Theology 101 - What is Theology?

Because I am convinced that our lives reflect our theology, I want to help Xian women become more familiar--and MORE comfortable--with theological terms and definitions.

Today begins what I hope/plan to be a weekly (Monday) series which I'm titling "Theology 101". I will be drawing heavily from reliable and respected conservative theologians and resources, and will note that in each post. As one of my fellow-bloggers has aptly posted in her profile, "Everything I have written has likely been said a whole lot better by someone else. I definitely have no insight that is deeper than what God has already revealed. Therefore, if you find anything of value here than give God the glory!"

So, without further ado, let's begin!

Question: "What is the definition of theology?"

Answer: Theology comes from a Greek word which means "study of God." Theology is simply humanity's attempt to understand God as He is revealed in the Bible. No theology will ever fully explain God and His ways. God is infinitely and eternally higher than we are. Therefore any attempt to describe Him will fall short (Romans 11:33-36).

Theology is a science, an attempt to present what we can know and understand about God in an organized and understandable manner. Many people try to avoid theology because they believe it is divisive. Properly understood, though, theology is uniting. Theology is organizing the teachings of God's Word in an understandable way. Proper, Biblical theology is a good thing - it is the teachings of God's Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). (compiled from writings of Charles Ryrie and J.I. Packer)