Christian theology - Definition and Overview

Christian theology practises theology from a Christian viewpoint or studies Christianity theologically. Given the overwhelminmg influence exercised by Christianity, especially in pre-modern Europe, Christian theology permeates much of Western culture and often reflects that culture.

Sub-disciplines

Sub-disciplines of Christian theology include:

• bibliology - the study of the Bible and of its inspiration, etc.
• christology - the study Christ, of his nature(s), and of the relationship between the divine and human in Christ
• ecclesiology - the study of the Christian church as a sociological institution
• pneumatology - the study of the Holy Spirit
• eschatology - the study of the end times
• angelology - the study of created spirit beings, including angels, demons, and satan
• hamartiology - the study of sin
• soteriology - the study of salvation
• anthropology - the study of humanity, especially as it relates to the divine
• Theology proper - the study of God

History

The history of Christian theology interwines with Church history and covers important developments in philosophy and in the history of ideas. Specific issues such as heresy, Arianism, and the Protestant Reformation assume importance.

Methodology

There are several methods to the study of theology. They are, in no particular order:

• Biblical Theology - studying theology as it is presented in the Bible. This discipline focuses on progressive_theology.
• Systematic_Theology - studying theology by topic. This is different from Biblical Theology in that it does not focus on progressive_theology but on the finished product of that revelation.
• Historical Theology - studying theology as it has developed (and is developing) in history.
• Dogmatic Theology - studying theology as it developed in different church denominations.
• Pragmatic Theology - studying theology as it relates to church ministry.

See also

See also systematic theology, process theology.