What Does Theological Mean?
The word theological comes directly from theology, itself derived from two Greek words: theos (“God”) and logos (“word, reason, or discourse”). At its most basic, theological means “pertaining to theology” or “concerning the study of God.” It describes anything related to reflection on God, his nature, his works, and his relationship with the world.
In Christian usage, theological thought is rooted in the conviction that God has revealed himself through Scripture and supremely through Jesus Christ. To call something theological is to place it within the framework of God’s truth as revealed in the Bible.
But what does theological mean in practice? The term can describe academic studies, doctrinal statements, schools of thought, or even everyday reflections that attempt to interpret life in light of God’s revelation.
1. The Meaning and Scope of Theological
To say something is theological is to acknowledge that it relates to God and his self-revelation. Theological language is not speculation but response to what God has made known.
Key Features of Theological Reflection
God-centered – Theology begins with God, not with human invention. “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 40:28).
Rooted in Revelation – Theological thought arises from God’s word, which is “breathed out by God and profitable for teaching” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Holistic in Scope – Theological questions touch on creation, salvation, ethics, worship, and the destiny of the world.
Theological therefore describes more than just academic exercises. It applies to every attempt to think and live in light of God’s truth.
2. Theological Method and God’s Revelation
Theological reflection assumes that God has spoken. Christian theology insists that human beings cannot invent truth about God but must receive it from him.
Theological Method Involves:
Revelation – God makes himself known through creation, conscience, Scripture, and ultimately Christ. “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1).
Faith – Believers respond by trusting God’s word. “Without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Reason – The mind organizes and articulates truth in coherent ways. Paul urged Christians to be “transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
Context – Theological reflection always happens within history and culture, which shape how questions are asked and answered.
To call something theological is to recognize that it arises from the interaction of revelation, faith, reason, and context, all directed toward understanding God and his purposes.
3. Theological Disciplines and Traditions
Over time, theology developed into organized areas of study. Theological work can therefore describe specific disciplines that approach God’s truth from different angles.
Major Theological Disciplines
Biblical Theology – Traces the unfolding story of God’s revelation across Scripture.
Systematic Theology – Arranges biblical doctrines into ordered categories (God, Christ, Spirit, salvation, church, last things).
Historical Theology – Studies how the church has understood doctrine through history.
Practical Theology – Applies theology to worship, preaching, ethics, and mission.
Theological Traditions
The word theological can also describe schools of thought within Christianity, such as Reformed theology, Lutheran theology, or Catholic theology. These traditions emphasize different organizing principles but share the same goal: to confess the truth of God revealed in Christ and Scripture.
4. Theological in Everyday Faith
The word theological is not confined to academic study. Every believer lives theologically whenever faith and life are shaped by God’s word.
Everyday Theological Questions
Who is God, and what is he like?
What does it mean to live faithfully in my circumstances?
How does Christ’s death and resurrection shape my identity and hope?
Paul told the Colossians, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16). This is a deeply theological command, though it applies to everyday Christian living.
Theological thinking equips believers to discern truth, resist error, and live faithfully. It shapes decisions about worship, ethics, relationships, and mission.
5. Theological Significance for the Church
To describe the church as a theological community is to recognize that it exists by God’s word and for God’s glory.
The Church’s Theological Tasks
Teaching – Guarding sound doctrine and passing it on (Titus 2:1).
Worshiping – Responding to God’s truth in praise and obedience (John 4:24).
Witnessing – Proclaiming Christ to the nations in both word and deed (Matthew 28:19–20).
Living Together – Embodying the truth of the gospel in community (Acts 2:42).
Theological is therefore not an abstract label but a reminder of the church’s calling. The life of the church is always theological, because everything it does is grounded in what it believes about God.
Conclusion: Living Theologically
So what does theological mean? At its heart, it means “pertaining to God and his revelation.” It describes speech, thought, and practice that reflect on God’s word and works. Whether in academic study, church confessions, or personal devotion, theological reflection is central to Christian life.
Being theological is not only about analyzing doctrines but about living in response to God’s truth. It means faith seeking understanding, worship shaped by God’s word, and mission empowered by Christ’s command.
To be theological is to recognize that every part of life is lived before the face of God and should be ordered to his glory.
Bible Verses on Theological Reflection
Psalm 19:1 — “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
Isaiah 40:28 — “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.”
John 4:24 — “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
John 17:3 — “This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Romans 12:2 — “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God.”
2 Timothy 3:16 — “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
Colossians 3:16 — “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”
Titus 2:1 — “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.”
Hebrews 11:6 — “Without faith it is impossible to please him.”
Matthew 28:19–20 — “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
