theology

Noun

theology (usually uncountable, plural theologies)

1. (usually) The study of God, a god, or gods; and of the truthfulness of religion in general.

   Synonyms:

   godlore

2. (usually) Synonym of religious studies.
   • Theology is a study, but religion is an experience. Theology is the study of religion, and when we study theology we are studying religion.1896 September 15, William Newton Clarke, Immortality, a Study of Belief, and Earlier Addresses, Yale University Press, published 1920, page 23
   • On the other hand, theology is the study of religion. The word itself refers to the interpretation of the doctrines of God. But modern theology includes the study of various religions and such topics as church history, sacred writings, and the relationship between religion and human needs.2010 October 1, Issa Kirarira, edited by Arvind Sharma, The World’s Religions: A Contemporary Reader, Minneapolis: Fortress Press, →ISBN, page 206

   Synonyms:

   religious studies

3. (countable, usually) An organized method of interpreting spiritual works and beliefs into practical form.
4. (countable, usually) A particular belief within a religion.
   • In this context, one could conceivably hold onto the theology that baptism is essential for salvation.2018, Steven D. Cone, Theology from the Great Tradition, Bloomsbury Academic, →ISBN, page 578
   • Most Muslims reject the theology that Jesus died on a cross and was resurrected from the dead (though there is some ambiguity in the Qur'an on the matter), but they do hold that he ascended to heaven and will return again.2019, Ben C. Blackwell, R.L. Hatchett, Engaging Theology: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Introduction, Zondervan Academic, →ISBN, page 138
5. (slang, usually) Subjective marginal details.
   • While those folks are caught up in theological arguments about LISP versus PROLOG, […]1986 December 9, Jim Seymour, “In plain English”, in PC Mag, volume 5, number 21, Ziff Davis, →ISSN, page 96