Angels

{| cellspacing="0" class="sites-layout-name-one-column sites-layout-hbox"
 * class="sites-layout-tile sites-tile-name-content-1"|

INTRODUCTION & HISTORY
Angels are dominant creatures in religious myth. Though they are found in many religions, they are most common in biblical (relating to the Judeo-Christian-Islamic holy books) myth. They are said to be servants or assistants of the [Abrahamic] god, Yahweh (Jehovah). They do the tasks laid out for them. The term angel is believed to come from the Latin Angelos meaning 'messenger,' denoting also one of the tasks of angels. Angels are mostly common in the Judeo-Christian Bible where they play crucial roles in delivering prophetic messages, healing and carrying out destruction on behalf of Yahweh. In the biblical myth, angels were created by god before he created man. However, men can become angels after death. Many biblical prophets such as Isaiah and Elijah became angels after their material deaths. ANGELS IN MODERN SOCIETY In modern sensibilities, angels represent not only messengers but guardians and advisers who advise humans to do what is right or who help humans to overcome plights (many believe the "guardian angel/advisor" aspect may be of Zoroastrian origins). However, not all angels are necessarily good and therefore the 'good versus bad' dichotomy is inapplicable. More than anything, it seems angels are defined by their specific tasks. Some angels are sent to do good deeds, such as help humans find their way (It's A wonderful Life, 1946); others are simply messengers or watchers (City of Angels, 1998). However, there are angels whose purpose is to cause destruction and trouble (The Prophecy, 1995). These 'bad' angels are called angels of death or angels of trouble. The distinction between a bad angel and a demon is not clear. It may be assumed that bad angels are simply angels who have been corrupted, whereas demons were always demons and had no innate goodness in them to begin with. Some angels can become demons however. According to biblical myth, the angel Lucifer desired to become god and started a war in the heavens. When he was defeated he was tossed down into the pit of hell with those who supported his cause. Lucifer became the ruler of hell and all that is evil while the fallen angels who supported him became his demons or evil helpers. Many people in modern society believe that when they and their loved ones die, they'll be taken to heaven (realm of god) and become angels. In popular culture, angels are depicted as winged humanoids who usually wear white robes and sandals. An angel can take on any form when interacting with humans. Popular Angels The Catholic Church has declared a hierarchy for angels that relies on their proximity to earth and heaven. The nine categories are divided into three spheres. At the top of the nine-ladder hierarchy are Seraphim (the burning ones) and at the bottom are Angels (messengers). 1st Sphere

Seraphim--the first sphere serve the purpose of praising (loving) god and taking care of his throne. The Seraphim have six wings; two covering their faces, two covering their bodies ("feet"), and two with which they fly. (See also Revelation 4:8.). Two of which are named Seraphiel and Metatron. Seraphiel is said to have the head of an eagle.Cherubim-- Guardians of light and the stars.They have four faces: one of each a man, an ox, a lion and an eagle. The ox-face is considered the "true face", as later on in Ezekiel the ox's face is called a cherub's face (Chapter 10). They have four conjoined wings covered with eyes, and they have ox's feet.Thrones--They are living symbols of God's justice and authority, and have as one of their symbols the throne. 2nd Sphere Dominions--regulate the duties of lower angels. They are also the angels who preside over nations.Virtues-- supervise the movements of the heavenly bodies in order to keep cosmos in order.Powers--bearers of conscience and the keepers of history. They are also the warrior angels created to be completely loyal to God. 3rd Sphere Principalities--Their task is to oversee groups of people. They are said to inspire living things in arts and science.Archangels--Chief Angels. They (The Seven Archangels) are said to be the guardian angels of nations and are concerned with the issues including politics, military matters.Angels--the lowest and most common order. They have many functions as messengers of god. The most popular angels are Judeo-Christian angels. Among them are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel-- all believed to be of the 7 Archangels who are portrayed militaristically. The order of angels listed above do not include Jewish, Islamic or other traditions which may subscribe to different hierarchies. (actor Misha Collins as the angel Castiel in Supernatural) ANGELS IN POPULAR CULTURE It's a Wonderful Life, 1946 Angels in the Outfield, 1994The Prophecy, 1995Touched By An Angel, 1994-2003Michael,1996The Preacher's Wife,1996City of Angels, 1998Supernatural (seasons 4 & 5),2008-10
 * }

Comments (0)
_displayNameOrEmail_ - _time_ - Remove _text_ Add comment Recent Site Activity  Revision History   [javascript:void(window.open('http://www.google.com/sites/help/intl/en/terms.html')) Terms ]   Report Abuse   Print page   Rem