Theology
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'''Theology''', in a literal etymological sense, is the study of "[[God]]." More broadly, theology is the study of a religion from within, i.e. what are the beliefs and practices that form the basis. Theology states, "We have [[faith]] that our interpretation of divine revelation is roughly correct," and from this asks, "How do we improve our understanding of divine revelation so we can understand the divine better?" A person who studies theology is known as a theologian. Theology differs, but is closely related to other disciplines such as [[religious studies]] which analyse religions and beliefs objectively. | '''Theology''', in a literal etymological sense, is the study of "[[God]]." More broadly, theology is the study of a religion from within, i.e. what are the beliefs and practices that form the basis. Theology states, "We have [[faith]] that our interpretation of divine revelation is roughly correct," and from this asks, "How do we improve our understanding of divine revelation so we can understand the divine better?" A person who studies theology is known as a theologian. Theology differs, but is closely related to other disciplines such as [[religious studies]] which analyse religions and beliefs objectively. | ||
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==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
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*[[Mythology]] | *[[Mythology]] | ||
*[[Religion]] | *[[Religion]] | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 14:27, 4 June 2012
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Theology, in a literal etymological sense, is the study of "God." More broadly, theology is the study of a religion from within, i.e. what are the beliefs and practices that form the basis. Theology states, "We have faith that our interpretation of divine revelation is roughly correct," and from this asks, "How do we improve our understanding of divine revelation so we can understand the divine better?" A person who studies theology is known as a theologian. Theology differs, but is closely related to other disciplines such as religious studies which analyse religions and beliefs objectively.
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Definition
The term theology originates in the context of Christianity, and its use is most commonly restricted to Christianity, and related religions (such as Judaism or Islam). It is however sometimes extended to any study of a religion which starts by assuming that religion's truth. But the validity of its application to religions vastly different from Christianity is questionable - for example, it is strange to speak of Buddhist theology, given that Buddhism does not concern itself with God (in the sense in which that term is used in Christianity), but with other matters.
Competing theologies
One of the primary roles for theology is determining what beliefs are to constitute the official doctrine within a religion at any given time. Early Christian theologians, for example, devised doctrines such as absolution, transubstantiation, purgatory, original sin, and the Holy Trinity, which are based on tenuous interpretations of Bible scripture rather than things clearly expressed in the Bible. Nevertheless, these remain major elements of Christian theology (especially within Catholicism).
Competing theologies can cause schisms, when religions are split between different schools of belief. The most obvious example is this is the major split between Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians, during the Reformation, with Protestants rejecting many aspects of Catholic theology. Believers try to fit theology to their personal world view, eg Feminist theology, or Liberation theology.
Sophisticated theology
Atheists are inclined to focus attacks on Christianity as ordinary believers see their religion while giving far less attention to convoluted theology as academics at universities and seminaries understand matters. Therefore the sophisticated theologians hope their “true” religion is so wonderful that atheist “intellectual cretins” cannot deal with it. Incidentally when asked Christians have trouble sorting out exactly what this marvellous unanswerable theology really is [1] and refuse to give any succinct summary of their theology that atheists can discuss.
The best summary seems to be, “Atheists don’t understand sophisticated theology, therefore atheists should shut up while Christians carry on proselytising.”
Further the academics who attack atheists for not learning their convoluted beliefs see no reason to teach elaborate theology to ordinary church goers and believers or to preachers who promote less sophisticated Christianity. Further still far too many Christians happily attack atheism without studying atheist philosophy in detail. [2] [3]
Theology and philosophy
Theology and philosophy are very closely related to each other. Many philosophical schools have had influence on theology and vice versa. In the middle ages the two concepts were nearly inseparable and more modern theologians such as Reinhold Niebuhr have had profound effects on many philosophical schools. This is especially true when it comes to questions such as free will or the meaning of life.