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Angels of the early Church
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Angels of the early Church Revelations the Lord addresses each of the seven Churches by means of instructing angels to record His dictation. These 'secretary' angels are the angels of the Churches: Church of Ephesus (Rev. 2:1) Church of Smyrna (Rev. 2:8) Church of Pergamum (Rev. 2:12) Church of Thyatira (Rev. 2:18) Church of Sardis (Rev. 3:1) Church of Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7) Church of Laodicea (Rev. 3:14) Man Made Lower than the Angels When the first man was being created: "Let us make man in our image after our likeness ... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him: male and female created he them." (Genesis 1:26-27) This does not mean that the first of the human race had exactly the same physical nature as the angels, for the angels were made to live for ever. Adam and Eve were not made never-dying: they did sin, and they suffered death as the punishment for it. That is why the whole human race has been dying ever since. Psalm 8 is a Psalm in which the creation of the earth is extolled. Here we are told that man's position is lower than the angels: "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? ... For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour." (Psalm 8:4, 5) The New Testament quotes this passage, and tells us that mankind - including the Lord Jesus himself - was made a little lower than the angels, "for the suffering of death" (Hebrews 2:9). Angels do not die, but men and women do. Even Jesus, the Son of God, was a mortal man, but has now received the glory and honour which was his due when, as he said after his resurrection, "all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18). The Fallen Angels (Demons) These beings, because of pride, did not return God's love. God did not destroy them, but permits them a limited scope of activity. Their condition is permanent for no creature can turn away from the perfect good of the beatific vision once he has come to enjoy it, and no additional reflection could change the mind of a purely spiritual being who has turned away. Demons are fallen angels under the command of Satan, those who are still free after the Gen. 6 affair. Satan is called the Prince, or Ruler, of all demons in Matthew 9:34; 12:24; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15. Demons are also called the ministers, or ambassadors of Satan, Luke 4:35; 9:1, 42; John 10:21. Satan is brilliant, an administrative genius. He has an excellent organization, mentioned in Eph. 6:10-12 The Bible also makes a distinction between demon possession and demon influence. THE NINE CHOIRS OF ANGELS http://www.catholic.org/saints/anglchoi.php Seraphim These are the highest order or choir of angels. They are the angels who are attendants or guardians before God's throne. They praise God, calling, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts". The only Bible reference is Isaiah 6:1-7. One of them touched Isaiah's lips with a live coal from the altar, cleansing him from sin. Seraphim have six wings, two cover their faces, two cover their feet, and two are for flying. Cherubim Cherubim rank after the seraphim and are the second highest in the nine hierarchies or choirs of angels. The Old Testament does not reveal any evidence that the Jews considered them as intercessors or helpers of God. They were closely linked in God's glory. They are manlike in appearance and double-winged and were guardians of God's glory. They symbolized then, God's power and mobility. In the New Testament, they are alluded to as celestial attendants in the Apocalypse (Rev. 4-6). Catholic tradition describes them as angels who have an intimate knowledge of God and continually praise Him. Thrones Thrones are the Angels of pure Humility, Peace and Submission. They reside in the area of the cosmos where material form begins to take shape. The lower Choir of Angels needs the Thrones to access God. Dominions Dominions are Angels of Leadership. They regulate the duties of the angels, making known the commands of God. Powers Powers are Warrior Angels against evil defending the cosmos and humans. They are known as potentates. They fight against evil spirits who attempt to wreak chaos through human beings. The chief is said to be either Samael or Camael, both angels of darkness. Archangels Archangels are generally taken to mean "chief or leading angel" (Jude 9; 1 Thessalonians 4:16). They are the most frequently mentioned throughout the Bible. They may be of this or other hierarchies as St. Michael Archangel, who is a princely Seraph. The Archangels have a unique role as God's messenger to the people at critical times in history and salvation (Tb 12:6, 15; Jn 5:4; Rev. 12:7-9) as in The Annunciation and Apocalypse. A feast day celebrating the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael is celebrated throughout the Church, September 29. A special part of the Byzantine Liturgy invokes the "Cherubic Hymn" which celebrates these archangels and the guardian angels particularly. Of special significance is St. Michael as he has been invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles. The Eastern Rite and many others place him over all the angels, as Prince of the Seraphim. He is described as the "chief of princes" and as the leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over Satan and his followers. The angel Gabriel first appeared in the Old Testament in the prophesies of Daniel, he announced the prophecy of 70 weeks (Daniel 9:21-27). He appeared to Zechariah to announce the birth of St. John the Baptist (Lk. 1:11). It was also Gabriel which proclaimed the Annunciation of Mary to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour. (Lk. 1:26) The angel Raphael first appeared in the book of Tobit (Tobias), Tobit 3:25, 5:5-28, 6-12). He announces "I am the Angel Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the throne of God." (Tb. 12:15) Principalities In the New Testament Principalities refers to one type of spiritual (metaphysical) being which are now quite hostile to God and human beings. (Romans 8:38; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Ephesians 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Colossians 1:16; 2:10, 15) Along with the principalities are the powers (Romans 8:38; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Ephesians 1:21; 1 Peter 3:22; 2 Thessalonians 1:7); and cosmological powers (1 Corinthians 15:24; Ephesians 1:21; 3:10; Colossians 2:15); dominions (Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16) and thrones (Colossians 1:16). The clarity of the New Testament witness helps see that these beings were created through Christ and for Him (Colossians 1:16). Given their hostility to God and humans due to