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Definition:
Angels are beings of spirit, rather than matter, which stand higher in creation than
humans, but lower than gods. Traditionally, angels can be either hostile or friendly
towards humans, but in Christians beliefs only the friendly beings are called angels
whereas the hostile beings are called demons.
Belief in angels (yazatas) originated in Persia with Zoroastrainism, and from there it was carried into Judaism and later Islam and Christianity. In these latter three religions angels acquired the characteristic of serving the Will of God, often communicating God's intentions to humans.
In Jewish tradition, angels were simply "messengers" of God - that is what the Greek word aggelos and it's Hebrew counterpart, mal'ak, mean. Very early on they served more functions than simply carrying messages and God is usually depicted as delivering messages himself. However, as God is portrayed more and more as being transcendent and wholly "other," the need for intermediaries increases.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism? For that matter, what is and is not a religion?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear.
