| Theology | n.; pl. Theologies [ L. theologia, Gr. &unr_;; &unr_; God + &unr_; discourse: cf. F. théologie. See Theism, and Logic. ] The science of God or of religion; the science which treats of the existence, character, and attributes of God, his laws and government, the doctrines we are to believe, and the duties we are to practice; divinity; (as more commonly understood) “the knowledge derivable from the Scriptures, the systematic exhibition of revealed truth, the science of Christian faith and life.” [ 1913 Webster ] Many speak of theology as a science of religion [ instead of “science of God” ] because they disbelieve that there is any knowledge of God to be attained. Prof. R. Flint (Enc. Brit.). [ 1913 Webster ] Theology is ordered knowledge; representing in the region of the intellect what religion represents in the heart and life of man. Gladstone. [ 1913 Webster ]
Ascetic theology,
Natural theology. See Ascetic, Natural. --
Moral theology, that phase of theology which is concerned with moral character and conduct. --
Revealed theology, theology which is to be learned only from revelation. --
Scholastic theology, theology as taught by the scholastics, or as prosecuted after their principles and methods. --
Speculative theology, theology as founded upon, or influenced by, speculation or metaphysical philosophy. --
Systematic theology, that branch of theology of which the aim is to reduce all revealed truth to a series of statements that together shall constitute an organized whole. E. G. Robinson (Johnson's Cyc.). [ 1913 Webster ]
|
