Saint Michael's Roles in Christianity

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Recommended: Importance of symbols in religion

Religion is a community of people that share a symbolic world. Much of what is practiced is really only understood by those within the community itself. Members of the community are insiders in the sense and many religions are no exception to this practice. Different religions are filled with language, tradition, ritual, symbolism and beliefs that others may find confusing and may not understand. In Christianity, one particular area that can confuse outsiders is their teachings and belief in angels. Saint Michael the Archangel plays a very significant role in Christian tradition and their religious belief and practice. The Archangel, St Michael is said to be the most important of all angels and devotion to him is one of the oldest traditions. He was created by God and used as a mediator between God and Humans. He has been given four distinct roles in catholic tradition. Through his actions, he teaches his devotion to God and in doing so, he teaches others to understand, love, and serve God through his patronage.

Included in Old Testament theology is the belief in angels. Devotion to the angels and in particular, to St. Michael, dates to the very early beginnings of the Church. An angel is a pure spirit created by God and it is given to certain spiritual beings or intelligences of heavenly residence. “Angel" comes from the Greek angelos, which means 'messenger'. God's messengers are heavenly beings that are working for Him and for the ultimate benefit of mankind. God created angels because he cannot be approached by human beings. The angels allow bridge the gap between the holiness and perfection of God in heaven and the shortcomings of dying people on earth. They are immortal and do not have man's shortcomings. Tha...

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...tributes that belong only to God. Michael is not only the protector of the Church, but he is the protector of every faithful soul. Christian salvation does not attach itself to a person's family or tribe or city but it is an individual matter. In Christian faith and practice, St Michael is there to protect those who are tempted by the devil and are being led astray. He is there to fight for them and always he displays courage. Because he is the one who has been assigned as protector of the church and its people, he struggles on behalf of Gods followers. It is his duty to his god. St Michael reinforces the belief in god through his own belief and devotion. He is a messenger sent from god, and gave people a sense of being close to god through his presence. St Michael’s duty to god is to help protect and guide people. In times of need he is said to be with you.

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