From Merriam-Webster.com: wrote:
Main Entry: 1: wor·ship
Pronunciation: \ˈwər-shəp also ˈwȯr-\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English worshipe worthiness, respect, reverence paid to a divine being, from Old English weorthscipe worthiness, respect, from weorth worthy, worth + -scipe -ship
Date: before 12th century
1: (chiefly British) a person of importance —used as a title for various officials (as magistrates and some mayors)
2: reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power; also, an act of expressing such reverence
3: a form of religious practice with its creed and ritual
4: extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem <worship of the dollar>
While being anachronistic, the first definition is still one that is uncomfortable for me. The fourth is exactly as described - extravagant - and therefore unpalatable and tend to lead to blindness. I do not practice a ritual or follow a specific organized program of thought, leading me to discard the third definition, and not believing in a figurehead or personification of the whole of existence, the second is refused as well. Wanted to come back to this one, gave me pause for some thought.
M.
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My thanks to all the wonderful members here; I will miss the opportunity to continue to learn and work with you.
For those who seek an alternative, it is coming.
So long, and thanks for all the fish!