theology

theology — noun

1. the academic study that examines God, gods, or a divine power, together with the

1.名詞C1
釋義

the academic study that examines God, gods, or a divine power, together with the beliefs, writings, and practices of a religion.

例句

After finishing high school, Hari decided to study theology at a university in Cairo.

collocation: study theology

Adaeze enrolled in a theology course to learn about different religious traditions.

collocation: theology course

同義詞
  • divinity

    used more at British universities to name the academic field, especially at Oxford and Cambridge

  • religious studies

    a broader field that includes historical and cultural approaches, not requiring a faith perspective

用法筆記

Usually uncountable when referring to the academic discipline itself. Can be countable when specifying a particular approach, as in 'a feminist theology' or 'a liberation theology.'

常見錯誤

I am studying theology of religions.
I am studying theology and world religions.
💡'theology' already means the study of religion, so 'theology of religions' is redundant.

2. a particular system of religious ideas and teachings that shapes how a religious

2.名詞C1
釋義

a particular system of religious ideas and teachings that shapes how a religious group understands God, the world, and human life.

例句

The theology of the Lutheran church puts great importance on faith and grace.

theology of + [religious group] — possessive structure

Rabbi Tamar explained how Jewish theology differs from Christian theology in class.

同義詞
  • doctrine

    refers to a single teaching or a set of official principles, often narrower than a full theology

  • creed

    a short, fixed statement of core beliefs, not the whole system

  • dogma

    beliefs held as unquestionably true, often with a negative or rigid tone

文法句型

the theology of + [religious group]

[possessive] + theology

用法筆記

Almost always used with an article, a possessive, or a prepositional phrase. You would rarely say 'Theology says...' without specifying which theology.

常見錯誤

This theology believes in one God.
According to this theology, there is one God.
💡'theology' is a system of ideas, not a person; it cannot be the subject of 'believe.'