sin, Christ's ultimate rule over them (ibid) expresses the reign of the Lord over all in the cosmos. This is the Lordship of Christ, which reveals God's tremendous salvation in conquering sin and death at the cross, and now takes place in the Church. (Ephesians 3:10) Angels These angels are closest to the material world and human begins. They deliver the prayers to God and God's answers and other messages to humans. Angels have the capacity to access any and all other Angels at any time. They are the most caring and socius to assist those who ask for help. ANGELS IN THE BIBLE http://www.catholic.org/saints/anglbibl.php Old Testament references: Cherubim at entrance to Garden of Eden, Genesis 3:24 Appear to Abraham, Genesis 18:1-33 Saved Lot and his family, Genesis 19:1-22 Intervened with Isaac, Genesis 22:11-18 Heavenly vision of Jacob's Ladder, Genesis 28:12 Accompanied Israel through the desert, Exodus 23:20 And Numbers 20:16 Aided the prophets: Isaiah 6:2-7 Ezekiel 1:4-28 Daniel 7:9-10 Zechariah 1:9-19 New Testament references: Appeared in connection with birth of Christ: Matthew 1:20 Luke 1:26-38 Appear to: Paul, Acts 27:23 Peter, Acts 12:7-11 Cornelius, Acts 10:3-6 Sadducees didn't believe in angels, Acts 23:8 12 Legions of Angels, Matthew 26:53 Mentioned by name: Raphael, Tobit 12:15 Michael, Daniel 10:13 Revelation, 12:7 Gabriel, Daniel 8:16 Luke 1:19 Fall of the angels: Deuteronomy 32:17 2 Peter 2:4 Jude 1:6 Revelation 12:7-9 PRAYERS TO THE ANGELS http://www.catholic.org/saints/anglpray.php Guardian Angel Angel of God, my Guardian dear, to whom His love commits me here, ever this day (or night) be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. A Mother's Prayer to the Guardian Angels of her children I humbly salute you, O you faithful, heavenly Friends of my children! I give you heartfelt thanks for all the love and goodness you show them. At some future day I shall, with thanks more worthy than I can now give, repay your care for them, and before the whole heavenly court acknowledge their indebtedness to your guidance and protection. Continue to watch over them. Provide for all their needs of body and soul. Pray, likewise, for me, for my husband, and my whole family, that we may all one day rejoice in your blessed company. Amen Prayer to Our Holy Guardian Angels Heavenly Father, Your infinite love for us has chosen a blessed angel in heaven and appointed him our guide during this earthly pilgrimage. Accept our thanks for so great a blessing. Grant that we may experience the assistance of our holy protector in all our necessities. And you, holy, loving angel and guide, watch over us with all the tenderness of your angelic heart. Keep us always on the way that leads to heaven, and cease not to pray for us until we have attained our final destiny, eternal salvation. Then we shall love you for all eternity. We shall praise and glorify you unceasingly for all the good you have done for us while here on earth. Especially be a faithful and watchful protector of our children. Take our place, and supply what may be wanting to us through human frailty, short-sightedness, or sinful neglect. Lighten, O you perfect servants of God, our heavy task. Guide our children that they may become like unto Jesus, may imitate Him faithfully, and persevere till they attain eternal life. Amen Another Prayer to the Guardian Angels My good Angel, Thou comest from heaven; God has sent thee to take care of me. Oh, shelter me under thy wings. Lighten my path, direct my steps. Do not leave me, stay quite near me and defend me against the spirit of evil. But above all come to my help in the last struggle of my life. Deliver my soul so that with thee it may praise, love and contemplate the goodness of God forever and ever. Amen * PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL No adequate explanation of the Holy Angels is complete without reference to Saint Michael the Archangel. He joins Saints Gabriel and Raphael as the trio of Archangels specifically mentioned by name throughout the Church's history, given their appearance in Sacred. The "Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel" offers a fitting summary of who this celestial being is and the significant role which he plays in the Almighty's creation. 1. Saint Michael the Archangel An angel is similar to God in that he is a spirit; however, he differs from the Creator in that it is a created spirit while only God is the Uncreated Spirit. This angel has from God a name, meaning "who is like unto God." Saint Michael belongs to the choir of angels called the Archangels, usually listed eighth of the nine choirs. 2. Defend us in battle We readily acknowledge that a fierce war is waging-a terrible conflict which has continued unabated since the fall of the angels. Good and evil constantly do battle. Saint Michael is fervently implored for his powerful, fearless assistance against the considerable forces of the underworld. By asking for his help, the Christian faithful recognize his longstanding position as protector of God's holy people. 3. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil The devils are like the "good" angels: created spirits without bodies. But, the devils are the fallen angels who disobeyed God rather than submit to His commands. Not only are the devils evil but they also want us to become evil. They delight in setting pitfalls for us. Saint Michael vanquishes the demons; he assists us in negotiating the inevitable hurdles which can trip us. 4. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray Already we know that God has defeated Satan. Jesus' salvific Death and Resurrection was the death knell for Hades and its advocates. Yet, we still are to pray that the Lord will rebuke him. Why? Because we are summoned to state our intention, thereby aligning our wills with that of the Lord's. We desire what God desires, namely, that Satan's influence will cease over those who seek to become friends of the Master. 5. And do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host The one who prays uses Saint Michael's title. He has been granted special command among the angels. Furthermore, it is expected that he will do something. There is a tangible anticipation that this Archangel will act. 6. By the power of God The Prince of the Heavenly Host must rely on the strength of the Lord. Saint Michael possesses tremendous power because the Creator believes it appropriate that he has it. Saint Michael, too, bows under God's mighty hand. 7. Cast into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits Why must Satan and his minions be thrown into Hell if they presently are there? We long for the day when Satan will be tightly bound, never again able to tempt anyone to sin. His dominion will be forever at an end. The vast army of demons will no more roam earth to inflict their damage on souls. 