theology

[ thee-ol-uh-jee ]

noun

, plural the·ol·o·gies.

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.

theology

/ 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

theology

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

Derived Forms

• theˈologist, noun

Other Words From

• anti·the·olo·gy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of theology¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of theology¹

C14: from Late Latin theologia, from Latin; see theo- , -logy

Example Sentences

As a political theology that co-opts Christian narratives and symbolism, Christian nationalism has its own version of the “elect,” those chosen by God.

From Time

The origins of these ideas, however, have little to do with science but are instead grounded at the intersection of history, theology and politics.

From Washington Post

It nursed the Lost Cause theology that rationalized the Confederacy in the American South, continuing to this day for many.

From Time

Love studied theology as an undergraduate at the Catholic school Fordham University and talks regularly of her faith.

From Washington Post

The program was started by Jim Micheletti, English and theology teacher and director of campus ministry at Palma, who said both the students and inmates found the book discussions deeply meaningful.

From Washington Post

Ironically, as pope, his championing of the poor has given Liberation Theology a new lease on life.

From The Daily Beast

Paz tells us that she owned countless encyclopedias and manuals—on mythology, law, history, philosophy, theology.

From The Daily Beast

Yet superstition can also be, if my theology is correct, the first step in the other direction on that same road.

From The Daily Beast

And though the theology of Left Behind is strange and unbelievable, it also could, in the right hands, inspire a hell of a story.

From The Daily Beast

In addition, the average layperson in this time period was well versed in theology.

From The Daily Beast

It lacks convincingness perhaps from the fact that Thomass theology is so largely philosophy, as Roger Bacon said.

From Project Gutenberg

One of them had taken four years of theology, and is an excellent student, and not so fitting for other things.

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover, the Bible teaches erroneous theories of history, theology, and science.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a theory is ridiculous; but upon it depends the entire fabric of Christian theology.

From Project Gutenberg

The religion of Rome may not have advanced the theology or the ethics of the world, but it made and held together a nation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• belief
• creed
• doctrine
• dogma
• faith