What's The Difference?

The technical meaning of 'theology' is 'word [about] God'. Theology is the study of God and anything to do with ethics and morals. Christian theology has to do with a number of different fields, one of which is Bible Study.

But when we speak of Bible Studies, we generally mean the reading of the Bible and possibly delving into the linguistics and cultures associated with the different times in the Bible. Bible Studies can also include reading what others have written concerning whatever part of the Bible is under scrutiny.

 

The word "theology" is 2 words: "theo" (God) and "logy" (study).

Bible Studies differs from the theology because if you use the theology, you would have to study deeply such as the hermenutic like Biblical theology or systematic theology; if you use tbe Bible studies, you would have to study what the Bible said.

 

Typically, "theology" is the study of religion, particularly the Christian religion. That is why books about religion are called "theology books." There are certain volumes called "theologies." These are systematic theologies that try to summarize all that the Bible might say about the particular divisions that make up systematic theology. Examples are books like Strong's Systematic Theology, Berkhof, Chafer, Hodge, etc.

In theology, the study of God is usually called "Theology Proper" to distinguish it from the more broad field of theology.

If you are talking about going to school, I would study theology rather than Bible Study. It will probably be a little harder, but it will be well worth the effort.

 

Bible study is just one part of Theology.

Bible study would be considered Biblical Theology.

Other aspects of Theology include:

Systematic Theology which integrates Biblical Theology into a worldview.
Theology Proper (Doctrine of God)
Bibliology (Doctrine of the Bible)
Christology (Doctrine of Christ)
Pneumatology (Doctrine of the Holy Spirit)
Angelology
Anthropology and Hamartiology (Doctrines of man and sin)
Soteriology (Doctrine of salvation)
Ecclesiology (Doctrine of the Church)
and Eschatology (Doctrine of last things).

Besides this there is Dogmatic Theology, dealing with issues such as Calvinism, Arminianism, Covenent or Dispensational systems (among others); Historical Theology; and Contemporary Theology.

Any other 'ologies?

Rob

 

I'm guessing about $2000 a semester.

Seriously, if you know the Bible you will know all of the theology you need. You've been given some good advice about the nature of the two studies. There is a significant amount of overlap with Theology generally considered to be a more in-depth study of doctrines. A lot depends on the teacher, the textbook, and the overall goal of the school.