thēˈäləjē, -ji noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English theologie, from Late Latin theologia, from Latin, study of the heathen gods, from Greek, from the- + -logia -logy
1. : rational interpretation of religious faith, practice, and experience: as
a. : the analysis, application, and presentation of the traditional doctrines of a religion or religious group — see apologetics , dogmatic theology , natural theology , systematic theology ; compare practical theology
b. : the study of God and his relation to man and the world : a branch of systematic theology dealing with the arguments for the existence of God, the divine nature and attributes, and the doctrines of the Trinity, creation, and Providence — compare christology , eschatology , soteriology
c.
(1) : the analytical and historical study of religious beliefs
historical theology
exegetical theology
comparative theology
— compare patrology , symbolics
(2) : descriptive study of concepts relating to matters of ultimate concern
a theology of culture
d. : the interpretation of religious beliefs in relation to contemporary thought and life
e. : an inquiry that seeks an adequate interpretation of matters of ultimate concern
2.
a. : a coherent body of theological doctrine : a theological theory or system
a theology of atonement
the normative status of Thomist theology
specifically : the doctrine of God
b.
(1) : a body of theological opinion distinguished by some characteristic emphasis, method, or association
the theology of the Word of God
the theology of paradox
Calvinist theology
(2) : the group of theologians sharing such a viewpoint
the task of present-day liberal theology
c. : the sum of the beliefs held by an individual or group regarding matters of religious faith or of ultimate concern : the ideational element in religion
the vagueness of the average man's theology
3. : a course of Roman Catholic seminary study usually requiring four years and including Scripture, church history, homiletics, canon law, and moral and dogmatic theology