8. Who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls This phrase precisely describes what the devils seek: the everlasting ruination of immortal souls. They waste no time in enticing men and women, boys and girls to forsake Jesus and His call to authentic holiness. Saint Michael is the antidote to the pernicious activities carried on by "Satan and all the evil spirits." This Archangel has the authority from God to stop them. 9. Amen This often-used word signals belief and acceptance. It underscores what we have now affirmed. Saint Michael indeed serves God and His children in a notable, lasting manner. The Church professes that this Archangel has been chosen by the Lord Himself to help usher in the reign of abiding peace which Christ came, died and rose to establish. Disciples of Christ may learn much from Saint Michael the Archangel. He is a true servant who surrenders to the divine directive. He is a warrior who willingly spars with the terrors of Hell. He is an example of sanctity who offers the faithful a model of love for God and zeal for souls. With the scores of good angels, Saint Michael, the champion, protects and defends the Church Militant. The Church is blest by his presence. Saint Michael the Archangel, pray for us! New Age Angels Revealing the Identity of the New Age Angels http://www.spotlightministries.org.uk/newageangels.htm By Vincent McCann, 2003 There are many people today who are seeking to "connect with their angels" or have some sort of experience or other with an angel. The internet is full of websites like this, and there are many books promoting this concept, such as Ask Your Angels. There are also many traditional occult tools that have been re-packaged to have an angelic feel to them. Some Ouija Boards have become "Angel Boards", some Tarot Cards have been called "Angel Cards", or "Oracle Cards", and the practice of channelling so-called departed spirits has been extended to channelling angels. Despite these clear associations with the occult, many people are coming to this subject with their guard down. It seems that just because something is labelled "angel" then that somehow makes it a true angel, or something automatically good and acceptable. Is this really wise? The Bible tells us that we are to test the spirits to see whether they are from God or not (1 John 4:1) because "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14). It would therefore be foolish, and dangerous, to simply accept every spirit claiming to be an angel as being a true, legitimate, messenger of God.
"As a young man just out of college, I received a telephone call from a gentleman who claimed he was in constant contact with angels. It would have been easy to dismiss him as someone who needed a good therapist, except he was somewhat of a psychic celebrity and used these "angels" to help the police solve baffling crimes. In fact, he even told me that my telephone number had come to him in a dream. As we talked, he told me that the angels sometimes spoke through him, and he offered to let me speak to one of them. I agreed. Immediately, his voice changed - completely. It became stronger, deeper, more authoritative. Being young and naive, I was excited by this possibility and remember putting my hand over the mouthpiece and whispering to my wife, "I think I’m talking to an angel!" Over the next couple of days, I had more conversations with this fellow and several of his "angels." Was he faking it? I didn’t think so. Each entity that spoke through him was so unique, with its own voice and distinctive way of speaking, that I felt certain I was talking to several different beings. Besides, they told me things about myself they couldn’t have known except through supernatural means. They knew, for instance, that I was an aspiring writer. In fact, one of the voices assured me that I was going to be a successful author, and that I was going to accomplish great things for God through my writing. Of course, this is what I wanted to hear! The "angels" went out of their way to feed my pride and tantalize me with visions of glory. They constantly flattered me and made me feel I was somebody special. They also seemed to help me achieve this fame by offering to help me write a book proclaiming to be the "deeper mysteries of God’s love." I grew uneasy. I didn’t know much about angels then, but I began to suspect that these beings didn’t really have my best interest in mind. They were a bit too slick. And instead of encouraging me to grow in humility and love, I sensed them stirring up my pride and desire for success. Finally, I decided to ask one of these beings a crucial question: "Is Jesus Christ your Lord?" "Absolutely!" he said. But before I could even breathe a sigh of relief, he added, "In fact, not only is He my Lord. He’s also my brother." I could feel the hair on the back of my neck rise. Why? Because I knew Satan and his demons have always been driven by a desire to be considered God’s equals. In fact, the Bible says, "You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God... but you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit’" (Is. 14:12-15). Satan and his angels are so full of pride that they simply can’t help themselves. If they see a chance to equate themselves with God, they go for it. I knew then that I wasn’t talking with angels. I was dealing with demons. And once they realized I had caught on to their identity, their attitude toward me changed completely. At first, they tried to reason with me, but their reasoning had a sharp, sarcastic edge to it. They wondered how I could be so narrow-minded, and why I insisted on clinging so stubbornly to my outdated beliefs. When I wouldn’t give in, they took to insulting me, saying I was stupid, calling me names and behaving in ways that didn’t exactly fit the angel personality profile."(Bill Myers and David Wimbish, The Dark Side of the Supernatural, pp. 25-27.) Later on in the book the writer explains how the above mentioned man who was channelling the ‘angels’, eventually sought deliverance through Christian prayer, whereby a number of demons were exorcised. The messages that many of today’s New Age angels give out is in direct conflict with what the Bible says. As mentioned earlier, there are many books by New Age authors on angels. Most of these books tend to be somewhat similar in the practices they promote, so I have chosen one modern angel book to critique and compare with the teachings of the Bible. New Age author, Diana Cooper, holds workshops for people to contact angels. She herself claims to allow angels to guide her life. However, when one reads through her books it soon becomes apparent that the teachings that she and her angels are giving out is in direct conflict with what the Bible teaches. Whatever these spirits are, they are certainly not the angels of the Bible. Cooper states: "Angels of light