Why worship?

[Minimalist]

I believe the bible's opinion is simply: "He deserves it".

But you bring up a fair point.

Um, excuse me, but the bible's opinion is "He demands it."


Fuck him.

[Strider]

I think cats are more worthy of worship than the Christian god. I know they exist, and they ocassionally offer something in return.

[Invisible Sky Fairy]

God has an ego the size of the American continents and will throw a hissy fit and torture you if you don't.

That seems to be about it. Ever notice how "You're going to hell" seems to be a much more popular argument among people trying to convert atheists than "You're missing out on a wonderful, loving relationship"? Yeah.

[Spooky]

I think cats are more worthy of worship than the Christian god. I know they exist, and they ocassionally offer something in return.

The Spooky is probably God.

[JuliaL]

God has an ego the size of the American continents and will throw a hissy fit and torture you if you don't.

I think it is unreasonable to disparage the all powerful God of all creation as an egomaniac. If you can make it stick, it ain't bragging. Though it might be imaginary.

I agree with the OP that the only plausible motivation for worship is the hope of getting something out of it for yourself or others. It might be personal safety for your loved ones or negotiable securities for yourself. There are, no doubt, things I'd grovel for, but I'd like to have at least SOME indication that the benefits are real and the grovelling is effective.

[KevinM1]

God has an ego the size of the American continents and will throw a hissy fit and torture you if you don't.

I think it is unreasonable to disparage the all powerful God of all creation as an egomaniac. If you can make it stick, it ain't bragging. Though it might be imaginary.

It's not the bragging that makes him an egomaniac, it's the incessant desire for recognition.

Cool, you made existence. Kudos. Why do I need to keep congratulating you for it? Or live my life according to your whims when you created my whims? And why would you punish me for it when it gets old hat and I want to do other things?

[Silver]

Define 'worship'.

http://www.dictionary.com

You're welcome.

[JuliaL]

I think it is unreasonable to disparage the all powerful God of all creation as an egomaniac. If you can make it stick, it ain't bragging. Though it might be imaginary.

It's not the bragging that makes him an egomaniac, it's the incessant desire for recognition.

Cool, you made existence. Kudos. Why do I need to keep congratulating you for it? Or live my life according to your whims when you created my whims? And why would you punish me for it when it gets old hat and I want to do other things?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not sticking up for the (imaginary) guy.

But according to the definition:
egomaniac:
(noun)
psychologically abnormal egotism.

As one of a kind, God has to be exactly at the median and average for his population. He can't really be abnormal, he's the only one by which normal could be determined.
Egoist? Oh Yea! Absolutely.
Egomaniac? No.

OTOH I don't think he could be either egoist or egomaniac if he wasn't there. I think all characteristics of the non-existant are undefined.

[robvalue]

He certainly feels that his ego needs constant reassurance, or maybe he just likes feeling superior?

If I was god and I made everything, again I would neither demand nor expect worship. Why the fuck would I. It's my responsibility to look after my creation, not my creation's responsibility to kiss my ass.

[Chad32]

We don't know that Yahweh is the only one out there, any more than we know he exists at all. Statements to the contrary are just that. Statements. Not verifiable proof.