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 ).

Derived Forms

• theˈologist, noun

Other Word Forms

• 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

At his inauguration ball, a "worship painter" even replicated Trump's image while the crowd sang "amen" over and over, underscoring this shift in the de facto theology of these "Christians."

From Salon

Kaile Shilling, a writer and former theology student, says she moved from Los Angeles to Canada during the first Trump administration to escape America’s toxic politics.

From Los Angeles Times

The theology scholar to be was entranced, “overcome with tears … praising God for all the souls being saved that day.”

From Los Angeles Times

It comes after Cardiff University confirmed the cost-cutting proposals, which could also see course closures and department mergers in subjects including nursing, modern languages, religion and theology, music, and ancient history.

From BBC

Conservative Catholics — many of them in the U.S. — have long accused their leader of liberation theology, if not downright heresy, for his work.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• belief
• creed
• doctrine
• dogma
• faith