Definition

Noun: 1. A particular, organized, and coherent set of religious beliefs, doctrines, and teachings. It refers to the structured framework used to understand, explain, and systematize concepts within a specific religious tradition or school of thought.

Usage

• A "theological system" provides the foundational principles and logical structure for a religion's beliefs.
• It is used to discuss, compare, or analyze the formal doctrines of different religions or denominations.

Examples

• The professor compared the theological system of Calvinism with that of Arminianism.
• Understanding the theological system of Buddhism requires study of its core scriptures and commentaries.
• Early church councils were instrumental in defining the theological system of Christianity.

Advanced Usage

• Systematic theology: This is a discipline that constructs a coherent theological system by organizing doctrines (like the nature of God, sin, salvation) into a logical order based on sacred texts and reason.
• The term can be applied to both major world religions and smaller sects or movements within them.

Variants and Related Words

• Theology (n): The broader study of the nature of the divine, religious belief, and religious experience. A "theological system" is a structured product of theological study.
• Doctrine (n): A specific belief or teaching that is part of a larger theological system.
• Dogma (n): A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true within a theological system.

Synonyms

• School of theology
• Body of doctrine
• Religious framework

Related Phrases

• To articulate a theological system: To clearly express and explain the framework of beliefs.
  • The scholar's life work was to articulate a coherent theological system from the ancient texts.
• Within the theological system of...: Used to specify the doctrinal context.
  • Within the theological system of Islam, charity (zakat) is a fundamental pillar.

Noun

1. a particular system or school of religious beliefs and teachings
   • Jewish theology
   • Roman Catholic theology