Theology is the study and discussion of God. Christian theology is the study and discussion of God from a Christian perspective. The Greek word theos means “god.” The suffix, –ology, comes from the Greek term logos which can mean “word” or “discourse,” and logos is also the term for the etymology of the English word logic. Therefore, theology can also be understood as the logic of God.
Within Christian theology, there are three significant schools of thought. They are 1) Catholic theology, 2) Orthodox theology, and 3) Protestant theology. Below is a short list of recommended readings on these schools of thought:
- The Faith Understood: An Introduction to Catholic Theology by Mark Zia
- A Basic Guide to Eastern Orthodox Theology by Eve Tibbs
- Concise Theology by J. I. Packer
For an introductory text from an ecumenical perspective, I recommend Theology: The Basics by Alister McGrath. This topical approach to studying theology takes into consideration the development of Christian theology with a short historical overview. The common framework of five chronological periods outlined in the text are 1) Apostolic Period, 2) Patristic Period, 3) Middle Ages, 4) Reformation and Post-Reformation Period, and 5) Modern Era.
~ Boethius ~
For additional steps in our journey, you may want to view the 11-part playlist that accompanies Theology: The Basics by Alister McGrath.