how we know about god

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Use cases

About

The 'how we know about god' mind map template explores epistemology of divine knowledge through 31 nodes across three branches: 'knowledge of things', 'knowledge of people', and 'problems to know god'. It contrasts scientific method (examining objects by force-authority) with relational knowing (depending on freedom and love). Key challenges include the impossibility of putting god under space-time limits and the risk of projecting human attributes like 'my father - God is father' or 'human justice - god is justice'. This template serves as a structured cheat sheet for theology students and philosophy enthusiasts.

Terms and Conditions

When to use this template

Professors and theology students

Preparing a lecture on epistemology of religious knowledge for a philosophy of religion course.

Church study groups or campus ministry leaders

Facilitating a small group discussion on how humans can know God, using the 'knowledge of people' analogy.

Graduate students in theology or philosophy

Writing a paper on the limits of analogical language about God, referencing 'problems to know god'.

How to use this template

Step 1

Open and Review Branch Structure

Open the template in Xmind to explore the three main branches covering knowledge of things, people, and the specific problems of knowing God.

Step 2

Customize Nodes and Theological Content

Personalize the existing thirty-one nodes by editing text or adding your own examples to contrast scientific methods with relational knowing.

Step 3

Reorganize Topics and Share Findings

Rearrange the branches using drag-and-drop to fit your study needs before exporting the map as a PDF or image for your class.

Frequently asked questions

What's included in the 'how we know about god' mind map template?

It includes three main branches: 'knowledge of things', 'knowledge of people', and 'problems to know god', covering epistemology, relational knowing, and theological challenges.

How do I use this template for a theology class discussion?

Open the .xmind file, explore each branch to compare scientific vs. relational knowing, and use the 'problems to know god' section to debate divine hiddenness and anthropomorphism.

Is this 'how we know about god' cheat sheet editable in Xmind?

Yes, you can customize all nodes, add your own examples, and rearrange branches to fit your study or teaching needs.

What is the 'knowledge of people' branch used for?

It explores how we know other persons—partly, through freedom and love—and contrasts this with objective knowledge of things, highlighting limits like the lack of a complete theory of consciousness.

Can I use this template for personal reflection on faith?

Absolutely. The 'problems to know god' section prompts reflection on unanswered prayers and the danger of projecting human concepts like 'my father' onto God.

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