Angels

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Angels

Angels are defined as a typically benevolent celestial being that acts as an intermediary between heaven and earth and one who manifests goodness, purity, and selflessness (Angels). They are seen as good and helpful beings and have been known for giving human beings messages or signs from God. They have many virtuous characteristics to them and components that make them so interesting. These components include their origin, their reputation of always being good, their overall appearance, the several main and influential angels, and the rankings of different angels.

The belief in angels has been around for a very long time. The gods of the Hittites and Canaanites had their supernatural messengers, and parallels to Old Testament stories of angels are found in Near Eastern literature (Cavendish). Angels are found in many religions throughout many holy books. These religions include Christian, Jewish, Roman Catholic and Islamic. They are known to carry out jobs for God and are mentioned in both the Old Testament and New Testament. Their appearance in pictures has developed over time, starting in the third century (Mercatante). There are seven holy angels that each served a certain purpose. There are also three different choirs or levels of angels. Since the beginning of religion angels have been a part of everyday life and have influenced human beings with their presence.

Angels have always been thought as good supernatural beings that help those on earth, but that is not always the case. By the New Testament times belief in good and evil angels was accepted in both Christian and Jewish belief (Mercatante). Each angel was given a certain name based on whether they were good or bad (Barton). God create...

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...ncyclopedia of Mythology, Religion and the Unknown, Man, Myth & Magic. Vol. One. Freeport, Long Island, 1983. 124-26. 27 Apr. 2011. Print.

Barton, George A. "The Origin of the Names of Angels and Demons in the Extra-Canonical Apocalyptic Literature to 100 A.D."Vol. 31. No. 4.Paris(1912): 156-167. JSTOR. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. .

Internet Innovations, Inc. "The Three Archangels - Michael Gabriel Lucifer." The Reluctant Messenger of Science and Religion: Science and the World's Religions Are Pieces to a Puzzle That Need Each Other to Form a Complete Picture. American College of Metaphysical Theology. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. .

Curtis, Chris. "How Does Angelic Hierarchy Work?" Curiosity. Discovery Communications, 2010. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. .

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