The Puzzle of Divine Worship
Throughout scripture, one theme stands out: God commands worship. From the relentless calls to praise in the Psalms to Jesus’ affirmation that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one’s heart, worship appears non-negotiable.
But why does a perfect, all-powerful being insist on being praised by lesser creatures? Does God need worship, or is there something deeper at work? Some believers argue that worship is not about God’s needs but about human flourishing—an act that aligns us with divine truth. Skeptics, however, see a deity demanding constant adulation, reminiscent of earthly rulers seeking dominance. Is worship about relationship, cosmic alignment, or control?
One defense of divine worship is that it is not about God but about us. Just as planets naturally orbit a central star, humanity flourishes best when oriented toward the divine. C.S. Lewis, in Reflections on the Psalms, suggested that worship is like appreciating great art—not because the artist needs validation, but because the observer benefits from recognizing beauty and greatness. “I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment.” From this perspective, worship is not forced flattery but the natural response to recognizing ultimate goodness. By focusing on something greater than ourselves, we cultivate humility, gratitude, and awe—traits that foster both personal and communal well-being.
Yet if worship is for human benefit, skeptics question why it is framed as a divine command. If alignment with truth is the goal, why threaten consequences for noncompliance? Another interpretation suggests that worship is about relationship, not servitude. In scripture, God is depicted as a father, a bridegroom, a friend—not just a distant monarch demanding tribute. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8, KJV). This view argues that worship strengthens a reciprocal bond, much like expressions of love in human relationships. Gratitude and devotion are freely given, not coerced. Christian mystics and contemplative traditions emphasize worship as union with the divine—a practice that transforms the worshiper rather than inflating the divine ego.
Yet skeptics remain wary. If love is genuine, does it need to be commanded? If God desires relationship, why does scripture contain dire warnings for failing to worship properly? One of the strongest objections to worship as a divine command is that it makes God appear insecure or needy. Humans do not expect constant adoration from children, spouses, or friends—so why would a self-sufficient God require it? The Old Testament even describes God as jealous when worship is directed elsewhere: “Thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14, KJV). Critics argue that a truly confident, all-powerful being would not demand devotion but would allow love to flow naturally. If God’s worth is self-evident, should worship be a spontaneous choice rather than an obligation?
Additionally, some wonder if the language of divine jealousy reflects human projection—ancient writers attributing monarch-like qualities to a deity to reinforce religious loyalty. Beyond theological debates, skeptics argue that organized religion has historically used worship to reinforce obedience. If questioning divine authority is framed as sinful, institutions gain unchecked influence over followers. Throughout history, religious worship has been intertwined with social and political power. During the medieval period, rulers were seen as God’s representatives, demanding loyalty under religious justification. Many ancient civilizations fused political and divine authority to secure societal order, ensuring that devotion to the gods also meant submission to rulers. Even in modern religious structures, enforced worship norms can dictate social expectations and hierarchies.
Marxist critiques suggest that religion functions as a tool of compliance, keeping people focused on divine matters rather than questioning earthly power structures. If worship is truly about relationship, should it ever be tied to power and control? The command to worship sparks deep reflection about God’s nature and human purpose. If worship is alignment, it is an act of personal transformation rather than divine self-interest. If worship is relational, it deepens the connection between Creator and creation. If worship is control, it raises concerns about institutional power and manipulation.
So, is divine worship a path to human flourishing, or does it reflect a theological framework rooted in ancient power dynamics? Ultimately, the question remains: does worship serve a higher cosmic purpose, or is it a relic of a worldview where obedience meant survival?
