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

No one came here, really, for the açai bowls or theology lessons. —Sam Kestenbaum, Harper's Magazine, 21 June 2024

Francis’s eloquent treatise grounded the church’s earlier rhetoric on the environment in science and theology. —Victor Gaetan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2021

From 2009 until her retirement in 2014, Ms. Xenakis chaired the theology department at Catholic. —Frederick N. Rasmussen, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2024

Cameron Casillas, a theology professor at a nearby divinity school, followed, sweeping into an ancient loveseat while David stood and did his best to look blasé. —Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 12 June 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