say, "Follow your heart. This is your higher purpose." (Diana Cooper, A Little Light on Angels, p. 108). And... "Religions tell people what to do and what to believe. Spirituality tells people to listen to their own guidance and follow their hearts." (Diana Cooper, A Little Light on Angels, p. 114). The Bible says that the heart of man is wicked. Cooper makes the popular claim that the Bible originally taught reincarnation but was subsequently removed: "In AD 553 at the Second Council of Constantinople, the Emperor Justinian had reincarnation written out of the Bible. He and the Church wanted to claim power over people’s souls." (Diana Cooper, A Little Light on Angels, p. 114). The Bible does not teach reincarnation and there is no evidence at all that it ever did. The earliest manuscripts of the Bible show no evidence that this doctrine was in the Bible. Additionally, the early Church Fathers quoted the New Testament so extensively in their writings that if the doctrine of reincarnation was removed there would have been some quotations of some of the passages that were removed. Regarding the New Testament citations by the early Fathers, J. H. Greenlee said: "These quotations are so extensive that the New Testament could virtually be reconstructed from them without the New Testament manuscripts." (J. H. Greenlee, An Introduction to New Testament Textual Criticism, p. 54.) Likewise, D. Dalryma discovered that it is possible to reconstruct the entire New Testament, except for eleven verses, by using the writings of the Fathers of the second and third centuries (See: Charles Leach, Our Bible: How We Got It, pp. 35-36). Cooper also dismisses the Biblical concept of Hell: "Anyone who preaches hellfire and damnation is energising the darkness and therefore working for it" (Diana Cooper, A Little Light on Angels, p. 114). I wonder if Cooper realises that in making such a statement, she also inadvertently accuses Christ of "energising the darkness and therefore working for it", as He spoke a great deal about Hell and damnation whilst on the earth. Strong statements for someone to make against Christ, especially when the Bible declares that He is over all the angels (Hebrews Ch. 1)! The angels recommends that the author: "Simply focus on angels!" (Diana Cooper, A Little Light on Angels, p. 119). The Bible tells us to focus on Jesus: "looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2). The Bible also warns us to watch out for those who seek to lead us away from God by focusing on His servants, the angels, instead: "When I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, 'Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you...and all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!" (Revelation 22:8-9). "Let no man rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he hath seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind..." (Colossians 2:18). Cooper encourages her readers to "ask" the angels to help us, "Invite them" to come, and to "thank them". (Diana Cooper, A Little Light on Angels, pp. 116; 121-128). This is basically the same as praying to, and worshipping angels, refuted by the two Bible texts mentioned above. The Bible is very clear that prayer and worship should be for God alone. God wants us to have a relationship with Himself, through Christ, not with His creatures, the angels. Throughout the Bible angels are always seen as directing attention to God and Christ, never to themselves. Throughout Cooper’s book, there are constant references to such New Age practices as: auras, meditation, reincarnation, past life regression, karma, clairvoyance, psychic powers, the akashic records, the Age of Aquarius, and references that all religions are true and acceptable to God. All such teachings are at strong variance to the Bible. From the above evidence, it can only be concluded that these angels are most certainly not in allegiance with the God of the Bible. Not only that, but it appears that they stand diametrically opposed to many cardinal Christian doctrines. What beings would seek to do this? It can only be concluded that these beings are actually highly deceptive evil beings trying to pass themselves off as legitimate angels of God. The Bible calls such beings "demons" and "evil spirits". They do not serve God, but rather Satan himself, who "... masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14). Involvement with such beings will lead a person away from God and Christ and has the potential to spiritually, and mentally, ruin a person. ANGELS OF THE NEW AGE KIND http://www.ewtn.com/library/NEWAGE/NAGEANG.TXT By Mary Drahos Fifteen-year-old Tara carried a dog-eared angel book with her wherever she went. At home, school or alone in her room, she read and reread the pages of what had become a treasured possession. Family members observed Tara's intense interest in angels. Once Tara asked her mother whether she thought people became angels when they died. Then Tara was suddenly killed in a car accident. After her death, Tara's parents became avidly interested in the whole concept of angels. They believed that their daughter had indeed become an angel, the family's guardian angel. They opened an angel novelty shop in Los Angeles in her memory. It is called Tara's Angels. A sad way for them to make sense of their daughter's death? Perhaps. There is another gift shop in a vacation spot on the East Coast called On Angels' Wings. A friend of mine went in; she experienced an eerie sense of darkness as soon as she walked in. The heavy smell of incense was overpowering. "I asked the proprietor, who was wearing a black headband, 'Where on earth did you get the name for your shop?' He moved closer, squinting. And he just riveted his eyes on mine, never blinking. It was kinda scary. Then he said slowly, 'Well, it came to me when I was in an altered state of consciousness." Angels, angels, everywhere! Modern descriptions of these celestial beings are plentiful: "visions," "kind people in disguise," "balls of whirling energy," "thoughts," "vivid dreams," "lights," "rainbows," "animals" and even "invisible hands." No wonder Christians have difficulty distinguishing modern-day angels from the kind they find in Scripture! What in heaven's name is happening? We have "feel-good" angels. The Los Angeles neighborhoods that were so badly ravaged in the 1992 riots now sport a very small touch of heaven. An intrepid artist, Jill D'Agnenica, leaves 12-inch plaster cherubs, painted magenta, in the most unlikely places--on street corners, atop trash piles, at bus stops, in parks and even in empty lots. Her goal is to distribute close to 5,000 angels throughout the blighted area. Why? "The experience of seeing an angel," she says, "or even more important, when word gets out, the act of looking for an angel will remind each person of their place in the City of Angels."
