theology
thee-AH-luh-jee
/θiˈɒlədʒi/
The systematic study of the nature of God, religious belief, and divine truth.
Refers specifically to the rational, intellectual, or academic analysis of religious faith, rather than personal faith itself.
The story behind the word. Coined from ancient Greek 'theos' meaning god and 'logos' meaning discourse or word. Plato originally used 'theologia' to describe stories about the Greek gods, but Christian writers in the early Middle Ages reshaped it into the formal systematic study of divine revelation.
Word relationships
- divinity: 'Divinity' often refers to the quality of being divine or to a university faculty of religious study.
- religious studies: 'Religious studies' covers sociological and secular analysis, whereas theology often operates within a faith framework.
- secularism: Secularism rejects religious foundation in favor of temporal and civil governance.
Commonly confused with
- theosophy: Theosophy is a specific mystical philosophy combining Eastern and Western esoteric ideas, while theology is the general study of God.
Word family
- theologian (noun): A scholar who studies theology.
- theological (adjective): Relating to the study of theology.
Collocations
- systematic theology
- Christian theology
- liberation theology
- theology department
Example sentences
- "In medieval European universities, theology was considered the queen of the sciences." Academic history
- "Comparative theology examines how different faith traditions address questions of human suffering." Comparative study
Memory hook
Think of THEO (God) studying LOGIC (ology) — theology is applying logic to God. Theo + logy = God's logic.
When not to use
Do not use merely to mean personal prayer or spiritual practice; it implies systematic study or theory.
Fun facts
- In 12th-century Europe, theology was taught after students completed mastership in logic and grammar.
Related words
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