patrology: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “patrology” mean?
The study of the writings of the early Church Fathers (Fathers of the Church) in Christianity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The study of the writings of the early Church Fathers (Fathers of the Church) in Christianity.
The academic discipline or branch of theology concerned with the lives, works, teachings, and historical context of the Church Fathers, primarily from the 1st to the 8th centuries AD. It can also refer to a collection or anthology of these writings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage or meaning. The term is uniformly academic.
Connotations
Highly specialized, scholarly, associated with divinity schools, seminaries, and advanced theological research.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; used almost exclusively in theological academic contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “patrology” in a Sentence
specialise in ~study ~lecture on ~authority on ~Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “patrology” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The patrology module is a core component of the theology degree.
American English
- Her patrology research focuses on the Cappadocian Fathers.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary context. Found in theological curricula, journal titles, and course descriptions.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The specific technical term for this sub-discipline of historical theology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “patrology”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “patrology”
- Misspelling as 'patriology' (which refers to the study of God the Father).
- Confusing it with 'patriarchy' or 'paterology'.
- Assuming it is a common word known to general audiences.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no substantive difference; they are synonyms. 'Patristics' is perhaps slightly more common in some academic circles.
Not directly. Patrology begins where the New Testament canon ends, focusing on the post-apostolic writers. However, patristic interpretation of the New Testament is a key part of the discipline.
Primarily, yes, as a theological discipline. However, historians of late antiquity, classicists, and philosophers may also study patristic writings for their historical, literary, and philosophical content.
Typically from the end of the New Testament writings (c. 100 AD) to the work of John of Damascus in the East (c. 750 AD) and Isidore of Seville in the West (c. 636 AD).
The study of the writings of the early Church Fathers (Fathers of the Church) in Christianity.
Patrology is usually technical / academic in register.
Patrology: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈtrɒlədʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˈtrɑːlədʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'PATROlogy' as the study of the 'PATRIarchs' of the early Church.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A TERRITORY TO BE MAPPED ('mapping the landscape of patristic thought').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary focus of patrology?