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Author Topic:   What is theology, and is it useful?
taylor_31
Member (Idle past 5923 days)
Posts: 86
From: Oklahoma!
Joined: 05-14-2007


Message 1 of 6 (407385)
06-26-2007 12:55 AM


What, exactly, is theology?
I have always thought that it was the study both of God and of God's relationship with man. (One might say that theology includes the secular study of God throughout history, but I think that would be religious studies, a totally different area.)
Is theology a social science? I don't think so, because its primary subject is God. (I thought social sciences study humanity using the scientific method. How can you study God using the scientific method?)
Is there a clear difference between theology and fiction (story-telling)? How can we tell? Can theology be "disproven" or "falsified"? I'm not sure I understand.
In addition, besides the obvious cultural aspects, of what use is theology to the world?
Sorry if I'm frustrating; maybe I'm misunderstanding something here.
Edited by taylor_31, : No reason given.

Replies to this message:
 Message 2 by AdminPD, posted 06-26-2007 9:14 AM taylor_31 has replied

AdminPD
Inactive Administrator


Message 2 of 6 (407431)
06-26-2007 9:14 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by taylor_31
06-26-2007 12:55 AM


Needs Work
I think you need to do a little research on what theology entails,
the study of religious faith, practice, and experience; especially : the study of God and of God's relation to the world
and look into the various fields of science, especially the soft sciences or Social Sciences. History is a social science.
You also might think about some of the sciences and studies that may not be 100% objective.
Psychology - the science of mind and behavior
epistemology - the study or a theory of the nature and grounds of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity
quote:
Of course, I don't know what the fuck I'm talking about. What do you think?
I think you need to watch your language and put some effort into basic understanding of what you are arguing.
If you want to rework your OP, let me know when it is ready and I'll review it again. Otherwise, I'm not inclined to promote this topic a written. Another admin is welcome to take up your cause if they disagree with my assessment.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by taylor_31, posted 06-26-2007 12:55 AM taylor_31 has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 3 by taylor_31, posted 06-28-2007 9:22 PM AdminPD has replied

taylor_31
Member (Idle past 5923 days)
Posts: 86
From: Oklahoma!
Joined: 05-14-2007


Message 3 of 6 (407857)
06-28-2007 9:22 PM
Reply to: Message 2 by AdminPD
06-26-2007 9:14 AM


Re: Needs Work
I looked at your link and was still slightly confused on the role of theology (though I did learn about some social sciences.) So I broadened my topic to include the definition of theology, and then asked about its uses.
Also, I toned down my message and included some humility.
Is it okay?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 2 by AdminPD, posted 06-26-2007 9:14 AM AdminPD has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 4 by AdminPD, posted 06-29-2007 6:44 AM taylor_31 has replied

AdminPD
Inactive Administrator


Message 4 of 6 (407900)
06-29-2007 6:44 AM
Reply to: Message 3 by taylor_31
06-28-2007 9:22 PM


Re: Needs Work
Thank you for removing the offensive language.
I provided a link for social sciences, not theology.
That's why I said you needed to do some research on what theology entails.
Do your homework on the easy stuff so posts aren't wasted telling you what you can find on the internet, which is what I did after reading your post.
You ask: besides the obvious cultural aspects, of what use is theology to the world?
What is it that you want to discuss?
Edited by AdminPD, : No reason given.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by taylor_31, posted 06-28-2007 9:22 PM taylor_31 has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 5 by taylor_31, posted 06-29-2007 11:53 AM AdminPD has replied

taylor_31
Member (Idle past 5923 days)
Posts: 86
From: Oklahoma!
Joined: 05-14-2007


Message 5 of 6 (407950)
06-29-2007 11:53 AM
Reply to: Message 4 by AdminPD
06-29-2007 6:44 AM


Re: Needs Work
I think that there are many contradictions in my OP, so perhaps this topic should be closed. Maybe I'll try again in the future when I understand the subject more and can articulate my arguments more clearly.
The largest flaw in my OP is that it is based on the assumption that God does not exist. (As an atheist, this assumption was easy to make.)
If God does not exist, then theology is a waste of time. But if He does exist, then theology certainly is useful, though I still have questions on the methodology of theology. (Perhaps it is similar to the methodology of philosophy.)
Thanks for your time and effort!

This message is a reply to:
 Message 4 by AdminPD, posted 06-29-2007 6:44 AM AdminPD has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 6 by AdminPD, posted 06-29-2007 12:02 PM taylor_31 has not replied

AdminPD
Inactive Administrator


Message 6 of 6 (407951)
06-29-2007 12:02 PM
Reply to: Message 5 by taylor_31
06-29-2007 11:53 AM


Re: Needs Work
I will close this proposal and look forward to what you finally present.
Just remember that although as an individual I may not have a use for something like philosophy, but somebody somewhere does.
(It's five o'clock somewhere, you know.)
Keep that in mind as you try to put your thoughts together.
Good Luck.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 5 by taylor_31, posted 06-29-2007 11:53 AM taylor_31 has not replied

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