15 Branches of Theology in the Creed!

Catholic Theology is about an organic body of truths that are arranged hierarchically and categorized by branches. Usually the suffix added to the end of the branch name is the five letters, ‘ology’ which means ‘the study of’. Theology is the study of the Theos (Greek for God). 

Interestingly, the root of the suffix 'ology' is the Greek word, ‘logos’ which roughly means logic, order, meaning, purpose or design. It is also the word for ‘Word’. Since Jesus is the Word of God it’s also a title given to him: Jesus is the Logos. There are many ‘ologies’ under the umbrella of Theology. If we use the Nicene Creed as a guide, we are able to identify several but not all branches of theology.

The Creed is one example of ‘Systematic Theology’ a branch of Catholic theology that seeks to organize and explain the core doctrines of the Catholic faith in a coherent and logical manner, drawing from Scripture, Tradition, and the teachings of the Church's Magisterium. 

Nicene Creed

I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,

(This part is focused on God the Father and it is covered in 'Theology Proper'. Catholic theology proper, within the broader field of systematic theology, is the study of God the Father's being, attributes, and works

maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.

(This part touches on ‘Angelology’ and ‘Hagiography’.  Angelology is the study of angels which is a part of the unseen creation. The study of angels includes a look at their nature, roles, and interactions with God, each other and humanity It can also encompass the study of fallen angels aka 'Demonology'. Those human souls who now occupy the state of being in heaven, the unseen Church Triumphant, are called saints. Catholic hagiography refers to the written accounts of the lives of Catholic saints, including their virtues, miracles, and for martyrs their deaths. Hagiography is not only a branch of theology but also a genre of literature. )

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.

(This part of the Creed is called, ‘Christology’ or’ the study of Jesus Christ’. Its primary focus is on answering the question that Jesus himself posed :”Who do you say that I am?’. The two biggest parts of Christology are the Incarnation when Jesus became flesh in the womb of his mother Mary and the Paschal Mystery when Jesus suffered, died, rose and ascended into heaven.) 

For us men

(The use of the word ‘men’ of course means ‘mankind’. This area of theology is called ‘Anthropology’ from the Greek ‘anthropos’ for man. Catholic Anthropology views humans as created in God's image, with an inherent dignity and a call to relationship with God and others. We are a body/soul composite and made as either male or female. Our primary purpose on earth is to give God proper worship and glory.) 

and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,

(The phrase, ‘for our salvation’ is directly related to Soteriology' which is the study of salvation and examines the belief that salvation is a free gift from God, offered through Jesus Christ, and received through faith and repentance. God’s grace redeems us and sanctifies us as we participate in the moral life and the life of the sacraments.)

and by the Holy Spirit 

(Here we have another branch of theology called ‘Pneumatology’ or the study of the Holy Spirit. ‘Pneuma’ is a Greek word with multiple meanings. Like the Hebrew word, Ruah, it could mean breath, wind, or spirit.  Pneumatology focuses on the Holy Spirit as the Third Person of the Trinity whose role is to give life to the Church and sanctify each member through the special grace, charisms or gifts that he gives and the guidance into the truth that he gives to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.)

was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,

(There is a branch of theology dedicated to Mary called ‘Mariology’. It centers around the four main dogmas related to Mary: The Immaculate Conception, Mary’s Motherhood of Jesus and the Church, her Perpetual Virginity and the Assumption into heaven. It also examines her role in the Bible and her post-biblical apparitions and miracles.)

and became man. (Christology, Anthropology)

For our sake 

(This phrase, 'For our sake', implies the sin problem that Jesus came to save us from. So not only is it 'Soteriology' but it is also dealing with a branch of theology dedicated to the topic of sin called ‘Hamartiology’. It focuses on the origin of sin, its nature, categories and consequences. ‘Etiology’ is similar to harmitology but its scope is bigger since it covers the theology of evil as a whole focusing on its origin, nature and relationship to God's creation and plan.) 

he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

(The Paschal Mystery is a main topic under both Christology and Soteriology.)

He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.

(‘Eschatology’ Is the study of the Last Things, specifically death, judgement, heaven and hell.  It also covers the second coming of Jesus, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgement and the New Heaven and New Earth at the end of time which is discussed in Revelation chapter 21.)

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.

(Pneumatology is the focus here but Theology proper would cover the topic of the Holy Trinity and how each Person of the Trinity relates to the others.)

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

(The four marks of the Church would be a main section of ‘Ecclesiology', the study of the Church. The Greek word ecclesia means church.)

I confess one Baptism 

('Sacramentology' examines the sacraments as outward, visible signs instituted by Christ to communicate God's grace.)

 for the forgiveness of sins

(Soteriology and Harmartiology)

and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

(Eschatology)