theology

Etymology

From Middle English theologie, from Middle French theologie, from Old French theologie, from Latin theologia, from Koine Greek θεολογία (theología), from θεολόγος (theológos, adjective), from θεός (theós) + λόγος (lógos). Surface analysis is theo- + -logy.

noun

1. (uncountable) The study of God, a god, or gods; and of the truthfulness of religion in general.
2. (uncountable) 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. September 15, 1896, William Newton Clarke, Immortality, a Study of Belief, and Earlier Addresses, Yale University Press, published 1920, page 23
3. (countable) An organized method of interpreting spiritual works and beliefs into practical form.
4. (countable) 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, 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, page 138
   Another problem with the theology that Jews are chosen for a universal ethical mission is that one does not need to be Jewish to be a beacon of light. 4 feb 2020, Rabbi Evan Moffic, What Every Christian Needs to Know About Judaism, Abingdon Press, page 59
5. (uncountable, computing, slang) Subjective marginal details.
   While those folks are caught up in theological arguments about LISP versus PROLOG, […] 1986-12-09, Jim Seymour, “In plain English”, in PC Mag, volume 5, number 21, Ziff Davis, →ISSN, page 96