Is theology a science or not?

Theology is the science of God, the philosophical knowledge of its essence, the nature of religious truths. The modern concept of discipline has origins in ancient Greek philosophy, but its basic content and principles it received with the advent of Christianity. Considered etymologically (from the Greek words - "Theou" and "logos"), objectively it means teaching, subjectively - cumulative knowledge exclusively in the context of "God-righteousness".

If we talk about pagan mythology or heretical ideas containing, in the opinion of the Church, serious mistakes, then in this case it is regarded as false. According to the influential philosopher and politician of the early Middle Ages, Aurelius Augustine, theology is "reasoning and discussion about God." It is firmly connected with Christian doctrines.

What is its purpose? The fact is that there are a lot of scientists who position themselves as theologians, but some of them are only concerned with the accumulation of certain facts. Only a few are working on research and are able to express their own opinion. It often happens that many people only prove something to each other, forgetting that theology is, above all, a scientific discipline, and it must function accordingly, rely on research and understanding of new ideas.

Theologians use various forms of its analysis: philosophical, historical, spiritual, and others. This should help to explain and compare, protect or promote any of the myriad religious topics discussed unequally by different movements. For example, the famous liberation theology movement interprets the teachings of Jesus Christ in connection with the need to liberate poor people from difficult economic, political, social conditions. It must be said that today in the academic circles of the discipline there are debates as to whether it is specific to Christianity or can extend to other religious traditions. Although, as is known, scientific inquiries are characteristic, for example, for Buddhism. They are also devoted to exploring the understanding of the world, only, respectively, in the context of this teaching. But since it lacks the concept of theism, it is preferred to be designated as a philosophy.

There are five types of scientific knowledge. Natural, biblical, dogmatic, practical and "own" theology. The first is limited to the existence of God. The most famous work directly related to this belief is The Sum of Theology by Thomas Aquinas, in which he proves the existence of God by arguments known as the "five ways". The second is limited to the biblical revelation, its only source, regardless of any philosophical systems, is the Great Book. The third refers to those truths in which absolutely believed. The fourth kind is related to what the functions of these beliefs are, what role they play in the life of real people. The fifth kind is the understanding and knowledge of God by man.

One way or another, the question arises: "Is theology really a science in the true sense of the word, given its essential dependence on the Church?" Are not all the evidence required to demonstrate the truth and infallibility of dogma, just a dialectical game? Today, this discipline around the world is experiencing some regress. In many countries, theological faculties still existing in public universities are seen as useless ballast, there are calls for them to be transferred to episcopal seminaries so that they can no longer "traumatize" the intellectual freedom of people.