuals, past or present, but that is different than worhsip offered to a deity.
Too, as many seem to forget, being an athesit does not necessarily mean a lack of spirituality; Buddhists are atheists.
2007-06-21 19:33:41 · answer #3 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I can't speak for everyone, we're all different but, I am not against, worship, admiration, love, loyalty, values, morals or anything like that. I just don't believe in God and I do believe in making up your own mind based on the available facts; facts being the key word here. If you can give me facts that show God really does exist, then I'm open to that. I just don't want to believe in God because the church tells me I'm supposed to.
2007-06-21 19:36:32 · answer #4 · answered by Bob 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course not. Many things are deserving of adoration/worship. But "worship" and many other words, such as faith, glory, etc. have been pretty much coopted by religion. So I'm guessing some atheists would steer clear of usage of some of those words to prevent others from assuming a religious significance when none was implied.
2007-06-21 19:35:45 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well worship is a strong word but all these examples you give are of people 'worshipping' something that exists. so no, i have nothing against it, there's no reason to be against it. i'm just not sure i would call it worship. awe and admiration are not the same thing as worship.
2007-06-21 19:38:28 · answer #6 · answered by AJ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I might not use the word worship, I might use the word ritual. As an atheist, I do see a place for marriage, birth, death, mourning and even holiday rituals. I can't think of one belief set or culture that doesn't engage in rituals. It's a very important component to the human condition
2007-06-21 19:32:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not against worship of any kind, this is America, we are free to believe and worship as we choose, I choose not to that doesn't mean I don't believe that those who want to should not be able to, I just think it should be done on their own time, not on the time of government or schools, but at home, church or anywhere else, I say live and let live.
2007-06-21 19:32:27 · answer #8 · answered by Winter Glory 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I see no issues with worship - unless it comes at the expense of some other part of your life...
Heck, I worship my fiancee...I dont dribble rose petals before her as she walks, but I always make certain that she is sexualy satisfied before I am. That doesnt hurt anyone. And, I often sit and ponder the beauty of nature. I love sunsets.
2007-06-21 19:32:09 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I adore a lot of the things you just mentioned. I show adoration for things that I know actually exist. The religionist will worship something they have no way of knowing even exists.
2007-06-21 19:35:53 · answer #10 · answered by Shawn B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm... Well, a strong adoration isn't worship.. It's called respect, love, compassion, etc. Worship is getting on your knees and bowing down to someone because they are your superior.
2007-06-21 19:32:48 · answer #11 · answered by Joe S. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