Divinity (academic discipline)

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For other uses of "Divinity", see Divinity (disambiguation).
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Divinity is the study of Christian and other theology and religious ministry at a school, divinity school, university, or seminary. The term is sometimes a synonym for theology as an academic, speculative pursuit, and sometimes is used for the study of applied theology and ministry to make a distinction between that and academic theology. It most often refers to Christian study which is linked with the professional degrees for ordained ministry or related work, though it is also used in an academic setting by other faith traditions.

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[edit] Areas and specializations

Divinity can be divided into several distinct but related disciplines. These vary, sometimes widely, from church to church and from one faith tradition to another, and even among various programs within a particular church. A typical program will include many of the following:

[edit] Philosophical side of theology

[edit] Practice of worship

[edit] Ministry in the field

[edit] Scriptural study and languages

[edit] Etcetera

[edit] Degrees

Studying Divinity usually leads to the awarding of an academic degree or a professional degree. Such degrees, particularly in modern times the Master of Divinity, are prerequisites for ordained ministry in most Christian denominations and many other faith communities. Students earn such degrees at a free-standing seminary, theologate or divinity school, or at a university.

[edit] List of degrees

The following is a list of most of the common degrees in Divinity: