theological circle
- noun
:
círculo teológico
- This attempt took place in German theological circles near the end of the 18th century, in response to the newly emerging educated middle class.
Examples
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This usage of Aquinas found expression even in those theological circles where neo-Thomism was less than popular.
Academic text (2005) -
By contrast, in academic theological circles, a renewed vision of the Trinity is now spreading.
Academic text (1994) -
One particular thing I found annoying was hearing all the "ontology" talk, an issue I've long had a problem with in theological circles from my grad school days.
Blog text (15) -
Many important decisions are debated in theological circles before being publicly announced.
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In recent years, discussions about climate change have become more prevalent in theological circles around the world.
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The conference attracted scholars from various theological circles eager to share their findings and insights.
How Formal
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'theological' (pertaining to theology) + 'circle' (an informal group), so its meaning 'a group engaged in theological discussion or study' is directly derivable from the constituents. This compositional pattern is common in English and many other languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the intended sense.
Etymology
The phrase theological circle comes from the image of people sitting in a circle to talk and study religion, and theological shows that the talk is about theology. So a theological circle means 'a close group of people who study or discuss religious ideas'.