Meaning & use
theology
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Meanings
noununcountable
The study of religion, religious belief, and the nature of God.
Grammar: Uncountable when referring to the subject in general; countable when referring to a particular system of beliefs.
Patterns
- study theology
- theology of
She studied theology at university and became a minister.
Theology explores questions about God, faith, and salvation.
nouncountable
A particular system of religious beliefs or ideas.
Grammar: Often used with 'a' or in the plural to mean different systems.
Patterns
- a theology
- theologies
The two churches have different theologies.
His theology emphasizes social justice.
Word forms
| plural | theologies |
|---|
Common combinations
- study theology
- He decided to study theology after a trip to Jerusalem.
- Christian theology
- Christian theology is based on the Bible and church tradition.
- liberation theology
- Liberation theology focuses on the poor and oppressed.
Synonyms and how they differ
- religious studies
- More neutral and academic; theology often implies faith commitment.
- divinity
- Often used in British universities; similar meaning but more formal.
Word family
- theologian noun
- A person who studies or is an expert in theology.
- theological adjective
- Relating to the study of religion.
- theologically adverb
- In a way that relates to theology.
Commonly confused: theology or religion? theology or theogony?
theology vs religion
Religion refers to the practice and belief system; theology is the academic study of it.
theology vs theogony
Theogony is the study of the origin of gods, while theology is the broader study of religion.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'theology' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option C is correct: 'a degree in theology' is a common phrase. Option An is wrong because theology is not the study of medicine. Option B is better with 'theogony' or 'mythology' because theology usually refers to the study of religion, not a specific pantheon.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “theology”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.