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

• theologist noun
• antitheology 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

But this is perhaps not so surprising from a man who takes the usefulness of religion, but not Christian theology, seriously.”

From Salon

Not having to worry about money was also huge help for theology student Di'Mario Downer.

From BBC

The College still stands as a symbol of Newman's theology and is maintained by a group of devoted nuns, with much of it remaining untouched since the early Victorian era.

From BBC

Stick around long enough, though, and you’ll discover an institutional pipeline suffused with toxic theology that funnels people toward Christian nationalism.

From Salon

Similarly, a 2023 commentary in the Los Angeles Review of Books describes how certain modern interpretations like linking cryptocurrency to the mark blend end-times theology with contemporary political fears.

From Salon

Related Words

• belief 
• creed 
• doctrine 
• dogma 
• faith