What Is Theology? (the Study of God)
What is theology? At its most basic level, theology is the study of God. The word comes from two Greek terms: theos (God) and logos (word, thought, or reason). In other words, theology is reasoned discourse about God. But this definition only scratches the surface.
Theology involves reflecting on who God is, what God has done, and how God relates to his creation. It is not merely abstract speculation but an ordered attempt to understand God’s word and works. Scripture itself assumes and commends theology: “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them” (Psalm 111:2).
Throughout church history, Christians have seen theology as faith seeking understanding. It unites revelation and reason, worship and study, belief and practice.
1. The Nature of Theology
Theology is both simple and complex. In its simplest sense, it is speaking about God. In its fuller sense, it involves systematic reflection on all that God has revealed.
Key Characteristics
Theology is rooted in revelation: It begins with what God has made known through Scripture and creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1).
Theology uses reason: It organizes and clarifies truths so they can be understood and lived.
Theology is both descriptive and prescriptive: It describes what God has done and prescribes how people should live in light of it.
Theology is not optional for Christians. Everyone who thinks or speaks about God is doing theology—whether rightly or wrongly. The task of theology is to ensure those thoughts are faithful to God’s revealed truth.
2. Sources of Theology
Theology draws on multiple sources, though not all have equal authority. Scripture is primary, but tradition, reason, and experience also play supporting roles.
Scripture – God’s word is the foundation for theology. Paul writes, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Tradition – The reflections of the church through history help safeguard orthodoxy and guide interpretation.
Reason – Theology engages the mind. Believers are commanded to love God with “all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).
Experience – The lived reality of faith, prayer, and worship can shape theological understanding, though always tested against Scripture.
These sources show that theology is not divorced from life. It involves the whole person, the whole church, and the whole story of God’s revelation.
3. Branches of Theology
Because theology deals with the vastness of God and his works, it is often organized into branches for clarity.
Major Divisions
Biblical Theology – Traces themes across Scripture, showing the unfolding of God’s plan.
Systematic Theology – Organizes doctrines under key topics, such as God, Christ, Spirit, salvation, and church.
Historical Theology – Studies how the church has understood and confessed the faith across centuries.
Practical Theology – Applies theology to worship, ethics, mission, and daily Christian living.
Focused Areas
Old Testament Theology – Examines God’s revelation in Israel’s scriptures.
New Testament Theology – Examines God’s revelation in Christ and the apostles.
Doctrinal Theologies – For example, Christology (Christ), Pneumatology (Spirit), Soteriology (salvation), and Ecclesiology (church).
The variety of approaches demonstrates that theology is not narrow but comprehensive, encompassing belief, history, and practice.
4. Theology and Philosophy
Theology has often been compared with philosophy. While both use reason and ask questions about truth, theology begins with God’s revelation, whereas philosophy begins with human reasoning.
Philosophy asks: What is ultimate reality? What can human reason discover?
Theology asks: Who is God, and what has God revealed in his word?
Paul captures this difference: “Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe?… Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20). Human wisdom alone cannot discover God’s plan. True theology depends on divine revelation while still engaging the mind in rational reflection.
5. The Purpose of Theology
Theology is not only about information but transformation. Its goal is not to produce speculation but worship and obedience.
Practical Purposes
To know God – “Let the one who boasts, boast in this, that he understands and knows me” (Jeremiah 9:24).
To guard the faith – Sound theology protects the church from error. Paul urged Titus to “teach what accords with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).
To build up believers – Theology equips Christians to live faithfully. “Teach and admonish one another in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16).
To witness to the world – Theology shapes proclamation. Peter wrote, “Always be prepared to make a defense… for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).
Theology ultimately serves worship. Right thinking about God leads to right praise of God. As Paul exclaimed after a section of deep theological reflection: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!… To him be glory forever” (Romans 11:33, 36).
Conclusion: Theology as Faith Seeking Understanding
To ask “What is theology?” is to ask how humans can know and speak about God. Theology is both study and worship, discipline and delight. It is rooted in Scripture, supported by tradition, clarified by reason, and enriched by experience.
Theology explores God’s revelation in creation, Scripture, and Christ. It is organized into many disciplines but unified by one aim: to know and glorify the living God.
Every Christian is called to be a theologian, not in the academic sense but in the biblical sense—thinking and speaking faithfully about God. Theology is faith seeking understanding, knowledge flowing into worship, and truth guiding life.
Bible Verses on Theology
Psalm 111:2 — “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.”
Psalm 19:1 — “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
Jeremiah 9:24 — “Let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me.”
Matthew 22:37 — “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
John 17:3 — “This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
2 Timothy 3:16 — “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
Titus 2:1 — “Teach what accords with sound doctrine.”
Colossians 3:16 — “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”
1 Peter 3:15 — “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
Romans 11:33, 36 — “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!… To him be glory forever.”
