theologian

American  

[thee-uh-loh-juhn, -jee-uhn] / ˌθi əˈloʊ dʒən, -dʒi ən /

noun

1. a person versed in theology, the study of matters relating to religious beliefs, practices, and doctrine.

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theologian British  

/ ˌθɪəˈləʊdʒɪən /

noun

1. a person versed in or engaged in the study of theology, esp Christian theology

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theologian Cultural  

1. A person who engages in theology. Some notable theologians are Thomas Aquinas, Augustine, John Calvin, and Martin Luther.

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Other Word Forms

• antitheologian noun

Etymology

Origin of theologian

First recorded in 1475–85; theology + -an; replacing earlier theologien, from Middle French

Example Sentences

To be an organist, he writes, “requires being one-third interpreter of classical repertoire, one-third jazz improviser, and one-third theologian.”

From The Wall Street Journal

A political theologian and other experts have been invited to help discuss the issue, which is seen as one of the biggest it currently faces.

From BBC

But as a theologian with deep biblical expertise, I must say, I'm struggling to find the part in the Bible about unlimited access to guns.

From Salon

Plaskow, 76, is regarded as the first Jewish feminist theologian for calling out an absence of female perspectives in Jewish history.

From Seattle Times

Scientists who also study theology say the idea of intelligent life in the universe has been a topic among astronomers for years because it raises all kinds of questions for Christian theologians.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• clergy
• cleric
• philosopher
• scholar