The word "theology" comes from theos (the Greek word for God) and involves the study of God. Christian theology is a particular type of theology that studies what the Bible teaches about various aspects of God and spirituality, and what Christians believe. Christian theology traditionally includes:
Bibliology: The study of the Bible.
Theology Proper/Paterology: The study of God the Father.
Christology: The study of the Person and activities of Jesus Christ.
Pneumatology: The study of the Person and activities of the Holy Spirit.
Soteriology: The study of salvation according to biblical teachings.
Hamartiology: The study of sin and its impact on creation and humanity.
Christian Anthropology: The study of humanity, including creation, purpose, values, and meaning.
Angelology (including Demonology and Satanology): The study of angels, fallen and unfallen, as well as Satan.
Ecclesiology: The study of the church, both the Universal and Local Church.
Eschatology: The study of last things or the end times, especially focused on yet unfulfilled biblical prophecies.
In a general sense Christian theology can include any study that examines biblical perspectives of life issues. However, the term is usually used in academic settings in which Christian theology is considered a field of study or is used in contrast with the theologies of other religious movements (such as Muslim theology or Jewish theology).
The goal of every Christian is to continually grow in understanding of God in order to enjoy Him more fully, follow His teachings, and bring glory to His name. As 2 Timothy 2:15 teaches, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." Ephesians 4:12-13 adds that understanding God's teachings is intended "to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (NIV).
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