theology

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the learned profession acquired by specialized courses in religion, usually taught at a college or seminary

   They studied theology at Oxford.

2. 2
   noun

   a particular system or school of religious beliefs and teachings

   Jewish theology

3. 3
   noun

   Synonym of religious studies.

   Theology is a study, but religion is an experience. Theology is the study of religion, and when we study theology we are studying religion.

4. 4
   noun

   A particular belief within a religion.

   In this context, one could conceivably hold onto the theology that baptism is essential for salvation.

5. 5
   noun

   Subjective marginal details.

   While those folks are caught up in theological arguments about LISP versus PROLOG, […]

6. 6
   noun

   the rational and systematic study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truth

7. 7
   noun

   The study of God, a god, or gods; and of the truthfulness of religion in general.

8. 8
   noun

   An organized method of interpreting spiritual works and beliefs into practical form.

Etymology

From Middle English theologie, from Middle French theologie, from Old French theologie, from Latin theologia, from Koine Greek θεολογία (theología), from θεολόγος (theológos, adjective), from θεός (theós) + λόγος (lógos). By surface analysis, theo- + -logy.