The word "theology" comes from the Greek word "Theos," which means God, and "logos," which means discourse or study. A common thought is that theology is something only practiced by Biblical scholars with many years of experience and training. In reality, theology is simply the study of God and something that all Christians engage in regularly.

Reformed theology began during the Protestant Reformation. Men like Martin Luther, John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingly and John Knox believed the church of their time had become corrupted and strayed from the truths of the Bible. These men and others led a movement to reform the church which ultimately led to a split from the Roman Catholic Church. The doctrines which came out of this reformation have become known as "reformed theology."

In its confessions, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) expresses the faith of the Reformed tradition. Central to this tradition is the affirmation of the majesty, holiness, and providence of God who creates, sustains, rules, and redeems the world in the freedom of sovereign righteousness and love. Related to this central affirmation of God's sovereignty are other great themes of the Reformed tradition:

 The election of the people of God for service as well as for salvation;

 Covenant life marked by a disciplined concern for order in the church according to the Word of God;

 A faithful stewardship that shuns ostentation and seeks proper use of the gifts of God's creation;

 The recognition of the human tendency to idolatry and tyranny, which calls the people of God to work for the transformation of society by seeking justice and living in obedience to the Word of God. (Book of Order G-2.0500)