A theologian is an individual who studies religion, religious doctrines and concepts in divinity. They may also teach and/or write about religion and the concept of God. The term is derived from two Greek words: theos, meaning God, and logos, meaning reason. In other words, a theologian’s meaning is a person who reasons about religion and God.

The work of theology serves the church community through reflecting upon God and speaking about His goodness, truth and beauty.

Formal academic training in theological studies through a Christian studies degree, Master of Divinity (MDiv) or other program of study may deepen the skills, dispositions and habits aimed toward fostering a passion for God, His people and the good of the world. As you reflect on your academic and career pathway, you may wish to take a closer look at the question, What is a theologian? Definitions may vary, depending on the branch of theology, but the basic principles remain consistent. 

First and foremost, theologians possess a deep love of — and abiding commitment to — the triune God through a love of the Scriptures. This is known as being gospel-centered.

From the Psalms’ beautiful call to embrace and enjoy God’s perfect law, to Jesus’ clear reminder in the Gospels to build our life on His words and teaching, all of Scripture reminds us of the preeminent power of God’s Word. And because theologians love God and their neighbor deeply, the task of theology becomes the daily submission to the Bible for clarity, correction, wisdom and guidance for all of life (Mark 12:30-31).

What Theology Involves

What is a theologian’s life and daily routine like? It’s important to recognize that theology is much more than a discipline of the mind. Theology demands a life of goodness and virtue to complement disciplined study and deep thinking. Reflection, contemplation and moral excellence fill up a theologian’s life with the fruit of the Spirit, shaping a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness (Galatians 5:22-23).

Virtue cannot be cultivated in isolation, so good theologians live in community with others who bring out the best in them while offering counsel and accountability along the way. Theology that does not serve a community risks becoming nothing more than an academic exercise at best, rather than a life marked by deep thinking and virtuous living.

What Theologians Do

A theologian is devoted to studying religious texts, beliefs and concepts of the divine, as well as the nature of faith itself. They read and analyze religious texts, as well as documents pertaining to church history and trends or movements in Christianity. Based on their analysis, theologians work to articulate what the faith community believes.

Theologians may teach about God and Scripture, and/or write books and articles about the divine. Some pastors may also be theologians.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Theology is a rich and diverse field that explores questions about God, faith, Scripture and the Christian life. By examining the major areas of theological study, students can better understand how different disciplines contribute to a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of Christian belief and practice.

The different areas of theological study include:

Biblical Theology

Biblical theology specializes in the Bible’s canonical books, exploring how the message of the Bible is told progressively across these books. It examines the contexts for the biblical narrative and links biblical themes and principles across books. Biblical theology is also concerned with biblical interpretation.

Historical and Systematic Theology

Historical theology explores how the church has interpreted the Bible differently across different time periods. It also considers the interpretations of other theologians throughout history.

Systematic theology attempts to break down the message of the Bible into an essential framework and organize those findings in a systematic and orderly fashion. Systematic theology often focuses on foundational doctrines, striving toward a unified teaching of the faith.

Practical Theology

Practical or pragmatic theology explores how biblical principles can be applied to contemporary life. It involves practical applications to everyday situations and challenges. It also explores how religious beliefs apply to service to God, such as serving in ministry.

A Christian theologian serves God’s people, striving to provide insight and discernment to help others deepen their understanding of God and grow in their faith. Theologians take the time for disciplined study across a wide range of opinions and resources. They seek to fairly evaluate, accurately represent and carefully critique a position or theological concept.

Ultimately, embracing a calling to study theology echoes a desire to renew the world and serve God. At Grand Canyon University and Grand Canyon Theological Seminary, we equip students to live out their call to love God and others through the study of theology (Luke 10:27). We labor to help our students build their foundation on God and His Word, pursue virtue, serve others and live with humility so they can rightly answer the question, What is a theologian?

Interpreting Religious Beliefs and Texts

The work of a theologian may help clarify the teachings of the Bible for a lay audience or for fellow biblical scholars. Writing and teaching about the Word of God can help members of the faith community draw nearer to Him and invite Him into their daily lives. Their interpretations of God’s teachings and of biblical texts can empower the Christian faithful to deepen their own understanding of the Word of God and how biblical principles may apply to daily life.

Influencing Churches, Education and Society

The work of theologians can influence faith communities, and in doing so, society. Theologians are responsible for offering a compelling and faithful testimony of God’s love and message to the world and from within the community of the church.

At GCU, we emphasize preparing students who are church-focused and mission-oriented because a theologian serves the church and the world. In fact, God expressly commands that the gifts of the church be used for service, mutual edification in Christ and love (Ephesians 6). Theological studies ought to deepen a love for the church, while also making God’s teachings more accessible.

There are no universally applicable requirements for becoming a theologian, as theologians may be professional writers, professors or pastors. In general, however, aspiring theologians may study theology in college.

Career Paths and Responsibilities

Theologians may be professional writers who make a living by publishing articles and books about their work. Their job responsibilities may include researching biblical doctrines and concepts, interpreting the Word of God and writing about their beliefs.

Theologians may alternatively be postsecondary teachers. They are responsible not only for conducting their own theological research but also for developing curriculum and lesson plans, teaching classes, grading assignments and participating in administrative duties within their department.

Theologians who are pastors are responsible for studying the Word of God, as well as leading their congregation. They research and write sermons, lead the faith community in worship services and provide pastoral care to members of the congregation.

Education and Training

Education and training requirements can vary widely, depending on which specific career path you select. If you would like to be a theologian who is a professional writer, you may need at least a bachelor’s degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recommends that aspiring writers obtain a bachelor’s degree in English, communications or journalism,^{(See disclaimer 3)} although theologians typically have an academic background in theology.^{(See disclaimer 2)} 

To become a theologian who also serves as a postsecondary teacher, you can expect to need a doctoral degree in your field, according to the BLS.^{(See disclaimer 4)} At some institutions, a master’s degree may be sufficient. For example, you might earn a Master of Divinity. 

To become a theologian who serves as a pastor, you will generally need to fulfill the requirements for your denomination. These typically include earning a bachelor’s and/or graduate degree in theology or ministry. You can also expect to complete additional training requirements for ordination in your denomination, according to Indeed.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

GCU invites you to deepen your Christian faith and grow closer to God at our private, Christian university. You can study the Word of God by choosing from a wide range of theology bachelor’s degrees and certificate programs, such as the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Philosophy.