Theology is the science of God, of the philosophical knowledge of his essence, of the nature of religious truths. The modern concept of discipline has its origins in ancient Greek philosophy, but it received its main content and principles with the advent of Christianity. Thought out etymologically (from the Greek words “Theou” and “logos”), objectively it means teaching, subjectively - total knowledge exclusively in the context of “justification of God”.
If we talk about pagan mythology or heretical ideas containing, according to the Church, serious errors, then in this case it is considered as false. According to the most influential philosopher and politician of the early Middle Ages Aurelius Augustine, theology is "reasoning and discussion about God." It is firmly connected with Christian doctrines.
What is her purpose? The fact is that there are many scientists who position themselves as theologians, but some of them are only engaged in the accumulation of certain facts. Only a few work on research and are able to express their own opinions. Too often, it happens that many people just prove something to each other, forgetting that theology is, above all, a scientific discipline, and it must function accordingly, rely on research and understanding of new ideas.
Theologians use various forms of her analysis: philosophical, historical, spiritual, and others. This should help explain and compare, defend or promote any of the myriad religious themes discussed in different ways by different movements. For example, the well-known movement "theology of liberation" interprets the teachings of Jesus Christ in connection with the need to free poor people from difficult economic, political, social conditions. I must say that today in the academic circles of the discipline there is a debate about whether it is specific to Christianity or whether it can extend to other cult traditions. Although, as you know, scientific requests are characteristic, for example, for Buddhism. They are also devoted to the study of the understanding of the world, only, accordingly, in the context of this teaching. But since it lacks the concept of theism, they prefer to designate it as philosophy.
There are five types of scientific knowledge. Natural, biblical, dogmatic, practical and “own” theology. The first is limited to the fact of the existence of God. The most famous work of direct relevance to this belief is the “Summa of Theology” by Thomas Aquinas, in which he proves the existence of God with arguments known as the “five paths”. The second is limited to biblical revelation, its only source, regardless of any philosophical systems, is the Great Book. The third relates to those truths in which one absolutely believed. The fourth type is related to what are the functions of these beliefs, what role do they play in the life of real people. The fifth view is the understanding and knowledge of God by man.
One way or another, but the question arises: "Is theology really a science in the true sense of the word, given its significant dependence on the Church?" Is all the evidence to demonstrate the truth and infallibility of a dogma just a dialectic game? Today, this discipline throughout the world is experiencing a certain regression. In many countries, theological faculties still existing in state universities are regarded as useless ballast, demands are being made to transfer them to bishopric seminaries so that they can no longer “injure” people's intellectual freedom.
