theology

noun

the·​ol·​o·​gy thē-ˈä-lə-jē 

plural theologies

1

: the study of religious faith, practice, and experience

especially : the study of God and of God's relation to the world

2

a

: a theological theory or system

Thomist theology

a theology of atonement

b

: a distinctive body of theological opinion

Catholic theology

3

: a usually 4-year course of specialized religious training in a Roman Catholic major seminary

Examples of theology in a Sentence

He has an interest in theology and pastoral work.

The bishop was opposed to the group's theology.

Recent Examples on the Web

One theology promoted by Christian nationalist leaders is the Seven Mountain Mandate. —Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 13 July 2024

He may have been inspired by the teachings of William Branham, an American evangelical preacher who became known in the forties and fifties for his doomsday theology. —Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024

Leaders of the protestant reformation in Europe, most famously Martin Luther, emerged from university programs in theology with historical ties to medieval institutions. —Bradford Vivian / Made By History, TIME, 16 Aug. 2024

Now this person of unusual suggestibility has become second in command to a first-order demagogue, giving himself over to MAGA theology. —Michelle Goldberg, The Mercury News, 30 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English theologie, from Anglo-French, from Latin theologia, from Greek, from the- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing theology

• dogmatic theology
• liberation theology
• natural theology
• practical theology
• systematic theology

Kids Definition

theology

noun

the·​ol·​o·​gy thē-ˈäl-ə-jē 

plural theologies

1

: the study of religion

2

: a set of religious beliefs

theologian

ˌthē-ə-ˈlō-jən

noun

theological

-ˈläj-i-kəl

adjective