Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Although the two terms can intersect or overlap, I regard philosophy (from the Greek words for "love of wisdom") as a broader field of study or inquiry than theology, and one that centers on human learning gained through experience, reason, and discussion, and the implications of that learning for understanding how humans do behave or should (from a rational standpoint) behave. Philosophy may address abstract or spiritual issues (such as the purpose of life, or the nature of virtue), but it does so apart from any "special" revelation or esoteric knowledge.

Theology (from the Greek for "the study of God") specifically deals with man's relationship to a power that is outside himself, the nature of that power, and its role with respect to human affairs. The concept of this power may either be the result of human thought or invention (as with Greek mythology), or derive (or claim to be derived) from the power itself (or at least from sources outside human reason) through revelation or inspiration.

May 13 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report