Theology, << thee OL uh jee, >> is the study and description of God. It may also be the expression of religious belief. The word theology comes from two Greek words meaning god and discussion. Theology explores a wide range of questions, such as: “Does God exist? What is the nature of God? What is God’s relation to the world and to its inhabitants? and How do human beings know or experience God?” Some branches of theology deal with the history of religion or the study of sacred writings. Other branches deal with the defense of religious doctrines against opposing views or the application of doctrine to daily life.
Approaches to theology vary from one religion to another. They also vary within a religious tradition. For example, some Christian theologians base their understanding of God on such authoritative sources as the Bible and the decrees of church councils. Others explain their understanding of God in terms of philosophy, psychology, or science. In most cases, a theologian’s own religious experience plays an important part in his or her theological system.
