What is Theology?

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me"

Theology is loosely defined in modern day science and/or religion. For example, the aforementioned quote simply relies on Christian theology; other religious beliefs may contradict biblical history. However, if an individual must identify the nature of theology, it is simply the study of religious doctrine, beliefs, and culture.

Overall, individuals with intent to indulge in theology are typically basing perspectives off religious text, historical background, etc. Furthermore, theologians must take an interest and adopt faith in a specific belief. For instance, those who study Christian theology are likely considered Christians themselves. Agnostics studying the Christian religion may/or may not be considered theologians in the normal aspect, but instead interpreting the philosophy of the religion. The same motives apply for an agnostic atheist researching the bible. He/she is viewing the associated evidence as philosophical religion, and a mere investigation or study of the respective text does not claim the individual as a believer.

Though Christianity and other beliefs may have originally claimed to worship associated Gods, the study of such nature did not evolve until 400 - 300 BC. The actual concept of theology was initiated by Greeks known as Plato and Aristotle. Whereas Gods were feared and worshipped, very few attempted to study and interpret the divine essence of the supreme beings. By describing the mythical significance and its relation to mankind, associated theologians eventually termed the preaching and teaching of the Gods. And thus, the respective individuals would accumulate facts and attain the divine truth.

Naturally, some say theology should be interpreted as science more so than religion. Some may define the objectives of theology as identifying factual evidence and thus sharing the acquired knowledge. Unfortunately though, factual evidence in religion is scarce and typically unproven. Faith is the underlying factor in religion. Science, on the other hand, is the systematic investigation of associated events which eventually attempt to obtain the facts to formulate laws and principles. Then again, Christian theology involves the study of the bible. The books residing among such historical text is obviously unproven as well. So, to conclude, theology is constantly being misinterpreted, and is obviously a combination of both science and religion. After all, how can the "study of the Gods" be observed and proven?