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Theologian: meaning, definitions and examples

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theologian

 

[θiˈɒlədʒ(ə)n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

religious studies

A theologian is a person who studies religion and religious beliefs, often with a focus on a specific faith or tradition. Theologians explore the nature of God, religious texts, rituals, and the role of religion in society.

Synonyms

divinity scholar, religious scholar, theology expert.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
theologian

This word appears twice in your list and should only be used when repeating the nuanced context already provided.
divinity scholar

Used for someone who specifically studies divinity, often in a Christian context, and is frequently associated with seminaries or theological seminaries.

  • As a divinity scholar, she dedicated her life to understanding the nature of God and spiritual truths
religious scholar

Used broadly for anyone who studies various aspects of religion, potentially spanning multiple faiths or focusing on comparative religion.

  • The religious scholar published a comparative analysis of Buddhist and Christian beliefs
theology expert

Used for a person regarded as an authoritative figure in the field of theology, often called upon for their specialized knowledge or opinions on theological matters.

  • The symposium invited a renowned theology expert to discuss contemporary ethical issues

Examples of usage

  • The theologian spent years studying the Bible to deepen their understanding of Christianity.
  • As a theologian, she specialized in Islamic theology and philosophy.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'theologia', meaning 'the study of God'.
  • In the 12th century, the term began to be used widely in Europe, especially with the rise of universities.
  • The suffix '-ian' signifies someone who practices or specializes in a field, making a theologian a specialist in theology.

Historical Significance

  • During the Middle Ages, theologians played a key role in shaping church doctrine and influencing politics.
  • Some theologians, like Thomas Aquinas, are celebrated for integrating philosophy with religious thought, impacting Western education.
  • The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century was driven by the ideas of theologians questioning established church practices.

Cultural Impact

  • Theologians have contributed significantly to the understanding of moral and ethical frameworks in various cultures.
  • In literature, many works feature theologians or their ideas as characters or themes, reflecting the ongoing dialogue about faith.
  • Modern cinema often explores theological questions, prompting discussions about existence, morality, and the divine.

Modern Context

  • In today's world, theologians tackle contemporary issues such as social justice, environmental ethics, and interfaith dialogue.
  • Many theologians are also involved in public speaking and writing, aiming to bring theological insights to a wider audience.
  • Theologians often collaborate with scientists and philosophers to discuss the relationship between faith and reason in modern society.

Education and Academia

  • Theologians are typically educated in theology schools, seminaries, or religious studies programs.
  • Many theologians contribute to academic journals and participate in conferences to share their research and ideas.
  • The study of theology includes various branches, such as systematic theology, historical theology, and practical theology.

Translations

Translations of the word "theologian" in other languages:

🇵🇹 teólogo

🇮🇳 धर्मशास्त्री

🇩🇪 Theologe

🇮🇩 teolog

🇺🇦 теолог

🇵🇱 teolog

🇯🇵 神学者

🇫🇷 théologien

🇪🇸 teólogo

🇹🇷 teolog

🇰🇷 신학자

🇸🇦 لاهوتي

🇨🇿 teolog

🇸🇰 teológ

🇨🇳 神学家

🇸🇮 teolog

🇮🇸 guðfræðingur

🇰🇿 теолог

🇬🇪 თეოლოგი

🇦🇿 ilahişünas

🇲🇽 teólogo

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,433, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.