What Is Theology
Essay by 24 • September 20, 2010 • 975 Words (4 Pages) • 2,006 Views
What is theology? What does it explain if anything? According to the encyclopedia, it is related to the Greek Religion. In Christianity, the systematic study of the nature of God and God's relationship with humanity and with the world. Although other religions may be said to have theologies, this is a matter of controversy within, for instance, Judaism , which holds that God is unknowable. This article will therefore confine itself to Christian theology. The development of theology in Christendom arose from the need for educated Christians of the ancient world to express their ideas in terminology familiar in current thought. Hence arose the close relation of Christian theology with Greek philosophy formulated by the Greek and Latin Fathers of the Church . St. Augustine , a Latin Father and one of the greatest theologians, introduced and standardized in his writings teachings that became central to Christian theology. Augustine's influence was paralleled in the East by that of Origen. From the dictionary theology is known as the science of God or of religion. Also, the science which treats of the existence, character, and attributes of God, his laws and government, the doctrines we are to believe, and the duties we are to practice; divinity; (as more commonly understood) "the knowledge derivable from the Scriptures, the systematic exhibition of revealed truth, the science of Christian faith and life."
In addition to the information above, theology has more to offer. According to the Theological Dictionary, it is the study of God, His nature, attributes, character, abilities, revelation, etc. True theology is found in the Bible which is the self-revelation of God. Theology is known for many definitions but consequently means the same in each sense.
The nature of theology is known in different ways but seem to have the same. According to the Concise Oxford Dictionary, it is defined as 'the science of religion'. That would be the core of knowledge using science in the religious sector. It is then subdivided into the 'Natural' theology. This theology is known to be the 'dealing with knowledge of God as gained from his works by light of nature and reason'. This would be God's own words or examples of how religion/theology is based on nature and what he has created. Secondly is the 'Revealed' theology, which is based on revelation. The revelation is the change and the evolution of things and events. The 'Revealed' theology is the showing of the growth of the theology. Next is the 'Dogmatic' theology. This theology is the dealing with authoritative teaching of the scriptures and the Church. This theology is based on the writings. It means that it is only using teachings from the elders and the authority figures to adhere information. After is 'Speculative' theology. This is known as the giving scope to human speculation, not confined to revelation. This theology does not base its beliefs on the revelation but also on the humans and what occurs in their speculation and thoughts. Lastly is the 'Systematic' theology. It is the methodical arrangement of the truths of religion in their natural connection. This theology is based on nature, yes, as is the 'Natural' theology, but it also is a better understand of the truths of religion. Each specific sector of the nature of theology has its own points to bring to the concept. Each individual theology is based on different aspects of the nature of theology.
The nature of theology is found the Western theologian era. The nature of God is known to be in monotheistic religion. It is a broad, important topic in Western philosophy of religion and theology. It apparently consists of a very old and distinguished history. In history, it was one of the central topics in medieval philosophy. The Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, all affirm theism, or belief in God. These religions each give different answers as to the details, and those details are very important to the adherents of these religions; but together they
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