Experience With Theology
Julianne LoBianco
THEO104: Introduction to Theology Survey
05/22/2023
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Table of Contents
When you hear the word theology, what comes to your mind? 2
What experience have you had in your past with the study of theology? 2
Besides a passing grade, what do you hope to take away from this course? 3
Bibliography 5
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When you hear the word theology, what comes to your mind?
Hearing the term “Theology”, my understanding of it is that it is the thorough
investigation/analysis of God, religion, and everything related to it. Theology as a field of study
delves into the complexities if religious beliefs, practices, and traditions, examining their origins
and the impact it has on society through history. The goal of theology is to gain a deeper
understanding of the significance and relevance of religion in the world. Gaining a
comprehensive understanding of the many aspects of religion plays a very important role in
developing one’s worldview with religion in mind. It’s important to look into religious beliefs,
practices, and traditions in order to gain a better understanding of how they influence our lives
and our perspectives. Immersing oneself in the study of religion is necessary to gain a better
understanding of how these beliefs/traditions/practices affect us in our daily lives. Webster’s
dictionary defines theology as “the study of religious faith, practice, and experience especially:
the study of God and of God's relation to the world” In order to truly study religious faith/God
it’s necessary to analyze religious texts, such as the Bible, as well as examining religious
traditions and their historical/cultural affect. By studying theology, one is able to gain a deeper
understanding of the multifaceted nature of religion, allowing a more comprehensive
understanding of its role within society.
What experience have you had in your past with the study of theology?
Prior to this course, I haven’t truly studied theology. Growing up, religion and faith in a
higher power were not an important part of life within my household. In fact, my parents only
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ever attended church if they were invited by friends or family members, more for politeness than
genuine devotion. As a history major, however, I do recognize that theology is and always will be
a very large part of my field of study. Theology in its entirety is an unfamiliar yet fascinating
field of study to me, one that I am only beginning to explore and gain insights from. As I have
attended Liberty I have learned so much more about the Bible, God, and religion than I ever
expected to in the first place. Colossians 2:8-10 says, “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty
philosophies and high-sound nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual
powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a
human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over
every ruler and authority.” (NLT) This quote from the bible stuck out to me because Christ is
showing us that we need to study the meaning of religion and after all that is the basis of
theology.
Besides a passing grade, what do you hope to take away from this course?
As an individual who has recently become interested in Christianity, I’m eager to expand
my knowledge and gain a more profound understanding of the religion and its teachings through
this course. I’m aware that there is a vast amount of information to absorb, and through this
course, I hope to gain the tools to be a better historian. Joshua 1:8 says “Keep this Book of the
Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do
everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (NIV) The Bible aka the
“Book of the Law” even emphasizes the importance of studying scripture more thoroughly in
order to gain a more prosperous life. Through the pursuit of theological knowledge, I hope to
augment and deepen my Christian faith by gaining a better comprehension of the fundamental
concepts and teachings of our religion. Through the rigorous study of theology, I am confident
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that I will gain a broader understanding of the extensive cultural and historical influence of
Christianity and its related practices, traditions, and core beliefs. By the end of this course, I am
confident that I will have developed a strong understanding of theological concepts and
discourse and be capable of participating in sophisticated theological discussions with
confidence.
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Bibliography
Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, s.v. “theology,” accessed May 22, 2023,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theology.
“Colossians 2:8-10 NIV - - Bible Gateway.” n.d. Www.biblegateway.com. Accessed May 22,
2023. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%202%3A8-
10&version=NIV.
