Introduction to Angels - Part I

Jun 20, 2001 - © Virginia Marin

Folklore Table of Contents

My series on angels has been updated and returns by popular request. If you followed the original series, I hope you will enjoy new information contained herein. If you are new to this series, and enjoy graphics with your reading, you may do so here.

Do you believe in angels? The devil and demons? Do you believe in fairies? How about visitors from outer space? Angels and other similar creatures are mysterious beings, with their existence sometimes called into question, even among those who have, in the past, believed in angels or other winged beings. This series on angels will explore the legendary, historical, religious, and cultural supposition of divinely created angelic presence, as opposed to the burgeoning belief in some groups, and among varying individuals, that what are known as angels are rather--fairy beings.

Humankind has been enthralled by the presence of angels since the dawn of history. Angels are seen as luminous, winged beings of incredible beauty, that hover someplace between God and man in their flight through imagination, spirit and, quite possibly, the vastness of outer space. They have been the source of debate among theologians as well as the medical community. Carl Jung spent countless hours in his attempt to explain why the angel archetype wiles so much power, and yes, even madness, presenting not only in traditional forms, but also in New Age guises like channeling and extra terrestrial visitations.

Angels are mysterious beings, that have captured the attention of medical professionals, artists, writers, clerics, mystics and hermits, as well as the common folk. Most of these people have only the vaguest idea of what angels are, or, are not. Ask anyone if they actually believe in the existence of angels and out of the blue, a duh conflict arises between faith and reason.

In a Gallup Poll conducted in the United States in 1996 for Psychology Today, 69% of those polled entertained belief in angels, while 50% believed in a personal guardian angel. Coming in third at 48% was a belief in little green men flying around in space wheels. A 1983 Australian Gallup Poll cited a 44.70% belief in the Devil.

In spite of these recent polls, belief in angels did experience a time of unbelief due to two basic phenomena. Some non-belief was due to angelic discussions not being encouraged by churches. This is based on biblical warnings of St. Paul not to ask too many questions concerning angels. Knowing the names of Michael and Gabriel, and their functions according to the Bible, along with the belief in guardian angels is about all Christians have, historically, been encouraged to question. Violent social changes beginning in the early 60's further added to the non-acceptance of angels.

The copyright of the article Introduction to Angels - Part I in Folklore is owned by Virginia Marin. Permission to republish Introduction to Angels - Part I in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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