I want views on this.
In my opinion, theology is neither a field of knowledge nor does it teach any skill.
When I say field of knowledge, I mean, science, mathematics, history, social science, etc.
2007-08-21 05:36:51 · 14 answers · asked by Menon R 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Like I said. I just want views and opinions.
Cheers!
2007-08-21 05:37:59 · update #1
Although I'm an atheist now, I was a religion major, and took about 5 theology classes there.
It is an academic subject more akin to literature, philosophy, or art appreciation. In studying theology, you trace the history of thought about God and religion, about morality and ethics, through the ages. This has a way of putting the current thought in context.
As to whether this is any longer useful, the same could be said about the study of any mythology. It allows us to see how people think about their lives and the meaning they find in existence.
^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^
2007-08-21 05:42:34 · answer #1 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am an Athiest and my answer is that is CAN be an academic subject as long as the opposite views are also presented. Religion has been part of human history for soooooooooooooooo long that I think people should be educated about different beliefs/practices just as a general knowledge requirement. We must know what people believed in the middle ages and what thought revolution began during the englightenment. By knowing this, we can understand society and art back then. Religious thought always influences the arts and its good to know. However if theology is taught, Athiesm/Agonostism shoudl also be taught along side it because that is also a counter theological position.
2007-08-21 05:49:57 · answer #2 · answered by apple_kaur 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a word: Yes. There is a massive amount of literature and important history behind theology. Just because you find no use for something that has been the most important factor in the history of human civilization doesn't mean it's not a valid subject. More than anything religion has affected our ways of life, from the roots of civilization in the Fertile Crescent, to the present day. Without Theology, you may as well throw out History, most of Sociology, Political Science, and any other discipline that describes human interaction
2007-08-21 05:42:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Bible warns its readers that it can be difficult to understand what Paul is writing about [2 Peter 3:16] : '... he
writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.'
And adds that they are also misrepresented by others.
So we need sound advice which means a thorough academic study of Scripture and its interpretation - theology.
2007-08-21 05:47:41 · answer #4 · answered by cheir 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
theology is understanding religions and the roles they play within a personal and social level. There is quite a bit of knowledge in this area. For example for me to get my Master's in Divinity which is just a tiny segment of theology it will take me anywhere from 7 to 10 years!!!! There is a vast amount of knowledge required to acquire the degree because of the intricacies of religion.
2007-08-21 05:41:30 · answer #5 · answered by daemon747 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obcourse it is worthy of study by academia! And as you state it does not fit so well into any other discipline... so yes it is an academic subject in it's own right.
You don't have to like or respect it.
I'm guessing but I assume you don't include philosophy for the same reasons?
There is a great amount of knowledge needed for this subject though it's not a skill itself, just like history, which you do believe should count despite this. [Or archery which is a skill but you don't list - and which isn't an academic discipline]
2007-08-21 07:14:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is a very serious study that takes in many fields including history, science the arts and most especially philosophy.
It was invented by Plato or Aristotle if I remember correctly.
2007-08-21 05:44:32 · answer #7 · answered by Makemeaspark 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree. I do not think theology should be offered as degrees in universities or colleges. Religious studies could be useful, but more in the Humanities area...
If Bible schools want to offer "theology" degrees, go ahead. But it shouldn't be in public post-secondary institutions...
2007-08-21 05:40:40 · answer #8 · answered by Sapere Aude 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, theology is not an academic subject. Religious studies is, but not theology.
2007-08-21 05:39:40 · answer #9 · answered by wondermus 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Another question might be is philosophy? Theology looks at the philosophy of religious beliefs....sociology is another area that meets this criteria
2007-08-21 05:43:27 · answer #10 · answered by chico2149 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