Theology
Introduction
Theology is the systematic study of the nature of the divine and, more broadly, of religious belief. It is taught as an academic discipline, typically in universities and seminaries. It occupies itself with the unique content of analyzing the supernatural, but also deals with religious epistemology, asks and seeks to answer the question of revelation. Revelation pertains to the acceptance of God, gods, or deities, as not only transcendent or above the natural world, but also willing and able to interact with the natural world and, in particular, to reveal themselves to humankind. While theology has turned into a secular field, religion followers still consider theology to be a discipline that helps them live and understand the religious experience.
History
Theology's origins and development have been significantly influenced by the philosophical and religious contexts of the scholars who have contributed to the field. The term "theology" comes from the Greek theologia (θεολογία), which derived from theos (Θεός), meaning "god", and -logia (-λογία), meaning "utterances, sayings, or oracles" (a word related to logos [λόγος], meaning "word, discourse, account, or reasoning"). This term was used by the Greeks to refer to discourse about the gods.
Theological Disciplines
Theology can be studied from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, including but not limited to:
Philosophical Theology
Philosophical theology is the philosophical study of the meaning and nature of the divine. It is designed to reconcile, or combine, the claims of religion with the demands of reason, and it tries to answer the fundamental questions about religious faith.
Comparative Theology
Comparative theology involves the systematic comparison of the doctrines of two or more religious traditions to determine their similarities and differences. It is a branch of theology that seeks to promote understanding and cooperation among religious traditions by highlighting their common ground and areas of divergence.
Practical Theology
Practical theology is the application of theological truth to all of life, particularly the life and work of the church. It seeks to use theological insights to address practical issues in the church and society, and to promote the welfare of individuals and communities.
Theology and Religious Studies
While theology has been, and continues to be, studied in religious seminaries and universities, the academic study of theology has been increasingly pursued in universities that are not affiliated with a particular religion. This trend has been facilitated by the development of religious studies as a separate discipline that uses methods of analysis that are not specifically tied to any religious tradition.
The Role of Theology
Theology has been seen as providing a means of understanding and expressing religious experiences, and as serving as a guide for religious practice. It has also been seen as having a role in promoting understanding and dialogue among different religious traditions, and in addressing issues of public concern.
Criticisms and Controversies
Theology has been the subject of various criticisms. Some have questioned the appropriateness of applying human reason to the divine, while others have argued that theology is inherently biased because it is based on religious beliefs. There have also been debates about the role of theology in religious institutions and in society more broadly.