theology

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: the=ol=o=gy

CIDE DICTIONARY

theology, n. [L. theologia, Gr. ; God + discourse: cf. F. théologie. See Theism, and Logic.].

 The science of God or of religion; the science which treats of the existence, character, and attributes of God, his laws and government, the doctrines we are to believe, and the duties we are to practice; divinity; (as more commonly understood) “the knowledge derivable from the Scriptures, the systematic exhibition of revealed truth, the science of Christian faith and life.”  [1913 Webster]
"Many speak of theology as a science of religion [instead of “science of God”] because they disbelieve that there is any knowledge of God to be attained."  [1913 Webster]
"Theology is ordered knowledge; representing in the region of the intellect what religion represents in the heart and life of man."  [1913 Webster]

Ascetic theology, Natural theology. See Ascetic, Natural. -- Moral theology, that phase of theology which is concerned with moral character and conduct. -- Revealed theology, theology which is to be learned only from revelation. -- Scholastic theology, theology as taught by the scholastics, or as prosecuted after their principles and methods. -- Speculative theology, theology as founded upon, or influenced by, speculation or metaphysical philosophy. -- Systematic theology, that branch of theology of which the aim is to reduce all revealed truth to a series of statements that together shall constitute an organized whole. E. G. Robinson (Johnson's Cyc.).

OXFORD DICTIONARY

theology, n. (pl. -ies)
1 a the study of theistic (esp. Christian) religion. b a system of theistic (esp. Christian) religion. c the rational analysis of a religious faith.
2 a system of theoretical principles, esp. an impractical or rigid ideology.

Derivative

theologist n. theologize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise).

Etymology

ME f. OF theologie f. L theologia f. Gk (as THEO-, -LOGY)