The concept of Knowledge of God in Christianity
Knowledge of God is a central theme across various religious traditions, emphasizing the understanding and recognition of God's nature, attributes, and will as revealed through scriptures and personal experiences. In Christianity, it underscores a relational awareness of God essential for spiritual life, distinct from mere belief or ritual. This knowledge encompasses the insights acquired through divine revelation, particularly through Jesus Christ, and is regarded as foundational for true morality and an essential component of authentic worship. Understanding God's nature fosters a close relationship between humanity and the divine.
Synonyms: Divine understanding, God's wisdom, Spiritual awareness, Religious knowledge, Divine wisdom, Spiritual understanding, Divine knowledge, Spiritual insight, Religious awareness
In Dutch: Kennis van God; In Finnish: Jumalan tuntemus; In Spanish: Conocimiento de Dios; In German: Erkenntnis Gottes; In Malay: Pengetahuan tentang Tuhan; In Swedish: Kunskap om Gud; In French: La connaissance de Dieu
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Knowledge of God'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) This refers to the understanding and relationship with the divine, which unites the community, as the text describes.[1] (2) The text mentions preaching to the Gentiles the knowledge of God the Father, suggesting an effort to spread understanding and awareness of God's existence and nature.[2] (3) Having a desire of the knowledge of God is important because this is a prerequisite for the Prophet's influence, as it activates the Prophet's influence within individuals.[3] (4) The attainment of understanding regarding the divine being is intrinsically tied to the existence of humanity, which would be impossible without it.[4] (5) The knowledge of God is not initiated by Moses but can be traced back to Paradise and Adam, and is the dowry of the soul, present among different cultures like the Egyptians, Syrians, and tribes of Pontus.[5]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This becomes the blessing of all, and a close relationship of mutual possession is established between God and us, according to the text.[6] (2) This phrase is the awareness of the divine, which can be experienced, relied upon, and is valid though partial, and can be known through experience, and is a source of blessings.[7] (3) This describes the comprehension and awareness of the divine being, and it involves understanding the nature, attributes, and actions of a higher power.[8] (4) The understanding and awareness individuals must have of God to form a genuine friendship with Him.[9] (5) The understanding of God's character achieved through Jesus Christ.[10]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This phrase often means true religion, according to the Old Testament, and its absence is seen as the opposite of it, implying a lack of understanding or awareness.[11] (2) The understanding and awareness that man can achieve about God's nature and existence.[12] (3) The religious and moral education imparted to children in Jewish tradition, particularly within the family setting.[13] (4) The understanding of God's nature as possessed by Jesus in a unique and unparalleled manner, signifying His intimate connection to God that transcends human comprehension.[14] (5) The body of understanding and ideas about God's nature that has evolved over centuries.[15]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) Refers to the promotion and preservation of the understanding of God as a central theme during the judges' rule.[16]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) This describes the understanding that God possesses, which is used to compare with Christ's understanding.[17] (2) The understanding of the divine that all will share in the future life, eliminating the need for teaching.[18] (3) The ultimate purpose of all knowledge, which is to understand and seek the divine rather than merely the material world.[19] (4) The understanding that is enhanced by the practice of virtues like meekness and humility.[20] (5) The understanding and acknowledgment of God's nature and authority, which shifts the focus of glory from the self to divine matters.[21]
From: The city of God
(1) This is something that a man can only attain through a mediator, which is the man Christ Jesus, after contemplating all creation and discerning its mutability.[22] (2) The understanding that encompasses everything, including infinite numbers, is a quality of the divine and is not limited by human constraints or perceptions, but it is simply manifold and uniform in its variety.[23]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) This refers to the understanding of a divine being, encompassing their attributes, and highlighting the foundation for wisdom, and showing understanding.[24] (2) The understanding that regards things as possible and actionable.[25] (3) God's understanding that encompasses all aspects of time and reality without any temporal limitations or changes.[26] (4) The awareness imparted to creatures of God's essence and commands, designed to foster a love and obedience towards Him.[27] (5) An infinite understanding that allows God to know all possible things, which is essential for Him to comprehend His own power and capacity to create.[28]
From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite
(1) The understanding and awareness of divine wisdom and the principles governing spiritual matters.[29] (2) The understanding of God that is regarded as wonderful, confirmed yet ultimately unattainable by humans.[30]
Gnostic concept of 'Knowledge of God'
From: The Gnostics and Their Remains
(1) The ultimate goal of Gnostic inquiry, posited as the path to absolute perfection and divine understanding.[31] (2) The ultimate understanding and perfection that transcends mere knowledge of man.[32]
From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten
(1) The pursuit of understanding the divine, deemed a primary goal for early Gnostic philosophers.[33]
The concept of Knowledge of God in local and regional sources
Knowledge of God signifies both a personal spiritual awakening, as experienced by King Edwin, and a communal enrichment, where figures like King Ethelbert encourage sharing God's teachings to elevate societal standards and culminate in heavenly promise.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) A superior understanding, surpassing the highest achievements of science, derived from the study of religion, which unveils the essence of the soul and humanity.[34] (2) The knowledge of God is also considered the highest knowledge, and knowing God alone enables one to know man, according to the text.[35] (3) The knowledge of God is a central aspect of the knowledge portion, which the kings emphasized and the priests could not answer when questioned.[36] (4) This indicates the understanding of the divine, which is separate from moral duties, sacrifices, or rituals, suggesting that one's actions do not impact the realization of God.[37] (5) This is the ultimate goal, which is beyond worship and idolatry, encompassing an understanding of the divine presence in nature and the responsibility of humanity.[38]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) Knowledge of God is something that King Ethelbert is encouraged to impart to the kings and peoples subject to him, in order to surpass the ancient kings of his nation in praise and merit.[39] (2) Knowledge of God is something that King Edwin was brought to in this present world, and the hope is that he may also have a place in the heavenly country.[40] (3) The understanding and learning about God that the Scottish monks imparted to the English people.[41]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Understanding of the divine that is believed to come only through revelation, according to certain philosophical perspectives.[42] (2) Understanding the nature and attributes of God, which is considered superior to other forms of knowledge in Sufi belief.[43]