Theology: meaning, definitions and examples

The study of the nature of the divine, religious beliefs, and the practice of religious faith, typically within the context of a specific religious tradition.

• She decided to major in theology at the university to deepen her understanding of Christian doctrines.
• The priest spent years studying theology before being ordained.

An academic field that explores the various religious traditions, beliefs, and practices from a critical, secular perspective. It often includes the comparative study of different religions.

• She is taking a course in religious studies to understand the world's major religions better.
• The professor of religious studies emphasized the importance of cultural context in interpreting religious texts.

A term often used interchangeably with theology, but can also refer more broadly to the state of being divine or godlike. It is also used in academic contexts, particularly in names of religious studies programs.

• He received his Master of Divinity from the seminary.
• Many ancient cultures have myths about the divinity of their leaders.

A philosophical or religious thought system that seeks to understand the mysteries of the universe and the divine through mystical insight or esoteric teachings, often associated with theosophical societies.

• Theosophy combines elements of Western mysticism with Eastern philosophies.
• He joined a theosophical society to explore their teachings about the spiritual nature of the universe.