theology

American  

[thee-ol-uh-jee] / θiˈɒl ə dʒi /

noun

plural

theologies

1. the field of study and analysis that treats of God and of God's attributes and relations to the universe; study of divine things or religious truth; divinity.

2. a particular form, system, branch, or course of this study.

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theology British  

/ θɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the systematic study of the existence and nature of the divine and its relationship to and influence upon other beings

2. a specific branch of this study, undertaken from the perspective of a particular group

   feminist theology

3. the systematic study of Christian revelation concerning God's nature and purpose, esp through the teaching of the Church

4. a specific system, form, or branch of this study, esp for those preparing for the ministry or priesthood

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theology Cultural  

1. The disciplined study of religious questions, such as the nature of God, sin, and salvation (see also salvation).

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Other Word Forms

• antitheology adjective
• theologist noun

Etymology

Origin of theology

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English theologie, from Old French, from Late Latin theologia, from Greek theología; equivalent to theo- + -logy

Example Sentences

In the process, this remarkable painter transcends Christian theology to create images with universal appeal.

From The Wall Street Journal

Religious leaders, from Roger Williams to William Penn, considered that “the Bible and Christian theology require liberty of conscience,” necessary for “true religion to flourish.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“Twelve Churches” is decidedly not a book about theology: It doesn’t describe debates about the Trinity or what constitutes a sacrament.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Education Department would define the following fields as professional programs: pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, chiropractic, law, medicine, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatry and theology.

From Los Angeles Times

Caspar Cubitt, who is studying theology, says the uncertainty has "put all of us on edge".

From BBC

Related Words

• belief
• creed
• doctrine
• dogma
• faith