What is theology?

A system of religion; rational analysis or study of a religious faith. Theo- comes from the Greek word for God. -logy refers to the study of something. Theology is the science of God, says Srila Prabhupada, which means knowing God, His nature, and our relationship to Him.

The Science of Love of God:

Sambandha, Abhideya, Prayojana - Three spiritual divisions of Vedic knowledge.

Sambandha= the living entity's eternal relationship with Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Abhidheya= The living entity's understanding of this relationship and acting accordingly.

Prayojana=the ultimate goal of life: to develop love of God and return back to Godhead.

The three stages of spiritual advancement: First one has to establish his relationship with God as an eternal servant (sambandha), then he acts in that relationship (abhidheya) to achieve the goal of life, love for God (prayojana). The same applies to any relationship. A boy and girl, for example, may want a family. First they meet and establish a relationship. They marry. Then they act in that relationship, and then comes the children. Sambandha, abhidheya, prayojana. They are the culmination of the entire Vedanta philosophy, the essence of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the great riches of life.

“Dharma means to understand our relationship with God and to act in that relation so that we may attain the ultimate goal of life. That is dharma. Sambandha, abhidheya, prayojana. The whole Vedic civilization is based on this.” (Srila Prabhupada Lectures) “Caitanya Mahaprabhu concludes that we are after riches. He says that Krishna, devotional service, and love of Krishna, these three items are the topmost riches in life." (Srila Prabhupada Lectures)