The worship of man is a term that describes the belief system or ideology centered around the veneration, adoration, or exaltation of humans, particularly emphasizing the inherent worth, abilities, and potential of individuals. This concept places a significant emphasis on the importance and supreme value of humanity itself, often attributing divine or godlike qualities to human beings.
In this context, worship of man encompasses a diverse range of philosophical, religious, and cultural beliefs that place human beings at the center of the universe, perceiving them as the highest authority or ultimate power. It typically rejects the existence or importance of any deity or divine being beyond human existence, considering human accomplishments, knowledge, and progress as the ultimate ideal to strive for.
The worship of man can manifest in different forms such as secular humanism, which focuses on a human-centered moral and ethical framework detached from religious beliefs, or humanistic religions that create their own systems of worship centered around human deities or transcendent figures.
Critics of the worship of man argue that it can lead to arrogance, narcissism, or an inflated sense of self-importance, disregarding the transcendence or spiritual aspects of life. They suggest that it may prioritize human desires and needs above more fundamental principles of morality or a higher power, which can potentially raise concerns about ethical relativism or the loss of a moral compass.
