What is the difference between veneration and worship?

Answer

In response to the accusation that they worship Mary and the saints, Catholics often assert that they “venerate” them instead of worshiping. To venerate means to regard with great respect or reverence. Veneration can be defined as “respect or awe directed toward someone due to their value or greatness.”

The simplest definition of worship is to “ascribe worth.” Worship can be more fully defined as “showing respect, love, reverence, or adoration.” According to the dictionary, there is no clear distinction between veneration and worship. In fact, veneration and worship are frequently used interchangeably.

However, dictionary definitions are not the main issue. The terminology used is not significant. The Bible does not instruct followers of Jesus Christ to offer worship, veneration, adoration, or anything similar to anyone other than God. Nowhere in the New Testament is there a description of any followers of Jesus Christ worshiping, venerating, or adoring anyone other than God. They did not accept worship either. Peter declined adoration from Cornelius (Acts 10:25-26), and Paul and Barnabas were equally clear that the people of Lystra should not venerate them «and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: », (Acts 14:15). In the Book of Revelation (Revelation 19:10;Revelation 22:8), the apostle John twice begins to worship an angel, and the angel tells him, “Worship God!” Mary and the saints who have gone to heaven before us would echo the same sentiment: “Worship God!”

The Catholic Church recognizes different levels of worship: dulia, hyperdulia, and latria. Dulia is the honor given to the saints. Hyperdulia is the honor given to Mary alone, as the greatest of the saints. Latria is the honor given to God alone. In contrast, the Bible consistently attributes honor, in the context of worship, to God alone (1 Chronicles 29:11; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:16; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:13). Even if there were biblical support for varying levels of worship, there would still be no biblical support for offering lower or lesser levels of worship to anyone other than God.

Only God is deserving of worship, adoration, praise (Nehemiah 9:6; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 15:4), and veneration, regardless of how it is defined. Mary’s worth stems from the fact that God chose her for a glorious role and saved her from her sins through the death of Jesus Christ «And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. », (Luke 1:47). The saints’ worth comes from the fact that God saved them, transformed them, and then used them in mighty and amazing ways. May we all, like Mary and the saints, kneel in worship before the only One who is truly worthy.