breathilizer

Is the "log" in the words "biology," "geology," "theology," etc, derived from the same root as the "log" in the word "logic?"

I'm just curious because wouldn't that make "theology" a contradiction within itself, since logic, in many cases, opposes it?

Norseman

Yes, it is. Theology is most pertinently defined as:

The study of the nature of God and religious truth; rational inquiry into religious questions.

And most accurately defined as:

A system or school of opinions concerning God and religious questions.

Ergo, yes it is somewhat of a contradiction, however it can also be the opinions of the theologians. A good quote "Truth, in matters of religion, is simply the opinion that has survived."

When it is said that the rules of the universe no longer apply to god, god is no longer logical, he becomes fanciful instead.

Biff the unclean

Yes, they both come from the Greek word Logos meaning; a description of something, or a meaning

Gawdawful

I'm no language scholar, but I believe you are correct, the root of -logy and logic are the same, from Greek, logikos (of reason), with -logy (discerning reason or study of). However, theology may come from logia (A saying attributed to Jesus in the Gospels or in other ancient sources) giving theology the literal meaning "god talk". Then again this root could apply to the other as well, biology = life talk, geology = earth talk, and scientology = scientist talk... Oh, wait... something's not quite right there.

Or the alternative, everything I've stated could be absolute balderdash. I did state that I'm no language scholar. Hell, I'm not even a moderately good user of language.

Here's a grain of salt, take it.


Warren

Norseman

No, it's from logia. However the definition, and thus the contradiction remain.

breathilizer

In that case...

Yay, I finally started a thread with meaning. lol