Key Difference – Veneration vs Reverence
Veneration and reverence are two terms that convey deep respect, awe, admiration, and esteem. The main distinction between veneration and reverence is that veneration implies a higher degree of respect and admiration compared to reverence. As a result, veneration is often used with regard to deities, saints, and other religious figures, while reverence is employed in a more general sense. However, in some cases, these two terms can be used interchangeably.
Key Takeaways
- Veneration and reverence both indicate deep respect, awe, admiration, and esteem.
- Veneration implies a higher degree of respect and reverence in comparison to reverence.
- Veneration is often used with regard to religious figures, while reverence is used in a more general sense.
What Does Veneration Mean?
Veneration refers to the emotion or feeling we experience towards people or things we greatly respect and admire. Veneration is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “respect or awe inspired by the dignity, wisdom, dedication, or talent of a person” and by the Oxford dictionary as “great respect or reverence.” Veneration is also equal to worship. This term is frequently used in the context of religion to refer to deities and other supernatural beings and powers.
Examples of veneration usage include:
– His respect for the man bordered on veneration.
– Over the years, this great hero became an object of veneration.
– To his devotees, the great Baba was a person to be venerated.
What Does Reverence Mean?
Reverence is a feeling of deep respect mixed with awe. The Oxford dictionary defines it as “deep respect for someone or something,” while the Merriam-Webster defines it as “honor or respect felt or shown.” This term is often used in the modern context with regard to religion. Religion often stimulates reverence through recognition and respect for God and the supernatural. In this sense, this term is quite similar to veneration.
However, reverence is an emotion that can be felt outside the realm of religion as well. A great personality, as well as other concepts such as nature, beauty, and wisdom, may also inspire the emotion of reverence in a person.
Examples of reverence usage include:
– At the end of the ceremony, she performed a ritual that shows reverence for the dead.
– His poetry stems from his deep admiration and reverence for the beauty of nature.
– The golden cup was regarded with great reverence since it was believed to be used by his holiness.
Reverence is also used as a title or form of address to a member of the clergy.
What is the Difference Between Veneration and Reverence?
Veneration vs Reverence:
– Veneration can be defined as “respect or awe inspired by the dignity, wisdom, dedication, or talent of a person.”
– Reverence can be simply defined as “great respect and admiration for something or someone.”
Degree:
– Veneration implies a high degree of respect and reverence.
– Reverence does not indicate a high degree of respect as veneration.
Context:
– The word veneration is often used in the context of religion.
– The word reverence is used in general contexts.
Object of Reverence or Veneration:
– Veneration is typically felt towards a deity or a great person.
– Reverence can be felt towards a person, quality, an object, etc.
Summary – Veneration vs Reverence
The terms veneration and reverence both convey deep respect, awe, and admiration. The difference between veneration and reverence stems from the degree of respect and their contextual usage. Veneration implies a higher degree of respect and awe compared to reverence and is therefore used with regard to religion.