Movies and TV are becoming all "aflutter with winged spirits," says an entertainment writer, including "do-gooding seraphim" and a "Super Angel." As for publishing's celestial explosion, there is even a thriller planned about "a renegade pack of angels." All these "heavenly" profit-making ventures make earlier efforts at angelic public relations, such as the Angel Collectors Club of America, seem quaint. For many years, their members have collected angel dolls and ornaments. They give talks on angels to churches and retirement homes and have a newsletter appropriately called, "Halo, Everybody"!
Is this newfound belief in angels a positive sign? Not necessarily: "For those who choke too easily on God and His rules, theologians observe, angels are the handy compromise, all fluff and meringue, kind, nonjudgmental. And they avail themselves to everyone, like aspirin," writes journalist Nancy Gibbs. A large number of today's angel devotees and authors do not perceive angels in the same way Catholics do. We should not excuse excesses or eccentricities as touching "spiritual" or "angelic" phenomena. Real angels always point the way to God. Angels are not a replacement of the transcendent God whom they adore joyfully, without ceasing. They serve Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of humanity, with complete willingness. They carry out the will of the Triune God in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the true test of any angel, no matter when or in what form that angel comes. We must apply these criteria to any popular book we read on angels, to any documentary about them, and certainly to any talk shows. Do they ever mention the Christian God, or are the angels they present merely disembodied autonomous spirits? Whether through word or art, is there any allusion to Jesus or the Incarnation? Are angels presented as self-empowered or Spirit-empowered? I often hear the objection: "That's too heavy. I happen to think it's wonderful that so many people say they believe in angels these days." And that is precisely the problem. The New Age philosophy is enveloping and diminishing traditional Christian belief in angels. Real angels help us grow spiritually. The media often portray modern-day angels as ethereal, all-forgiving images of light. This often produces a kind of "discount spirituality," whose adherents feel free to pick and choose from Judeo-Christian beliefs. The Ten Commandments and the cross are conveniently forgotten. People are invited to get in touch with their "inner angel," to seek "angel psychotherapists" or to view themselves as "angels in training" who are growing their own wings. Some people simply dismiss all this as a spiritual fad. Others consider the "Angelic New Age" a distressing amalgamation of faith facts, self-help lingo, Eastern spirituality and even the occult. In truth, the New Age "angel awareness" can be both a sham as well as a sign of hope. It may be nothing more than a self-indulgent search for something novel . . . but this awareness may also signify true spiritual hunger. In that case, modern-day angels can be of value in our skeptical and jaded world. They can point the way to the only spiritual treasure that lasts for eternity --Jesus, the pearl of great price. This is exactly where real angels lead. All the more reason we should not be intimidated by the New Age "angel pushers," or so confused that we do not share the truth of our faith in real angels. Wrote Cardinal John Henry Newman: "Let us beware lest we make the contemplation of [angels] a mere feeling, and a sort of luxury of the imagination.... Many a man can write and talk beautifully about them, who is not at all better or nearer heaven for all his excellent words." New Age Ideas The New Age philosophy is difficult to pin down, but we must nevertheless try to understand it. Author Russell Chandler says that "The [New Age] goal is to redefine spirituality . . . to change our culture's dominant world view--which is still Christian, more or less." "The term 'New Age' is a reference to a particular time in the near future when mankind will presumably enter into an era of spiritual enlightenment characterized by the collective realization of the god-consciousness within each person," writes a Christian scholar, Mary Ann Lind. "The universal release of such spiritual power will then usher in a 'new age."'
