God images: A concept map

Author(s): Cook, S., Meshel, D. S., Daughtry, D., Hauenstein, A.

Journal/Book: J Sci Stud Relig. 1999; 38: Brigham Young Univ 875 Swkt, Sociology Dept, Provo, UT 84602, USA. Soc Scientific Study Religion. 193-202.

Abstract: Explores research on God images, suggesting that prior investigations have been unnecessarily influenced by the tendency to limit participants' perspectives to a set of predetermined descriptors. Concept mapping, a method combining phenomenological inquiry and open card-sorts, is introduced as a way of portraying the scope, latent structure, and relative salience of images of God. Our exploratory concept map suggests that God images vary along the underlying dimensions of punitive versus nurturant and mystical versus anthropomorphic. Participants reported that traditional God images (e.g., ''Creator,'' ''Everlasting,'' ''Everywhere'') were much more salient for them than more punitive (e.g., ''Intimidating,'' ''Unfair'') or nontraditional (e.g., ''Humorous,'' ''Woman'') images.

Note: Article Kunkel MA, Auburn Univ, Dept Counseling & Counseling Psychol, Haley Ctr 2084, Auburn,AL 36849 USA

Keyword(s): EXPERIENCE; STUDENTS

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