What makes a person a theologian

It examines the human experience of faith, and how different people and cultures express it. Theologians examine the many different religions of the world and their impact on society. Today we are more aware than ever of the profound influence religion has on us, even if we do not follow it ourselves. Understanding this can help us understand the laws, wars, traditions and morals of our own society and that of others. The study of theology is part philosophy, part history, part anthropology, and also something entirely its own.

Theologians have the complex job of thinking about and debating the nature of God. Studying theology means taking on challenging questions about the meaning of religion. It also requires being able to compare the different religions in a knowledgeable, balanced way.

Likewise, you can be from a certain faith but study other beliefs. A theology degree may cover a variety of different religions, or may specifically look at just one or two, depending on the course requirements and the module choices of the student.

Any theology degree is likely to include modules on the history of one or more religions. Instruction on a religious text, such as the Bible, Torah or Quran, and how to interpret it, is a major part of most theology degrees. Definitions of theologian. Pierre Abelard French philosopher and theologian; lover of Heloise Roman Catholic Church Roman priest who became bishop of Milan; the first Church Father born and raised in the Christian faith; composer of hymns; imposed orthodoxy on the early Christian church and built up its secular power; a saint and Doctor of the Church ?

Roman Catholic Church Italian theologian and Doctor of the Church who is remembered for his attempt to reconcile faith and reason in a comprehensive theology; presented philosophical proofs of the existence of God Dutch Protestant theologian who founded Arminianism which opposed the absolute predestinarianism of John Calvin Italian theologian who censured the worldly possessions of monks and the temporal power of bishops and was condemned for dogmatic errors by the Second Lateran Council early 12th century.

Roman Catholic Church Greek patriarch of Alexandria who championed Christian orthodoxy against Arianism; a church father, saint, and Doctor of the Church Augustine emphasized man's need for grace What does it mean to be forgiven? To belong to God? To be children of grace? By singing these words, these women became for me at that moment, theologians, encouraging me to learn something new and think about God in new and fresh ways. I am teaching a class this semester at the same prison the women in the choir are from.

I wanted to do for these women what my theological education has done for me — affirm the voice within. God in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit speaks to me, in me and through me…and to these women as well. Third, the theologian as a Christian. Our lives must correspond with our theology. John Tweeddale is academic dean and professor of theology at Reformation Bible College. Read Other Articles Written by Dr.