theology - a science about God, the philosophical knowledge of his nature, the nature of religious truth.The modern concept of discipline has roots in Greek philosophy, but its main content and principles it has received with the advent of Christianity.Considered etymologically (from the Greek words - "Theou" and "logos"), an objective it is teaching, subjective - cumulative knowledge solely in the context of "bogoopravdaniya."
Speaking of pagan mythology or heretical ideas, containing, according to the Church, a serious error, in this case, it is regarded as false.According to the influential philosopher and politician of the early Middle Ages, Aurelius Augustine, theology - a "arguments and discussions about God."It is closely linked with the Christian doctrines.
What is its purpose?The fact that there are so many scientists, positioning itself as a theologian, but some of them deal only with the accumulation of certain facts.Only a few are working on research and are able to express their own opinion.Too often it happens that many people only prove to each other that something, oblivious to the fact that theology - is, above all, discipline, and it must operate accordingly, based on the study and understanding of new ideas.
Theologians use various forms of its analysis: the philosophical, historical, spiritual, and others.This should help to explain and compare, to protect or promote any of myriad religious topics discussed differently by different movements.For example, the famous movement "liberation theology" interprets the teachings of Jesus Christ by the need to release the poor from severe economic, political and social conditions.I must say that today in academia and discipline are debates as to whether it is specific to Christianity, or can be extended to other religious traditions.Although, as we know, characterized by scientific questions, such as Buddhism.They also devoted to the study of understanding the world, but, respectively, in the context of this doctrine.But since there is no concept of theism, it is preferred designated as philosophy.
There are five kinds of scientific knowledge.Natural, biblical, dogmatic, practical and "own" theology.The first limited to the fact of God's existence.The most famous work, directly related to this conviction - "Summa Theologica" of St. Thomas Aquinas, in which he proves the existence of God argument, known as the "five ways".The second limited biblical revelation, its only source, regardless of any philosophical systems, is a great book.The third refers to the truths, in which absolutely believed.The fourth type is connected by what the function of these beliefs, the role they play in the lives of real people.The fifth type - is understanding and knowledge of God is a man.
way or another, but the question arises: "Is theology - a science in the true sense of the word, given its significant dependence on the Church?"Are not all the evidence must demonstrate the validity and infallibility dogma, merely dialectical game?Today this discipline all over the world is experiencing some setbacks.In many countries the theological faculties, still existing in state universities are regarded as useless ballast, we hear demands to transfer them to the Episcopal seminary that they could no longer "hurt" intellectual freedom of people.
