theology

[thee-ol-uh-jee]

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.

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).

Other Word Forms

• antitheology adjective
• theologist noun

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

But surely it is more human and morally sincere, more fitting to creatures made in God’s image, for us to imagine in our theology a world in which prayer has a chance to be efficacious.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They are trying to split evangelical Christians from Israel, which explains Mr. Carlson’s sudden interest in theology and enthusiasm for Qatar.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on BBC

“It’s got its own theology and an outsider has to win the confidence of the people inside.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Rapture isn’t universally held in Christian theology.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• belief 
• creed 
• doctrine 
• dogma 
• faith