Theology

Definition and Meaning

Theology is the discipline that systematically studies God, and what God has done in relation to humanity and the world, in light of Scripture and the tradition of the church. The word derives from the Greek theologia ("discourse about God"). The medieval theologian Anselm is widely known for describing theology as "faith seeking understanding." As this phrase suggests, Christian theology presupposes faith and seeks to explain and organize its content rationally. In this respect it is distinguished from religious studies, which observes religion from the outside.

Branches

Today theology is usually divided into four branches. This division is generally understood to have become established in the theological faculties of modern European universities.

• Biblical theology: Interprets the texts of the Old and New Testaments in their original languages and historical contexts.
• Systematic theology: Organizes doctrine by topic, such as God, Christ, salvation, and the church. It is also called dogmatics.
• Historical theology: Examines church history and the development of doctrine.
• Practical theology: Studies the ministries carried out in the life of the church, such as preaching, worship, pastoral care, and education.

In addition, Christian ethics and missiology are sometimes treated as independent branches.

Biblical and Historical Background

The word "theology" does not appear in the Bible. The church nevertheless holds that the work of explaining and defending the content of the faith was already taking place within Scripture itself (1 Peter 3:15). The early church formulated the doctrines of the Trinity and Christology in the course of controversies with heresies, and Church Fathers (leading theologians of the early church) such as Augustine laid the foundations. In the Middle Ages, theology was joined with scholasticism and became a university discipline. After the Reformation, Protestantism made Scripture the final standard of theology. In the modern era, various movements emerged, including liberal theology, neo-orthodoxy, and evangelicalism.

Practice in the Korean Church

Theological education in Korea began in the early twentieth century at seminaries founded by missionaries. Today, becoming a pastor typically involves completing a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program at a graduate school of theology, passing the denomination's ordination examination, and then receiving ordination. The specific process, and whether a licensed preacher stage exists, varies by denomination.

Theological traditions also differ among denominations.

• Presbyterian: Generally follows the Reformed tradition and trains ministers at institutions such as Chongshin University, Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary, and Kosin University. Even within Presbyterianism, Hanshin University of the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea is known for its progressive theological tradition.
• Methodist and Holiness: Grounded in Wesleyan theology, with representative institutions including Methodist Theological University and Seoul Theological University.
• Baptist: Trains ministers at Korea Baptist Theological University and Seminary.
• Full Gospel: Stands in the Pentecostal tradition and is affiliated with Hansei University.

Meanwhile, a considerable number of unaccredited seminaries operate without denominational recognition or government accreditation, and as a result the qualifications of ministers and the quality of theological education have at times become matters of controversy.