1. Monism. Everything in the universe is one. This includes all forms of life -- material things and even angels. "There is no difference between us and the air, us and the rocks, and so on," says Fr. Pacwa. 2. Everything is God. God is in everything. God is everything. This is pantheism, the belief that everything is in the one divine nature. "We are God, the lights are God, the chair I sit in is God," elaborates Fr Pacwa. 3. We need to be enlightened through humanistic psychology. We must be made aware of our oneness and spiritual power. This is where many Catholics veer off course with things like the enneagram, a system of numerology intended to make a person perfect, better and whole by understanding personality types. "The way it is taught," says Fr. Pacwa, "people try to save themselves instead of depending on the grace of Christ. People go from enneagrams to Eastern meditation to get out of their 'personality types."' 4. Expect a New Age to dawn. It will rise "out of the ashes of the Western world view" (cosmic volutionary optimism). They wish to displace Christianity with a great "collective unconsciousness," where all "archetypes" dwell (that's what New Agers perceive angels to be).
New Age angelologists develop that opening through a host of techniques that are intended to help people connect with a personal angel. Besides the usual angel workshops--attended by a surprising number of professionals and religious folk-- there are angelic oracles, spiritual specialists, divination tools, angel cards (like horoscopes), karma cleansing and much more. We can discern New Age angels by applying Jesus' classic test, "By their fruits you shall know them." The kingdom of darkness is always in opposition, camouflaging its intentions. Evil spirits are sent in the guise of good angels. A typical New Age view is that "Our angels tell us the future is now," we read in a New Age book authored by Alma Daniel, Timothy Wyllie and Andrew Ramer. "Talking with our angels, connecting with the divinity within us, elevates our personal awareness, which in turn improves our lives and circumstances." By contrast, good angels know that only through Jesus is our salvation assured and our perfection in God possible when our earthly life ends. Angels work diligently, leading us to an ever closer union with Our Lord and Savior.
Many New Agers say that their angelic informants tell them that, through the ages, people have had a very false impression of fallen angels. Lucifer, for example, "has been identified in our mind as the devil, instead of an aspect of God dedicated to our growth by helping us strengthen our spiritual muscles," we are told. He is the "Light Bearer" who teaches about the necessity of life's dark side. This reminds us of the words of St. Paul, "Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. It comes as no surprise that his ministers disguise themselves as ministers of the justice of God. But their end will correspond to their deeds" (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). Satan and the other fallen angels are very smooth con artists. Satan can assume an air of sanctity and act as though his were the noblest of motives-- a real gentleman, as Shakespeare put it. Discerning New Age Spirituality Former Catholics more easily succumb to ritualistic or occult practices because Catholicism is steeped in ritual action. For example, Catholics bless themselves with holy water, are blessed with the monstrance at Benediction, and often have their homes, rosaries and medals blessed by a priest. All are a sign of our united belief in Christ and in His Church. Think about it. When a Catholic is shopping around for a little gift, wouldn't a pastel-layered, pyramid-shaped candle with a tag reading, "Rainbow Blessings," likely catch the eye? Would the "cute" promise of a lucky charm and a message capsule inside (which, it turns out, is a prayer that "the angel of happiness" shower joy and celebration) bring a smile? Neither are the trappings of "nature worship" always easily recognized as evil. Wicca has been whitewashed in the media lately, so much so that some very unlikely people could get sucked in. The prime public-relations ploy is to say that witches have only an earth religion and do not believe in Satan. Their chants and rituals, they insist, are only their way of praying, of helping them to create "sacred space." But to whom do they pray? New Age philosophy holds that we are already perfect and we are already gods, but we remain unaware of our immense power. We must be enlightened bit by bit, weaned away from our "archaic" Judeo-Christian beliefs. If this seems extreme, think of how many Far Eastern meditation techniques have gained wide acceptance, even by many in the Church. This is one area where we need the wisdom of the angels to use meditation as a tool for humbly deepening our faith in an all-loving and omnipotent God--not displacing Him. Many Christians have been so deluded by religious soft-sell that later admonitions fall on deaf ears. So it might be wise to consider these precautions when the lure of New Age philosophy seems attractive. 1. Be aware! False Christs have always been around (see Matthew 24:23-27). Astrology and reincarnation are false (see Hebrews 9). 2. All religions are not equal. Beware of any teaching that equates Jesus Christ with Buddha, Mohammed or any other great teacher or prophet. (He is so much more. He is the very Son of the living God.) 3. Be discriminating in your reading. Never agree to follow blindly the spiritual dictates of a popular author or book. Do not be so impressed with a book's popularity that, if it contains definite contradictions to faith, you remain silent. Any self- improvement of a spiritual nature must agree with basic Catholic belief. 4. Ask your guardian angel to pray to God for greater discernment for you. Become well-grounded in Scripture and Church teaching. "This is the best protection against the New Age Movement for yourself, and it's a good way to learn what to evangelize to other people," says Father Pacwa.
