The concept of Theology in Christianity
In Eastern Orthodoxy, Theology is characterized by a negative approach that emphasizes understanding God through distinction rather than comparison. This perspective underscores the belief that Almighty God is best represented by highlighting what He is not, rather than trying to define Him through relatable attributes. This approach aims to maintain the sanctity and mystery of God's nature, reinforcing the transcendence of the divine in theological discussions.
Synonyms: Religion, Divinity, Sacred studies, Religious studies, Spiritual doctrine, Doctrine, Spirituality, Belief system, Dogma, Religious doctrine, Sacred science
In Swedish: Teologi; In Malay: Teologi; In Dutch: Theologie; In German: Theologie; In Spanish: °Õ±ð´Ç±ô´Ç²µÃ²¹; In Finnish: Teologia; In French: °Õ³óé´Ç±ô´Ç²µ¾±±ð
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Theology'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The individual is compelled to engage in this field of study, being driven to labor within its domain, and the person's efforts are directed toward this subject matter.[1] (2) Theology is one of the four parts of the Mosaic Law, the department of theology, also called 'vision'.[2]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This is the field of study that benefits from the new texts of popular Late Greek, which have placed the linguistic investigation of the Greek Bible on new foundations.[3]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This is what it requires a very vigorous exercise of very rare gifts to throw ourselves back to their position, and to gain any vivid and approximately accurate notion of the theology of these ancient lovers of God.[4]
From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite
(1) This discipline prefers the negative approach because Almighty God is more appropriately presented by distinction rather than by comparison.[5]
From: The city of God
(1) The text refers to the theurgy, which is a more respectable practice compared to the books of magic, and it is also used in relation to the belief in miraculous works performed by the gods.[6]