What is Theology? (summarised and edited)

This is the html version of the file http://www.stfran.qld.edu.au/get_file.php?ID=89.G o o g l e automatically generates html versions of documents as we crawl the web.
To link to or bookmark this page, use the following url: http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:UzmFqL-7PjoJ:www.stfran.qld.edu.au/get_file.php%3FID%3D89+what+is+theology&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=19&gl=in&client=firefox-a

(summarised and edited from Brisbane College of Theology site)

What is Theology?


In its most basic form, theology is talk about God. More specifically, theology is the ordered study of God and God's relationship to the world.
Theology challenges us to explore vital questions in life. Why are we here?
What do we live for? How can we talk about our experience of God? How do we understand Jesus? The word ‘theology’ comes from the Greek words theos, meaning ‘God’ and logos meaning ‘word.’ Theology is simply ‘God-talk.’ When we talk about God we are in some sense engaged in theology. Christian theology can be thought of as a conversation. We are seeking to reflect on how our own story is enmeshed within the story of God. The study of theology is also a discipline. It seeks to be thoughtful, informed, consistent but imaginative.
Listed below are a number of definitions of what ‘doing’ theology entails. As you read through them jot down a few points about what they suggest is the function of theology.

“Theology is faith seeking understanding”. (St Anselm)

“Theology may be defined as the study which, through participation in and reflection upon religious faith, seeks to express the content of this faith in the clearest and most coherent language available”.
John Macquarrie, Principles of Christian Theology, rev.ed. London: SCM Press, 1986; New York: Simon & Schuster, 1985, 1



The study of theology can take us deeper into life. It can inspire our faith and
challenge us to engage in enquiry with an open mind. Theology is a study of God
and God's relation to the world, but it does not end there.
Every Christian is a theologian when they explain their beliefs in what they
think, do, and say! Theology is a way of interpreting our search for meaning.
The study of theology involves Biblical
studies, systematic and moral theology, church history, ministry and mission.
Other disciplines such as philosophy, the human sciences and language, or
psychology, form part of the conversation that is the study of theology.
Everyone shares theology and each experience is as unique as the
individual.