theology Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the rational and systematic study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truth
    divinity.
  2. noun a particular system or school of religious beliefs and teachings
    theological system.
    • Jewish theology
    • Roman Catholic theology
  3. noun the learned profession acquired by specialized courses in religion (usually taught at a college or seminary)
    • he studied theology at Oxford

WordNet

The*ol"o*gy noun
Etymology
L. theologia, Gr. God + discourse: cf. F. théologie. See Theism, and Logic.
Wordforms
plural Theologies
Definitions
  1. 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."
    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. Prof. R. Flint (Enc. Brit.).
    Theology is ordered knowledge; representing in the region of the intellect what religion represents in the heart and life of man. Gladstone.

Webster 1913