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The concept of Divine worship in Christianity

Divine worship, according to Christianity, encompasses a range of practices and rituals aimed at honoring God. This includes structured services and ceremonies in church settings, as well as rituals followed by various groups like the Pharisees and Sadducees. The act of divine worship is characterized by reverence and adoration, involving sacred rituals, prayers, and communal observance, which varies between denominations such as Protestantism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and the Catholic Church. Ultimately, divine worship represents the relationship between the faithful and God, expressed through dedicated practices.

Synonyms: Religious devotion, Godly reverence, Holy worship, Adoration, Veneration, Reverence, Devotion, Praise, Thanksgiving, Homage, Exaltation, Worship

In Dutch: Goddelijke aanbidding; In Finnish: Jumalallinen palvonta; In Spanish: Culto divino; In German: Göttliche Anbetung; In Malay: Ibadah Ilahi; In Swedish: Gudomlig dyrkan; In Swedish: Gudomlig tillbedjan; In French: Culte divin

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Divine worship'

Christianity Books

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) Divine worship is the act for which inanimate objects, such as churches and altars, are rendered fit through the acquisition of special spiritual virtue during consecration.[1] (2) The act of offering reverence, service, and praise to God, and it can be supported by a religious order, such as through soldiering to defend it.[2] (3) This phrase refers to the observance of chastity, which, by being directed to the worship of God, becomes an act of religion, as in the case of those who vow and keep chastity.[3] (4) This refers to the actions and practices associated with the reverence of God, and the use of costly attire is done to indicate the excellence of this practice, according to the text.[4] (5) This is the service and reverence given to God, and the priests offer sacrifices that are specially directed to it, not only for themselves but also for others.[5]

From: The city of God

(1) Invented the art of making gods by erring very far with respect to the knowledge of the gods, incredulous and inattentive to the divine worship and service.[6] (2) Divine worship involves offering honor to men through humility or flattery, but those worshipped are still considered human.[7]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This refers to the true and divine worship that virgins have departed from, as well as the worship that God blames and marks out, and the worship that is contrasted with their adornments.[8] (2) This describes the sacred practices of the Christians, emphasizing the persecution against their religion.[9] (3) This is the practice of honoring a deity, which the author contrasts with practices like observing months and days, implying that the latter is not considered part of genuine devotion.[10] (4) Divine worship is the objective, the practice of which should be performed in purity, and it is facilitated by the distinct roles of bishops, presbyters, and deacons.[11] (5) This refers to the practices and rituals associated with the veneration of deities, which, according to the text, mankind adopted, leading to errors through the establishment of new forms.[12]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) Divine worship is where a complex and multiform system of offerings was present, detailing the minutest aspects of religious practices among the Hebrews during their religious ceremonies.[13] (2) Divine worship was observed by the Sadducees, as they followed the usages prescribed in the canonical books, contradicting any notion that they completely denied divine providence.[14] (3) The practice of worship in the church context, which Timothy is instructed to conduct in an orderly manner.[15] (4) The structured service and rituals aimed at honoring God, described in detail in the Chronicles.[16] (5) The practices and rituals associated with the veneration of God, which the Pharisees directed according to their teachings.[17]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) In the Jewish religion, uncleanness always held to disqualify a man from this and sacrifice.[18] (2) The religious practices that signify the relationship and rituals designed to honor and commune with God.[19]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) Traditional acts of reverence directed toward Jesus as a divine figure.[20]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) The context in which the Psalms were used, serving as the people's response to God's word delivered through the law.[21]

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) The act of religious service that Charnock and his congregation engaged in, especially within the context of their meetings.[22]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) The act of veneration or reverence towards the divine, which is often contrasted with improper beliefs or practices.[23]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.