the01ogy, theologie

[Fr. théologie, from Latin theolog i a; Gr. theolog i a =a speaking about God; theologos =speaking about God: theos =God, and logos =a word; lego to speak.] 1. Cla ic : A term applied by the cla ic authors to treatises on the nature and worship of the gods, such as the Works and Days of Hesiod, and the de Natura Deorum of Cicero. Augustine ( De Civitate ) quotes Eusebius and Varro as dividing theology into three kinds: the fabulous, that of the poets; the natural, that of the philosophers; and the political, that of the priests and the common people. The first and second kinds could be changed according to the will of the investigators; but the last could not be altered without national consent. 2. Christian: The science which treats of divine things, especially of the relations of man to God. Doctrinal formulas are recognized in Scripture, which uses such expre ions as "the mysteries of God" (1 Cor. iv. 1), "the form of sound words" (2 Tim. i. 13), "sound doctrine" (Titus i. 9); but the term theology does not occur, though the elements of which it is compounded are found in close connection, Gr. ta , logia , tou , Theou the oracles of God (Rom. iii. 2; cf. also 1 Peter iv. 11). Theology is primarily divided into Natural and Supernatural, or Revealed; the former deduced by reason from a survey of the universe, the latter founded on revelation. Natural religion is recognized in Scripture (Ps. xix. 1-6, Rom. i. 19, 20), and is held to establish the being, power, wisdom, and goodne of God, the obligation of His moral law and the folly and danger of transgre ing it, and the immortality of the soul. Revealed religion is considered to superadd to these doctrines those of the Trinity, the creation and fall of man, the penalty of sin, the mi ion, work, and atoning death of Christ, His resurrection, ascension, and second advent, with many other doctrines. Before a theology embracing the teaching of the Bible on these subjects can be constructed, the following sciences are required: Biblical Criticism, to ascertain the exact text of certain works claiming to be inspired, and, if po ible, their time, place, and human authorship; Apologetics, to establish and defend their claim to inspiration; Hermeneutics, to investigate the principles of interpretation; Exegesis, to carry those principles into practice by actual interpretation. Dogmatic Theology follows; its province being to bring together and cla ify the doctrines scattered through the Bible; Polemic Theology defends these against adversaries; Practical Theology reduces them to practice, and Pastoral Theology investigates the most approved methods of presenting them to the people. Throughout Scripture there is a well-marked development or evolution of doctrine from the earliest period to the close of New Testament times. The New Testament Theology constitutes the chief basis of the theologies of all churches. It was followed by that of the Apostolic Fathers, and then by that of the Fathers in general. It varied according to the idiosyncrasy of the sev eral writers. Most doctrines were stated at first in general terms, they were then expounded and discu ed by theologians, and when nece ity arose, aecisions of council gave them a clear and precise form. In medieval times great efforts were made to state theological doctrines in language derived from the metaphysics of the age, and show their harmony; the result was the Scholastic Theology (q. v.). The application of the Commandments of the moral law to individual conduct gave rise to Moral Theology (q. v.). The Protestant Theology, which commenced with Luther and Zwingle, was profe edly founded on Scripture, interpreted by private judgment, the right of exercising which was boldly a erted; that of the Roman Catholics was founded on the consensus of the Fathers, the decisions of councils, and of the Holy See, and not on the results of individual investigation. Fearle and resolute exercise of private judgment in Germany, Holland, the Protestant cantons of Switzerland, ., has resulted in rationalism, which has also arisen in most continental countries in union with Rome, by a reaction against authority. In the Methodist, Baptist, Reformed Episcopal, Presbyterian and English di enting churches evangelical theology is generally accepted, though here and there more or le latent e more or le latent rationalism prevails. In the Anglican church there is a contest going on between the Calvin is tic and Roman theology with the large influence of tractarian ism in favor of the latter. pine, pit, sire, sir, marine; gō, pot, IMG:content-0990.png:[graphic] theomachist the-om-a-chist, s. [Pref. theo-, and Gr. mache =a fight.] One who fights against the gods. the-om-a-chỹ, s. [THEOMACHIST.] 1. A fighting against the gods, as the battle of the giants with the gods in ancient mythology. 2. A strife or battle among the gods. 3. Opposition to the divine will.