Introduction to Theology

Theology is from the Greek word theologia, which is from the Greek theos meaning "God" plus logos meaning "words", "cause", "sayings," or "discourse" plus the suffix ia, which means "state of", "property of", "place of".

Theology simply means "the study of God". For Christians, theology means the study of what God has revealed about Himself and His creation (including us) in the Scriptures.

In this section I will attempt to define and categorize some of the different areas of Christian theology. As this website develops, I will use these definition terms to link to specific areas of theology with articles concerning, or links to articles concerning that area of study.

1. Biblical Theology
   The study of the Bible with emphasis on the historical context and historic progression of special revelation, or the progression of theology within Scripture. It assumes the inspiration and reliability of the Bible as the authoritative word of God.

   1. Special Revelation
      God's revelation of Himself and His will to particular persons at definite times and places.

   Historical Theology

   The study of the history and development of Christian theology from Bible times to modern times. The study includes both orthodox ideas and heretical ideas throughout church history.

   1. Orthodox
      The standard and accepted true doctrines of the church as shown in the Bible.

      Heretical

      Beliefs or ideas that contradict the standard accepted doctrines of the church as shown in the Bible.

   Systematic Theology

   Systematic theology is divided into different theological topics and attempts to summarize the Biblical doctrines concerning each of these topics. It consults the whole of Scripture and explores each category exhaustively to organize these doctrinal truths. It integrates other areas of theology such as Biblical, Historic, and Philosophical to this end.

   Some of the main areas of systematic theology are:

   1. Bibliology
      The study of the Bible

      Theology Proper

      The study of God

      Christology

      The study of Jesus

      Pneumatology

      The study of the Holy Spirit

      Anthropology

      The study of humanity

      Soteriology

      The study of salvation

      Ecclesiology

      The study of the Church

      Eschatology

      The study of end times