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

I like thrillers that work a little theology into the plot: the mysteries of a crime — not just whodunit, but a whydunit — can throw a little light on the mysteries of creation and existence.

From Los Angeles Times

Petro, who identifies as a non-practicing Catholic, went to Catholic school and has express his admiration for "liberation theology" -- a school of Christian thought focused on uplifting the poor and marginalized.

From Barron's

He studied history and theology at Cambridge and then headed to theological college with the aim of being ordained as a clergyman before he - and the church - had second thoughts.

From BBC

Both authors admired the way that the medievals combined pagan virtues with Christian theology to sustain a culture that was simultaneously vital and humane.

From The Wall Street Journal

Strip away the theology, and I think the idea still holds.

From Salon

Related Words

• belief
• creed
• doctrine
• dogma
• faith