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The concept of Worship in Christianity

Worship, according to Christianity, encompasses various expressions of reverence and devotion directed towards God. It involves sincere internal connection and external practices, such as assembling, praying, and performing rituals. The text discusses the importance of avoiding idolatry and highlights the historical context of worship in the second Temple and its transformation over time. True worship is characterized by sincerity and truth, emphasizing a singular devotion to God, rather than to false idols or corrupt practices.1
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Synonyms: Adoration, Reverence, Veneration, Devotion, Praise, Glorification, Honor, Exaltation, Idolatry, Homage, Respect

In Dutch: Aanbidden; In Finnish: Palvonta; In Spanish: Culto; In German: Verehrung; In Swedish: Dyrkan; In Malay: Ibadah; In French: Culte

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

Christian concept of 'Worship'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) Worship is what one does, and it is suggested that good reason finds a temple in all things wherein to do it, according to the text provided.[1] (2) The act of showing reverence and adoration for something, especially a deity, which is contrasted with the proper reverence for the Maker and Sustainer.[2] (3) This action is the result of knowledge, and it is due to God as the supreme Father, and those who do not worship Him are considered foolish servants or undutiful sons.[3] (4) Worship is given to the heavenly bodies for the nations, and those who do not abide by those heavenly bodies, but fell away from them, were cast away from the body.[4] (5) The worship is mentioned as something that was not received by the prince and founder, leading to ignorance of God and the rise of different practices.[5]

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: Hymns for Christian Devotion

(1) The act of showing reverence and adoration for a deity, to which one should offer their undivided attention, free from distractions.[6] (2) The act of showing reverence and devotion, the central activity performed by the assembly in the verses.[7] (3) This is a gathering that is suitable for a specific area, suggesting that the setting should be appropriate for the act of spiritual devotion.[8] (4) The religious practice where the author and others meet, hoping to return to these pleasant scenes in the future to hear the word.[9] (5) The act of reverence, which should be exclusively directed towards the entity that formed the living flame and gave the reasoning mind to humanity.[10]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The practice that was being reformed, with a focus on removing idolatrous elements and promoting a singular form of devotion.[11] (2) This is the act of showing reverence and devotion, as the congregation participated in the worship, including bowing, offering sacrifices, and singing praises.[12] (3) This term refers to acts of reverence, devotion, or adoration, especially towards a deity or sacred object, often involving rituals, prayers, or expressions of praise.[13] (4) Worship is not explicitly mentioned in the text, but it is implied as a way to be with Christ, as well as a practice that should be opened in truth and not merely in profession, to its influence, it vindicates its undiminished possession of all its former energy.[14] (5) The act of devotion to God, which may be influenced by external forms but is fundamentally about internal sincerity and connection.[15]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) This term is used in place of the verb related to the concept within a specific version of the text, representing a similar meaning in the text.[16] (2) The worship of Baal, Ashtoreth, and idols, as well as nature-worship, were all different forms of idolatry that were practiced.[17] (3) Worship was a practice that involved the sacrifice of children, with its center located just outside Jerusalem, and it was suppressed by Josiah, but later revived under Jehoiakim before the Captivity.[18] (4) The worship and institutions of the second Temple are of special reference to the history of Judah, which interests the writer.[19]

From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus

(1) Worship is discussed by Jesus, who says that the time is coming when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.[20]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) Worship is the act of showing reverence and adoration to a superhuman power, and the existence of Providence is essential for it, as it provides a reason to engage in worship.[21]

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

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) Worship, as described in the text, involves duties that can be hindered by corrupt hearts and the devil, but it also allows one to find value in such duties, have greater affections, and desires to be frequent in them.[22] (2) An act of reverence and devotion directed towards God, distinguishing between the act of worship and the objects that may assist in facilitating this worship.[23]

From: The Second Helvetic Confession

(1) Worship is maintained by the Church's wealth, along with all the worship, rites, and buildings of the Church and the succor and relief of the poor.[24] (2) This practice requires a specific allocation of time to cultivate and exercise religion, including public prayers, preaching of the Gospel, and the celebration of sacraments within the Church's appointments.[25]

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 Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) This term is considered a part of religion, and the text discusses how it is offered to God, and how it can be directed to other entities, such as images, and the specific kind that is due to God.[26] (2) Worship is an act that does not benefit God but serves the purpose of working for His glory, which is a form of meriting from God.[27]

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 Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Kebra Nagast

(1) Worship of the sun, heavens, mountains, forests, stones, trees, waters, graven images, figures of gold, and fowl was forbidden.[28]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Plural form: Worships.