This article appeared in the September 1995 issue of "New Covenant" magazine. ANGEL POPULARITY ON THE RISE http://www.therealpresence.org/archives/Angelology/Angelology_004.htm By Fr. John A. Hardon SJ, 1996 Anyone who knows what is going on in America must admit that angelic popularity is growing by leaps and bounds. There was a time when angels were simply pictured winged creatures on Christmas cards. The dictionaries would use the word "angel" to describe a very kindly person. But things have changed; we may speak of angels having infiltrated our popular culture, as the expression goes, "big time." From traditional Christians to New Agers, people are looking for comfort from what they believe are heavenly helpers in the trials and suffering of our chaotic world. Popular songs about the angels have become a staple diet of the communications industry. Hit melodies include "Earth Angel," "Angel Eyes," "Johnny Angel," "I’m Living Right Next Door To An Angel," "Where Angels Fear to Tread," "You Are My Special Angel." An exhaustive study in a book called "Angels: An Endangered Specie", estimates that over the last thirty years one in every ten pop songs refers to an angel. In recent years, however, angels have moved from the field of popular music into the mainstream of American society. Some of the nation’s largest circulating magazines are featuring stories about the angels. Let me quote one short paragraph from a recent Time magazine article: In the past few years (angels) have lodged in the popular imagination, celestial celebrities trailing clouds of glory as they come. There are angels-only boutiques, angel newsletters, angel seminars… A Time poll indicates that most Americans believe in angels. Harvard Divinity School has a course on angels; Boston College has two. Bookstores have had to establish angel sections… In Publisher’s Weekly’s 'Best Seller' list five of ten paperback books are about angels. It is no wonder that commentators on the American scene are now writing about "Today’s angel craze." Many are asking why angels are so popular in our day. What has brought on the incredible, as they call it, "angel mania" that is sweeping our nation? Some are saying that this fascination is more emotional than theological; a grassroots revolution in which all kinds of people are raising all kinds of questions about the angelic world. Non-Catholic Christian believers are excited about angels because angels are so prominent in the Bible. On these grounds, the rise in angel popularity is a result of a growing interest in understanding the scriptures. One observer of this phenomenon claims, "Angels are popular today because they allegedly offer humankind a form of spirituality that does not involve commitment to God or the laws of God." Another commentator puts it more bluntly, "For those who choke too easily on God and His rules...the angels are the handy compromise, all fluff and meringue, kind, non-judgmental. And they are available to everyone like aspirin." Finally it is suggested that "Angels too easily provide a temptation for those who want a 'fix' of spirituality, without bothering with God Himself." It is impossible to exaggerate the widespread interest in angels in a country like the United States. Our task is to sift this avalanche of literature and media production. How much of it is psychological emotion or even positive error? And how much is consistent with the teaching of authentic Christianity? Psychological Reaction In so-called developed countries like our own, the material world of space and time has become normative of reality. Without a second thought, we use expressions like, "It does not matter," or "It is immaterial to me," or "As a matter of fact," or "What really matters." A standard definition tells the readers, matter is "to be of importance," or "as distinguished from nonsense or drollery." Inevitably there has been a powerful rejoinder. Except for hard-core Marxists, most of the thinking world has reacted against this practical materialism. Instinctively the human mind realizes there is more to reality than what we can touch and taste and feel; more than we can experience with our bodily senses of sight and sound. The problem is that this spontaneous reaction to widespread materialism has not always been, to put it mildly, consistent with objective fact. Thus we find writers, professional teachers, and television characters talking about the angels without realizing what they are saying. Angelic literature has developed its own vocabulary. There is angelic channeling, angelic visualization, angelic crystals, and angelic occurrences. Angels are said to be "brain program editors." They can help us evolve and there is an elaborate twelve-step program for making psychological contact with the angels.
Another author tells readers that the color of your clothes is most important in attracting the attention of the angelic world. Healing angels like deep sapphire blue, Seraphim angels like crimson red, Cherubim angels like blue, the Archangel Michael likes deep blue, vivid blue, gold, and rose, whereas Gabriel is attracted to tans, browns, and dark greens. It is important for angel-seekers to be selective in the colors they wear. All of this could be dismissed as the ramblings of misguided devotees. However, the fact is that interwoven with the rambling are elements of revealed truth. Anyone who is going to talk about the angels today had better know what he is saying and how much of what he says is pious fiction or provable fact.
Implied in what we have so far said is the need to carefully sift the library of angelic books. National and even international associations have been formed to provide “assistance” and “guidance” for the growing multitude of "angel lovers." It is easier to assess the validity of what people like the New Agers are teaching their followers about the angels. It is more subtle to evaluate the angelic writings of leading Protestant authors like Billy Graham and Ron Rhodes. As might be expected, Protestants who write about the angels must be divided into those who believe in divine revelation, and those, call them liberals, for whom there has been no supernatural communication to the human race. For those who do not believe that there is a revealed word of God, angels are at best pious fancies, and at worst symptoms of psychopathology.
Consistent with their rejection of Sacred Tradition as a valid source of inspired truth, they concentrate on the Bible. Billy Graham is a prime example. I happen to know that Billy Graham inherited a large collection of Catholic books. Graham asked for these books and, over the years, I am sure has been deeply affected by his reading. His sermons reflect a strong Catholic orientation for which I can only thank God. Billy Graham introduces his classic book on Angels with a quotation from John Calvin. Says Calvin, "The angels are the dispensers and administrators of the divine beneficence towards us; they regard our safety, undertake our defense, direct our ways, and exercise a constant solicitude that no evil befall us" (Institutes of the Christian Religion, I). Throughout his book on the angels, Billy Graham assumes what John Calvin taught. There is an absolute predestination for angels and men. As the Calvinist Westminster Confession declares, "By the decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life, and others foreordained to everlasting death. These angels and men, thus predestined and foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed, and their number is so certain and definite that it can not be either increased or diminished" (Chapter 3, III-IV). The implication of this teaching is obvious. Once you claim that God from all eternity has predestined some people for heaven and others for hell, irrespective of their free will, there can be no question of invoking the angels, asking the angels to help us, begging their assistance in the trials of life. Billy Graham does not budge on this Protestant presupposition. His book on the angels is beautiful. He tells his readers that the angels are for real; there is an angelic organization; the angels protect and deliver us. All of this is inspiring and marvelously uplifting. Graham closes his book by reminding the reader that, “When my time to die comes an angel will be there to comfort me. He will give me peace and joy even at that most critical hour, and usher me into the presence of God, and I will dwell with the Lord forever. Thank God for the ministry of His blessed angels!” One thing, however, is missing. There is not a word about our devotion to the angels, or invoking the angels, or asking them to intercede for us from the mercy of God.
