What Is ‘a’ Theology?
When people speak of theology in general, they usually mean the study of God. But when someone refers to “a theology,” they mean a particular approach, perspective, or system of thinking about God and divine matters.
The phrase a theology recognizes that while the Christian faith is rooted in the one true God revealed in Scripture, human reflection on God often takes different forms. A theology is an attempt to express, organize, and apply the truths of the Bible in a specific way, shaped by history, context, and tradition.
In this sense, “a theology” does not mean multiple gods or competing revelations, but rather diverse human attempts to describe and live out the one revelation of God in Christ.
1. The Meaning of “A Theology”
The Greek roots of theology (theos = “God,” logos = “word, discourse”) give the term its basic sense: speech about God. Adding the article “a” shifts the focus from theology as a discipline to theology as a particular system or school of thought.
Examples of “A Theology”
A theology of creation – Focuses on how God made and sustains the world (Genesis 1:1).
A theology of suffering – Reflects on God’s purposes in pain and trials (Romans 8:18).
A theology of worship – Examines how God calls his people to praise him (John 4:24).
A theology of mission – Organizes biblical teaching about proclaiming the gospel (Matthew 28:19–20).
In each case, “a theology” is not a different religion but a focused lens for studying what God has revealed.
2. The Development of Theologies in History
Theologies have developed throughout history as believers reflected on Scripture in different contexts.
Early Christianity
The church fathers developed a theology of the Trinity to defend the deity of Christ and the Spirit.
Councils such as Nicaea (325 AD) and Chalcedon (451 AD) articulated clear theological statements in response to heresies.
The Middle Ages
Scholastic thinkers like Thomas Aquinas developed a theology of reason and revelation, emphasizing the harmony of faith and rational thought.
The Reformation
Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin developed a theology of justification by faith alone (Romans 3:28), correcting distortions of the gospel.
Modern Period
Contextual theologies emerged, such as liberation theology (justice for the oppressed), Black theology (racial reconciliation and dignity), and feminist theology (addressing gender and power).
These examples show that theology is never done in a vacuum. To speak of a theology is to recognize the diversity of approaches that emerge as Christians engage God’s word in specific times and places.
3. Types of Theologies in Christianity
The phrase “a theology” also reflects the variety of sub-disciplines and methods within Christian thought.
By Discipline
Biblical Theology – Traces God’s unfolding plan through the storyline of Scripture.
Systematic Theology – Organizes doctrines into categories (God, Christ, salvation, church, end times).
Historical Theology – Studies how doctrines developed across centuries.
Practical Theology – Applies theology to worship, ethics, and ministry.
By Theme or Topic
A theology of grace
A theology of prayer
A theology of justice
By Tradition
Reformed theology
Lutheran theology
Catholic theology
Eastern Orthodox theology
Each of these represents a theology—a specific attempt to confess the truth of God revealed in Scripture within a particular framework.
4. Biblical Warnings and Guidance
While there are many theologies, the Bible also warns against false theologies that distort the truth.
Paul warned of “different gospels” (Galatians 1:6–7).
False teachers “will secretly bring in destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1).
Believers are urged to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
This means not every theology is faithful. The measure of whether a theology is true or false is whether it aligns with the Scriptures.
At the same time, the Bible encourages thoughtful theological reflection:
“Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them” (Psalm 111:2).
“Teach what accords with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).
Faithful theologies are those that keep Christ at the center and remain rooted in the authority of God’s word.
5. The Purpose of Having “A Theology”
Why do Christians develop theologies instead of simply reading the Bible? Because theology helps organize biblical truth, respond to cultural challenges, and equip believers for faithful living.
Purposes of Theological Systems
Clarity – To answer questions with precision: What does the Bible teach about salvation?
Defense – To protect the church from heresy and error (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
Discipleship – To teach believers how to live out their faith (Colossians 3:16).
Worship – To deepen adoration of God’s glory (Romans 11:33).
Mission – To explain the gospel clearly to the nations (Matthew 28:19–20).
To have a theology is not to invent new truth but to faithfully arrange and apply the truth God has revealed.
Conclusion: One Faith, Many Theologies
So what is a theology? It is a particular way of thinking about God, shaped by Scripture, history, and context. Theology in general means the study of God, but “a theology” refers to specific systems, topics, or traditions within that broader field.
While there are many theologies, the church confesses one faith in one Lord. Theologies vary, but the truth remains centered in God’s revelation through Christ. As Paul wrote, “There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:4–6).
The challenge for believers is to evaluate every theology by the Bible, to embrace what is faithful, and to let all theology serve its ultimate purpose: to glorify God and edify his people.
