Definition: Hagiology is the study or writing of the lives of saints. It encompasses the biographies, works, and legends of saints and is a significant aspect of religious literature, especially in Christian traditions. Hagiology often involves the exploration of the moral and spiritual lessons that can be learned from the lives and experiences of these venerated figures.
Etymology and Origin: The term ‘hagiology’ comes from the Greek words ‘hagios’, meaning ‘holy’ or ‘saint’, and ‘logia’, meaning ‘study’ or ‘collection’. It emerged as a specific field within religious studies, focusing on the lives and legends of saints, and has been a part of Christian scholarship for many centuries.
