theology

theology — noun

1. the academic study that examines God, gods, or a divine power, together with the

1.nounC1
Definition

the academic study that examines God, gods, or a divine power, together with the beliefs, writings, and practices of a religion.

Example

After finishing high school, Hari decided to study theology at a university in Cairo.

collocation: study theology

Adaeze enrolled in a theology course to learn about different religious traditions.

collocation: theology course

Common collocations
  • study theology
  • theology course
  • theology department
  • degree in theology
Synonyms
  • divinity

    used more at British universities to name the academic field, especially at Oxford and Cambridge

  • religious studies

    a broader field that includes historical and cultural approaches, not requiring a faith perspective

Usage Note

Usually uncountable when referring to the academic discipline itself. Can be countable when specifying a particular approach, as in 'a feminist theology' or 'a liberation theology.'

Common Mistakes

I am studying theology of religions.
I am studying theology and world religions.
'theology' already means the study of religion, so 'theology of religions' is redundant.

2. a particular system of religious ideas and teachings that shapes how a religious

2.nounC1
Definition

a particular system of religious ideas and teachings that shapes how a religious group understands God, the world, and human life.

Example

The theology of the Lutheran church puts great importance on faith and grace.

theology of + [religious group] — possessive structure

Rabbi Tamar explained how Jewish theology differs from Christian theology in class.

Common collocations
  • theology of
  • according to + [possessive] theology
  • theology + verb (teaches / holds / emphasizes)
Synonyms
  • doctrine

    refers to a single teaching or a set of official principles, often narrower than a full theology

  • creed

    a short, fixed statement of core beliefs, not the whole system

  • dogma

    beliefs held as unquestionably true, often with a negative or rigid tone

Grammar Patterns

the theology of + [religious group]

[possessive] + theology

Usage Note

Almost always used with an article, a possessive, or a prepositional phrase. You would rarely say 'Theology says...' without specifying which theology.

Common Mistakes

This theology believes in one God.
According to this theology, there is one God.
'theology' is a system of ideas, not a person; it cannot be the subject of 'believe.'

Word family

  • theologian
    nounC1
  • theological
    adjectiveC1
  • theologically
    adverbC2
  • theologize
    verbC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Theology is the academic study of God, gods, or a divine power from within a faith tradition — it often assumes a believer's perspective and examines sacred texts, doctrines, and practices. Religious studies is broader and more neutral; it looks at religion as a human phenomenon using tools from history, sociology, and anthropology without requiring a faith commitment. Divinity is a near-synonym for theology used mainly in British university contexts, especially for degrees leading to ordained ministry. Philosophy of religion applies philosophical reasoning to questions about God, evil, and the meaning of religious language, and does not assume any particular faith. For example, a theology student might write about the meaning of a prayer text, while a religious studies student might compare how different cultures practise prayer.

theology ↗religious studiesdivinityphilosophy of religion

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • study theology
  • teach theology
  • a degree in theology
  • theology of liberation

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

The word comes from ancient Greek 'theologia' (θεολογία), which combines 'theos' (god) and 'logia' (study or discourse). It passed into Latin, then into French, and entered English around the 1300s. The modern meaning — the academic study of religious belief — developed during the medieval period when theology was considered the highest form of learning in European universities.