The verb I seek is defined as: to claim a position above something, to position oneself higher than something or someone.
The important aspect is the claim of superiority over something, without necessarily being superior.
For instance: When the mind answers all the whys about God, it {situates itself in a position higher than} God.
Any ideas?
I don't think there is a single word answer here because of the need for the connotation of 'claiming'. But of course more than one word together might be able to capture what you seek.
The word
presume
invokes the notion of 'claim' and then any appropriately affixed example of the other words will carry the superiority, as in
'presumes surpassing'
In your example sentence, that really doesn't fit (because it is unclear if what you ask for is relevant to that sentence).
When the mind gets answers, it presumes that it is knowable.
Another word that is relevant is:
audacity
(which has the connotation of an assumption of superiority) but that doesn't fit the grammar you're looking to fill in.
The fact I won in every category allowed me to _ him.
(Because I won, I took the position of being above him.)
That example made me think of the verb best, meaning "to get the better of; outdo."
As the sentence you're trying to fill implies some form of "takeover", I humbly submit to usurp (to take the place of illegally). Thus, "When the mind answers all the whys about God, it usurps God."
You could use "overrides" or "displaces".
You may be looking for something as simple as, "conquer". Alternatively, "subjugate" may suit your purpose.
Arrogate means to claim without justification or to claim unwarrantably or presumptuously; to assume or appropriate to oneself without right.
It is a verb that takes an object, however, so your example sentence would need to be slightly revised to something like: When the mind answers all the whys about God, it arrogates God's position (or His sovereignty).
Here is a link to some other examples of the word used in sentences: http://www.wordnik.com/words/arrogate
Interestingly, arrogate is etymologically related to arrogant.
How about: 'surpass', 'outstrip', or 'rise above'?
Based on your second example, I think you're looking for the word supplant which means to supersede and replace.
An informal alternative to other answers offered thus far is: one-ups.
Supersedes or sublimates.
For something slightly more forceful you could use "usurped". It may not quite fit with your specific context.
to take and keep (something, such as power) in a forceful or violent way and especially without the right to do so
