Theology, the study of religion or spirituality, is taught at universities and seminaries throughout the world, many of which have evolved from cathedrals and monastic institutions. Even schools without formal religious affiliations continue to teach theology for its rich and engaging history.

The word theology translates into English from the Greek “theo” and “logos,” meaning, respectively, god and discourse. Plato introduced the word in his philosophical text The Republic. The Latin writer Varro later specified three types of discourse: the mythical, which focused on Greek gods; the rational, which analyzed gods and cosmology; and the civil, which referred to the rituals of public observance.

Over time, theology as a term has undergone refined definitions and forms of discourse, receiving input from philosophers such as Aristotle, Boethius, Augustine, and Tertullian, as well as the Christian Bible. Since the 17th century, the word theology has also referred to the comprehensive or detailed study of any religion.

Men of all ages from all walks of life congregate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to study the word of God at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary. Combining pastoral service, real-world parish experience, leadership experience, and spiritual and intellectual development, Saint Francis de Sales Seminary helps its priests in training to pursue their calling and shape their futures.

Over the past 150 years of history in forming the minds and souls of God’s shepherds, Saint Francis de Sales Seminary has advanced with the world, and today includes modern technologies in its varied curriculum to prepare its candidates for priesthood for working in the 21st century.

In training spiritual leaders through its formation model, Saint Francis de Sales Seminary teaches four main principles: gaining self-knowledge, growing in faith, deepening knowledge of Christian theology, and building essential life skills. Saint Francis de Sales Seminary also offers a Master of Divinity program, providing classes four days a week in topics such as Synoptic Gospels and Acts of the Apostles; American Catholic Church; Liturgy and Sacramentology; Sacraments of Initiations: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation; Medical, Moral, and Social Ethics; Fundamental Preaching; and Sacred Heart: Devotion and Doctrine.

Saint Francis de Sales Seminary students can also earn a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. To learn more about Saint Francis de Sales Seminary, visit www.sfs.edu.