Why do we need to worship anyone, let alone a 'God'?

Question

Why is worship of a 'God' so important to some people that they set aside special time for prayer, study of religious texts, etc.? Why is it necessary to worship a 'God' who supposedly already knows your heart anyhow? Is it a form of self-hypnosis? Me thinks so . . . how about you?

Answer 1

Aloha Meow,

I never could understand why believers feel the need to prostrate themselves on the altar of the make-believe. They have willingly allowed religion and their imaginary god to enslave themselves.

"Man is a marvelous curiosity...he thinks he is the Creator's pet...he even believes the Creator loves him; has passion for him; sits up nights to admire him; yes and watch over him and keep him out of trouble. He prays to him and thinks he listens. Isn't it a quaint idea."
– Mark Twain

The most ridiculous concept ever perpetrated by H.Sapiens is that the Lord God of Creation, Shaper and Ruler of the Universes, wants the saccharine adoration of his creations, that he can be persuaded by their prayers, and becomes petulant if he does not receive this flattery. Yet this ridiculous notion, without one real shred of evidence to bolster it, has gone on to found one of the oldest, largest and least productive industries in history.
— Lazarus Long

"The idea that He would take his attention away from the universe in order to give me a bicycle with three speeds is just so unlikely I can't go along with it.
— Quentin Crisp, (1908-1999)

This doctrine of the material efficacy of prayer reduces the Creator to a cosmic bellhop of a not very bright or reliable kind.
— Herbert J. Muller

Pray, v. To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled in behalf of a single petitioner, confessedly unworthy.
— Ambrose Bierce, (1911)

Christians say that – without exception – their God answers all of their prayers; it's just that He sometimes says "yes" and other times "no," "maybe," or "wait." Of course the same could be said of the rain-god,"Bob."
— Rev. Donald Morgan

Christians! shake off the supineness which your priests have created in you; dare to think for yourselves, nor suppose your God can be pleased with the sacrifice of your reason. The bended knee is not the attitude for study. Read the Bible with the eye of criticism nor of faith. Suspend your devotions, and reflect on the reception of your past petitions. Ask no more till they are granted.
— Emma Martin, (1812-1851)

No Gods -- No Masters.
— Margaret Sanger's motto, 1914

If one attempts to assign to religion its place in man's evolution, it seems not so much to be a lasting acquisition, as a parallel to the neurosis which the civilized individual must pass through on his way from childhood to maturity.
— Sigmund Freud, Moses and Monotheism

For that again, is what all manner of religion essentially is: childish dependency.
— Albert Ellis

The origin of the absurd idea of immortal life is easy to discover; it is kept alive by hope and fear, by childish faith, and by cowardice.
— Clarence Darrow

Many people never grow up. They stay all their lives with a passionate need for external authority and guidance, pretending not to trust their own judgment.
— Alan Watts

If we must play the theological game, let us never forget that it is a game. Religion, it seems to me, can survive only as a consciously accepted system of make believe.
— Aldous Huxley

The loss of religious faith among the most civilized portion of the race is a step from childishness toward maturity.
— Charles Eliot Norton

Illusions die hard and it is painful to yield to the insight that a grown-up can be no man's disciple.
— Sheldon B. Kopp

Religion is something left over from the infancy of our intelligence, it will fade away as we adopt reason and science as our guidelines.
— Bertrand Russell

Humanity has the stars in its future, and that future is too important to be lost under the burden of juvenile folly and ignorant superstition.
— Isaac Asimov

Answer 2

Even leaving aside questions such as the existence of God, the very act of prayer, and the experience of fellowship in worship have positive impacts on one's life. This is something which is understood in every culture, and this understanding provides a powerful force in bringing people together to pray and worship. This attraction to worship is strong enough that people will follow it as a matter of following the example of others, even if the reasons and advantages for prayer and mass worship are not clearly understood by them at the time.

Consider for example the act of prayer. As as assertion and a statement of belief and intention, prayer provides a powerful sense of direction. Particularly when people pray together for particular needs (rather than just the usual wish for world peace, etc.) the prayer helps to bond people together in a common cause and makes the wishes and intentions of the group clear to all. Even alone, clearing ones mind in the morning or a night and making supplication for the central needs and desires in one's life can be a powerful way to maintain one's orientation and direction among the many distractions of every day life.

Fellowship in worship can also provide a community, a support network and simple companionship on the road the each person takes on the journey of life. Because the atmosphere of worship tends to be positive and brings out the best in people, the overall experience is one of positive association with other human beings and can restore people's faith in good fellowship and the decency of other people. The act of worship itself is kind of an admission fee into to the society of the worship experience and provides a central bonding point, whatever the content of the worship ritual itself. Such activities as listening to uplifting messages, the singing of hyms together, and even, in some congregations, dancing in celebration of the higher common purpose are all positive additions to the worship experience that many would otherwise never experience.

People *do* need to worship together. The evidence is that every culture around the world, whether in the great cities of Western society, the ancient capitals of the Eastern world, or in the deepest rain forests of South America, people have always gathered to worship. This activity doesn't happen out of random chance. There are very deep and very real reaons for it, and I hope that I have been able to touch on some of those reasons.

Answer 3

Worship is an action. God may know whats in your heart, just like you may know your husband loves you, but if he never told you he loved you even if you knew, it would make for an empty relationship.

Worshiping and taking time for prayer or devotions is an action that physically shows the love we have for a God. Also if done in groups it can strengthen the bonds of that particular group.

There are many psychological and sociological reasons why worship is also important but I will not bore everyone to death with it.

Its not necessarily self-hypnosis, its about showing devotion.

Answer 4

From an anthropology point of few every single culture on the earth has had some form of worship to a higher being. So it is "built in us" to acknowledge this being or beings. We are the only "animals" in the world that do this. I'm not part of any specific religion, but I have seen and experienced too many things in my life that defy "logic and science." I think you need to study religions in order to understand why people worship, before you draw to conclusions.

Answer 5

I find it important for achieving a perspective that I find at once inspirational and nurturing. It's also part of my struggle to realize my full potential. It's not for everyone and I'd rather those not interested went off to do other things. We'll all wind up in the same place anyway whether you believe that's the grave or if you're like me believe we'll join God. The danger is from those that think some people go one place and others go another way. It's the basis of their intrusion and the source of our mutual irritation my friend.

♥Blessed Be♥
♥=∞

Answer 6

Do whatever you feel is right chief, it is your life. God gives you everything you require in life and he does not even ask that you believe in or worship him. Thats why he is great, because even though you are a non beleiver you will still eat, drink, and sleep in comfort tonight, he loves anyway.

Answer 7

So we have answers to questions like this. When our faith is challenged, we need to be able to face that challenge. The more intelligently I can do that, the better response I will get.

The God I believe in also commanded me to go and minister to the world. If I am to follow that command, it is imperative that I know the message that I am supposed to deliver.

Answer 8

Do not insult self-hypnosis - its helped so many people.

and no - you do not have to worship myths at all.

Answer 9

You do not deserve an answer, nor do I believe you really want one, you are just barking up a tree that has no cat up it.

You are definitely an atheist or a witch or satanist or
all of the above, I purposely did not capitalize because they do not deserve it either!!!

Answer 10

well i wa screated to worship and when im there i cant describe it i find myself i know my purpose i feel im here for a reason and i am reassured that the best is yet to come