I mentioned in my last blog post “Why do you believe what you believe?” a big list of different studies towards the end. That might have thrown a lot of you off if you’re just now starting off on your theological journey (woah). I wanted to take a break from the typical blog post and just give you a list of different theological studies and a few terms.
Prolegomena (in reference to theology): initial vocabulary of theology
Theology: In general, the science of religion
Capaphatic Theology: positive theology, what God is
Apophatic Theology: negative theology, what God’s not
Religion: from Latin word “religaire” which means to yoke together, sum total of man’s attempt to know God and have a relationship with Him (not God’s attempt)
Apologetics: rational defense of Christianity
Exegetical Theology: critical study of the languages of Scripture. Explanation, meaning, and intent
Systematic Theology: Formed by taking the whole of Christian teaching and organizing it
Practical Theology: principles and laws in the Bible for Christian living
Historical Theology: study of history or development of theology within and outside the historical church
Natural Theology: theology revealed in nature
Biblical Theology: study of theology in the Bible
Bibliology: study of the Bible
Theology Proper: study of God
Hamartiology: study of sin
Christology: study of Christ (not just Jesus)
Pneumatology: study of the Holy Spirit
Angelology: study of angels
Satanology: study of satan
Demonology: study of demons
Anthropology: study of humanity
Soteriology: study of salvation
Israelology: study of Israel
Ecclesiology: study of the church
Eschatology: study of end times
Hermeneutics: science and art of interpretation
Inerrancy: Without error
I’ve found that the blog “Rebecca Writes” has a really good glossary of theological terms if you want more of an exhaustive list.
Here is the link
Hope this helps you guys!
Ding on!
-Ryan