@AdmiralPrune Wow.... I'm impressed by the courage those 'gods' give you to talk off the top of your head without having a brain inside it: You spoke, now show us where 'courage' has been given to the brave!? Courage is giving of one's 'self' to the betterment of others in the face of adversity. False courage is stepping into danger while under the influence of an altered state of mind. And: Of course those 'idol gods' don't require any groveling.... they are inanimate; and like @Therealsteve says, they exist as the bad habits that we come to worship instead of using our minds and bodies to help others.

@AdmiralPrune This forum is for respectful discussion, and considering other belief structures. I only have this to add. Your ideal of self-reliance is valued by many people, so I can see why that would be an appealing idea—relying on your own strength and not having to bow to anyone. However, true humility is not about thinking less of yourself. In this case, it is giving reverence to One higher than oneself. It is a humble perspective of one's place in the universe, not a groveling one. It involves having an assessment of oneself in relation to an infinite, Holy God.

A groveling person is crushed and feels worthless, but humble followers of Christ never feel forced to worship Almighty God. Bowing to the One who saved our soul is both an honor and privilege; an act of respect, out of our great love for him, not out of coercion. Therefore, nothing is forced.

Some may see bowing as an act of weakness, but a Christian sees it as an act of truth and love.

Worship is for the worthy. Worship is about giving ultimate honor and glory to what you consider worthy. For a Christian, God is the source of all things and is infinitely worthy of praise. Bowing before him is in recognition of his greatness, who he is, not worthlessness.