Theology is the systematic study of the nature of the Divine and of religious belief. It is taught as an academic discipline in universities, religious schools and seminaries. It analyzes supernatural and mystical experiences, examines scriptures that claim to be sacred, but also deals with religious epistemology. It asks and seeks to answer the question of revelation. "Revelation" refers to the idea that God or deities are not only transcendent or above the natural world, but also willing and able to interact with the natural world and, in particular, reveal themselves to humankind.

Augustine defines theology as "reasoning or discussion concerning the Deity". Thomas Aquinas distinguishes between three aspects of theology: what is taught by God, what teaches of God, and what leads to God (the systematic study of the nature of divine, religious beliefs and doctrines, and the spiritual path that leads us to God.) Christian theologians use biblical exegesis, rational analysis and argument.

Theology can also transform into a secular field, "religious studies." This academic discipline studies religious beliefs, behaviors and institutions, without judging the truth content of religious assertions.

Theology also borders on the "Philosophy of Religion, which studies the nature of religion itself, and the various concepts of God. What is ultimate reality, and does it have religious significance for us? What are the general features of the cosmos (e.g., the laws of nature, the emergence of consciousness) and of historical events (e.g., the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake, the Holocaust), and what does it mean for us?

Philosophy of religion also includes the investigation and assessment of worldviews (such as secular naturalism) that are alternatives to religious worldviews.

Does the divine exist in some form, such as in physical, supernatural, mental, or social realities? What evidence can we find for it in personal spiritual experiences, historical records and events, etc.? Philosophy of religion increasingly interacts with other disciplines, like the psychology of religion, sociology and anthropology to articulate its insights. Theology then aims to structure and understand these insights, experiences and concepts, in order to derive normative prescriptions for how to live our lives. IN this regard, theology and ethics also have a close connection.

The study of theology helps theologians understand their own religious traditions, as well as other religious traditions. It provides concepts and theories that enable theologians to explore the nature of divinity without reference to any specific tradition. Theology thus helps to propagate, reform, or justify a religious tradition. It may also be used to compare, challenge (e.g. biblical criticism), or oppose a religious tradition or world-view. Theology also helps to address present situations or needs through the lens of religious traditions, and to explore possible ways of interpreting the world as a whole, and our experience of it.

In a broad sense, it addresses the questions for us:

• What is the meaning of life? What is it all about? Who are we?

• Why are we here? What are we here for?

• What is the origin of life?

• What is the nature of life? What is the nature of reality?

• Is there a deeper purpose of life? What is the purpose of an individual (my own) life?

• What is the ultimate meaning of life, and what what are the ultimate values in life?

There is a wide range of competing answers and arguments in regards to these questions, and theology searches for clarifiactions and answers.