Meaning of reverence (what it is, concept and definition)

What is Reverence:

As reverence is known the respect, veneration or love that one has or keeps towards another person. It can also be a respectful greeting with which the consideration you have is expressed to another person. The word comes from the Latin reverentia , which means 'respectful fear'.

Reverence is a reverent attitude or feeling through which we show the deep respect or appreciation that we feel towards other people. People who have a higher position or dignity, or for whom we have particular appreciation or admiration, are treated with reverence. For example: "I have a great reverence for your father."

Likewise, reverence can also be a form of greeting that consists of making a slight bow of the body to one or more other people. Bows are made to high dignitaries or hierarchs of the Church.

In the West, bowing is particularly common in countries with a monarchical tradition in greeting to members of royalty, although today it is reserved only for very solemn occasions. On the other hand, in Asian countries, such as Japan or Korea, reverence continues to be quite common as a form of greeting.

Today, reverence as a physical gesture is mainly related to the artistic field when, at the end of a show or work, the artists (actors, dancers, singers, musicians, etc.), present themselves to the public and bow in gratitude.

The opposite of reverence is irreverence, which is related to a disrespectful attitude towards other people, institutions or traditions.

Synonyms of reverence are veneration, devotion, respect, consideration, greeting, bowing or coming. For their part, antonyms are irreverence, insolence or daring.

In English, reverence can be translated as reverence , bow or curtsy .

Reverence in Christianity

In Christianity, reverence is the feeling of reverent fear that is expressed before someone or something higher, mainly towards the majesty and power of God. In this sense, reverence is a fundamental virtue in the Christian life.

Reverence for God is a practice that must be constant in the life of Christians, since it implies respect, gratitude and love for God and the Church, for his commandments, his prophets and his authorities on Earth. In the faithful reverent there must be purity and correction in thoughts and actions, study and observation of the Bible, among other things.

A sign of reverence for God that is still practiced today in Catholicism is one that involves stopping for a moment when entering a temple and bowing and making the cross before the altar, as a way of greeting God.