Christian theology
Christian theology studies and interprets Christian beliefs, teachings, practices, and implications through the Bible and Christian tradition.
Bible: The collection of sacred texts central to Christianity, comprising the Old and New Testaments. Christian theology interprets these texts as foundational witnesses to God and Christian belief.
Biblical exegesis: The critical interpretation of biblical texts in their literary, historical, and theological contexts. It supplies methods for examining the Bible's language, setting, and meaning.
Apostolic Fathers: Early Christian writers traditionally understood to have known or followed the apostles. Their letters show how Christian teaching was articulated after the New Testament period.
Catholic theology: Theological reflection within the Catholic Church, shaped by scripture, tradition, and the church's teaching authority. It shows how one major Christian tradition orders sources and doctrinal authority.
Christian ethics: The study of moral questions through Christian teachings, scripture, and traditions. It applies theological beliefs to questions of right action and human life.
Christian tradition: The beliefs, practices, and teachings transmitted through Christian communities across generations. Its creeds, liturgies, and interpretations shape how biblical claims are understood.
Hermeneutics: The theory and practice of interpreting texts, including their meaning and application. It explains how theologians relate ancient texts to later questions and communities.
Council of Nicaea: The ecumenical council held in 325 that affirmed the Son's consubstantiality with the Father. Its creed became a landmark in the development of Trinitarian doctrine.
Orthodox theology: Theological reflection in Eastern Orthodox churches, grounded in scripture, liturgy, and the patristic tradition. Its emphases offer a distinct account of continuity, worship, and theological knowledge.
Christian liturgy: The established forms and practices of Christian public worship. Worship embodies theological claims through prayer, ritual, and communal practice.