How is theology “the queen of the sciences”?

Theology as “The Queen of the Sciences”

The designation of theology as "the queen of the sciences" originates from the Medieval period, particularly during the High Middle Ages, when the intellectual framework of the classical liberal arts dominated higher education. In this era, education was structured around the trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric) and the quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy). Theology was elevated above all other disciplines because of its direct engagement with divine revelation and its role as the foundation and unifying standard of all knowledge.

Theology as a Science

In the Medieval academic tradition, the term "science" encompassed more than the natural and physical sciences as we understand them today. A “science” referred to any legitimate and systematic field of study that sought to uncover and organize truth. Augustine of Hippo defined science as knowledge of the temporal world and, by extension, knowledge of the eternal truths of God. Thomas Aquinas further developed this idea, asserting that theology was a true science because it studied a specific object—God and His works—through both special revelation (the Bible) and general revelation (the created world).

Scripture affirms this dual approach to knowing God. General revelation is described in Psalm 19:1–3: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.” Special revelation is foundational to theology, as Paul reminds Timothy: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, NKJV).

In this context, theology qualifies as a science. It has a clearly defined object of study—God and His actions in history—and a method of investigation, namely the study of Scripture as the inspired Word of God and the observation of His works in creation. This aligns with the understanding of the German concept of Wissenschaft, which describes any discipline with a specific object of inquiry and appropriate methods for investigation.

Theology as Supreme

The term “queen” highlights the supreme role theology played within the hierarchy of the sciences in the Medieval university. Theology was viewed as the overarching standard that governed and informed all other fields of study. This primacy was rooted in the belief that all truth ultimately comes from God, and therefore, any pursuit of knowledge must be grounded in theological truth.

The Bible itself emphasizes the supremacy of divine revelation over human wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 declares, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Similarly, the Apostle Paul writes, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness’” (1 Corinthians 3:19, NKJV). By acknowledging God as the source of all truth, theology naturally becomes the framework through which all other disciplines—philosophy, science, ethics, and the arts—derive their meaning and coherence.

In this way, theology’s role as “queen” is not about domination over other sciences but rather its foundational position as the ultimate guide for understanding the world and our place in it. Theology provides the lens through which the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences are interpreted, ensuring that these fields remain grounded in biblical truth.

Theology and a Christian Worldview

For Baptists and other evangelical Christians, the Bible is the ultimate authority for faith and practice. This commitment to the sufficiency of Scripture naturally supports theology’s role as the unifying discipline of all knowledge. When theology is neglected or separated from other disciplines, the pursuit of knowledge becomes untethered from divine truth, leading to error and confusion. Paul warns Timothy of this danger: “O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith” (1 Timothy 6:20–21, NKJV).

A proper theological foundation helps believers “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV) and equips them to discern truth from error in every area of life. This includes both the study of Scripture and the exploration of the natural world. The psalmist writes, “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130, NKJV). Theology is not merely an academic exercise; it is the pursuit of knowing God more deeply and applying that knowledge to all areas of life.

The Bible as the Standard for All Knowledge

The reason theology was historically elevated as the “queen of the sciences” lies in the Bible’s role as the supreme authority over all human thought. Scripture provides the ultimate standard for evaluating every claim of truth. Jesus Himself prayed, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17, NKJV). The Word of God not only informs our understanding of spiritual matters but also guides our ethical decisions, social interactions, and intellectual pursuits.

When theology is treated as supreme, it ensures that every discipline remains subject to God’s revealed will. This is consistent with the Baptist emphasis on sola scriptura—Scripture alone as the ultimate authority for faith and life. By making the Bible central to all learning, theology fulfills its role as the “queen” that unites and directs all knowledge toward God’s glory.

Conclusion

Theology’s designation as “the queen of the sciences” reflects its foundational role in shaping a biblical worldview. As the study of God and His works, theology provides the lens through which all other fields of study are understood and harmonized. It reminds us that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10, NKJV) and that all truth ultimately points to the Creator. For Baptists, this high view of theology aligns with our commitment to the authority of Scripture and the centrality of Christ in all areas of life.

The pursuit of theology is, therefore, not only an academic endeavor but also a spiritual act of worship. As we grow in our knowledge of God, we are drawn closer to Him and better equipped to glorify Him in all that we do. Theology remains, as it always has been, the rightful “queen of the sciences.”