theologian

[thee-uh-loh-juhn, -jee-uhn]

noun

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

theologian

/ ˌθɪəˈləʊdʒɪən /

noun

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

theologian

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

Other Word Forms

• antitheologian noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of theologian¹

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

Example Sentences

Earlier in the day the King had visited the Oratory of St Philip Neri in Birmingham, founded by the 19th century Catholic theologian and philosopher, Cardinal John Henry Newman.

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I am not a theologian, nor am I trained in pastoral care or spiritual counseling.

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A theologian explained in an eschatological commentary that the mark of Revelation 13:16–17 was not about credit systems or digital payments.

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As the church’s 266th leader, he was revered by many Catholics and theologians for his commitment to social justice and focus on church ministry to migrants, poor and oppressed people.

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The most important thing, he told the BBC, was for the Pope to be "the chief theologian of the Church".

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Related Words

• clergy 
• cleric 
• philosopher 
• scholar