Theology is the systematic study of God, religious belief, faith and the relationship between the divine and humanity. The word comes from Greek terms meaning “God” and “study” or “reasoning.” Theology examines questions about the nature and character of God, creation, human purpose, sin, salvation, suffering, morality, worship, death, eternal life and the meaning of religious experience.
In Christianity, theology draws especially on the Bible, Christian tradition, reason and lived faith to understand and explain Christian beliefs. It includes areas such as biblical theology, the study of scripture; Christology, the study of Jesus Christ; pneumatology, the study of the Holy Spirit; soteriology, the study of salvation; ecclesiology, the study of the Church; and eschatology, the study of death, judgment and the final fulfilment of God’s purposes. Theology is not only academic. It also shapes how believers understand God, interpret scripture, worship, make moral decisions and live out their faith.
