What are the different types of theology?

When some hear the word theology, they assume the conversation has just become complicated or they've entered a realm reserved for pastors and seminary professors. But theology simply refers to the study of God and His truth. Every Christian practices theology in one way or another, because whenever we ask, “Who is God?” or “What does the Bible say about life?” we are doing theology. Over the centuries, Christians have developed different ways of studying theology that help us see the richness of God’s Word. Six of the most important types are biblical theology, systematic theology, dogmatic theology, historical theology, contemporary theology, and practical theology. Each branch of theology has its own focus, but together they help us understand God more clearly and live out our faith more faithfully.

Biblical theology is centered directly on the Bible itself. Instead of pulling verses from all over Scripture to answer a question, biblical theology usually looks at one book, author, or section of Scripture and asks how it presents God’s truth. For example, one might study the theology of the Psalms or the theology of Paul’s letters. The goal is to see how God revealed Himself gradually throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. Hebrews 1:1–2 shows us that God has spoken at different times in different ways and finally through His Son, Jesus Christ. Biblical theology helps us trace this progressive revelation and see how the Old Testament points forward to Christ and the New Testament reveals Him as the fulfillment of God’s plan.

Systematic theology is a little different. Instead of focusing on a single book of the Bible, systematic theology looks at the Bible as a whole and organizes its teachings by topic. For instance, systematic theology might gather everything Scripture says about angels (angelology), sin (hamartiology), salvation (soteriology), or the end times (eschatology). This makes it easier to understand what the Bible as a whole teaches on certain subjects. Paul’s reminder in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching” (ESV) is the foundation for systematic theology. Since all of the Bible comes from God, we can confidently bring it together to form a clear picture of His truth.

Dogmatic theology has similarities to systematic theology, but it is tied specifically to what a church or denomination officially teaches. For example, Roman Catholics look to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Reformed Christians often reference the Westminster Confession, and Baptists might refer to the Baptist Faith and Message. These documents summarize doctrine in a structured and authoritative way for specific groups of believers. While biblical and systematic theology are broader, dogmatic theology gives clarity for local churches or church traditions. Paul urged Timothy to guard the “good deposit” of doctrine entrusted to him (2 Timothy 1:14), and dogmatic theology is one way churches preserve sound teaching from generation to generation.

Historical theology considers how Christians in the past have understood the Bible and developed doctrine. It looks at early church councils, the writings of church fathers, and the work of Reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin. This type of theology helps us appreciate the struggles believers faced in the past to defend biblical truth, such as the defense of Christ’s divinity at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. Jude 1:3 calls believers to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” Historical theology shows how this faith has been passed down and preserved through history despite challenges and heresies.

Contemporary theology deals with more recent theological trends, especially those that emerged in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This includes evangelicalism, Pentecostalism, postmodern theology, liberation theology, and feminist theology. Studying contemporary theology helps us understand the modern cultural and intellectual environment so that we can give answers rooted in God’s unchanging Word. The use of contemporary theology is similar to what Paul did in Acts 17 when he engaged the philosophers in Athens by connecting their ideas to the truth of the gospel.

Practical theology closes the circle by applying truth to everyday life. It concerns itself with preaching, worship, counseling, missions, leadership, and Christian ethics. Practical theology emphasizes that knowing about God must lead to living for Him. James 1:22 reminds us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (ESV). Without practical theology, all the knowledge we gain could remain in our heads without ever changing how we live. Practical theology ensures that belief leads to action in love, service, and obedience to Christ.

All six of these types of theology are valuable. Biblical theology grounds us in God’s Word as it unfolds. Systematic theology organizes truth by topic. Dogmatic theology provides clarity through church confessions. Historical theology connects us with the faith of Christians in the past. Contemporary theology helps us engage with today’s world. Practical theology applies truth to daily life. Together, they give us a well-rounded understanding of the faith. Ultimately, the goal of all theology is not simply knowledge but a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As Jesus prayed in John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” Theology, in every form, is meant to lead us closer to God’s truth and thereby to transform our thinking and conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29; 12:1-2).