What is especially important for us Catholics is the author’s heavy emphasis on what he calls "Celestial Quackery." Like Graham, all his sources for angelology are from the Bible. Moreover, there are no references from the books which are missing in the Protestant Scriptures. Thus the book of Tobit, which has over twenty references to the angels, especially the Archangel Raphael, is simply ignored. But more serious is our author’s excluding prayer to the angels as a form of "Celestial Quackery."
Supposedly, angels can also make sure that whenever you choose to pray to God your prayers will actually reach Him. The same author classifies meditation on the angels as "Celestial Quackery." He [?] quotes one of these "quacks" as saying, "Angels are always on call, and meditation is one of the best ways by which we can communicate with them." This is absolutely wrong. It is not biblical meditation. "Biblical meditation - in contrast to the mysticism and emptying of the mind that is characteristic of Eastern meditation - involves objective contemplation and deep reflection on God’s word." On these terms, meditation on the angels is a form of pantheistic self-reflection. The worst kind of prayerful communication, we are told, is using the imagination to help us make contact with the angels. This is supposed to be very perilous. Why? Because "Man’s imagination has been terribly marred by sin. Beyond this, we must recognize that guided imagery can induce an altered state of consciousness that can have extremely dangerous consequences. The fact is, any kind of activity that leads to an altered state of consciousness can make a person vulnerable to demonic affliction." Needless to say, this is not the faith of the Roman Catholic Church.
It is heartening to see the popularity of the angels rising in countries like our own. No doubt one reason for this phenomenon is the influence of Catholic teaching on our separated brethren. However, let us be clear. The growth of interest in the angels is surely encouraging. But we had better understand what are the authentic Christian principles of angelology. In my next conference, I will speak at length about "Devotion to the Angels." As Christians we are to be devoted to the angels, but as Catholics we had better understand who the angels are. They are not only created spirits whom we are to admire and for whose assistance we should thank the Lord. They are also to be invoked because of their powerful intercession at the throne of God. Although human reason may conjecture the existence of a created world of spirits, it required divine revelation to establish the fact as certain. Indeed, a good index of a person’s faith in God’s revealed word is the acceptance of angels, made by God out of nothing, and now living in two states of being: those in heaven who also serve our human needs; and those in hell, who are demons and deliberately trying to seduce the human race from its allegiance to God. Sacred Scripture witnesses not only to what the Church has formally defined but to many features of angelology that are part of historic Christianity. When speaking about the angels, we should keep two things in mind. There was a real development of faith as the biblical revelation on the angels unfolded. There has also been a marvelous development of doctrine over the centuries, in the Church’s deeper and clearer understanding of the angels and their role in salvation history. Biblical Development The early books of the Old Testament speak of angels, but in such a way as not to encourage the Hebrews’ notorious tendency toward idolatry. This was an ever-present danger in view of the rampant polytheism among the nations surrounding the Israelites. Before the Exile, therefore, angels are so closely associated with God that some have mistakenly identified these heavenly spirits with God, as merely divine attributes or symbols of the Divinity. As late as the time of Christ, the Sadducees denied the existence of all angels or heavenly spirits created by God. After the Exile, however, the angels appeared in their first full splendor, notably in the books of Daniel and Tobit. In Daniel, certain angels are given names for the first time: Gabriel, who foretold to Daniel the coming of Christ as the "anointed Prince"; and Michael, "who mounts guard over your people". The book of Tobit, through eight of its fourteen chapters is the narrative of the angel Raphael, who delivered Tobias’ wife from demonic obsession, safely led him over a haphazardous journey, cured his father Tobit, of blindness, and then delivered a stirring injunction to "Bless God, utter His praise before all the living for all the favors He has given you." In the Gospels, an angel appears to Zachary to foretell the birth of John the Baptist, and to the Blessed Virgin to announce the mystery of God becoming man; an angel appears to Joseph to instruct him about the miraculous conception of Christ and to tell him about King Herod’s death. Angels appeared to the shepherds at Bethlehem, announcing the birth of the Savior. Angels minister to Christ after His temptation in the desert, and appear many times to announce His Resurrection from the dead. Moreover, according to Christ, there are more than twelve legions of angels in heaven; the angels of little ones continually behold the face of the Father; angels will separate the wicked from the just on the last day, and the children of the Resurrection will be equal to the angels. The Acts of the Apostles and the letter of St. Paul are filled with references to the angels. Doctrinal Development With the completion of divine revelation at the end of the first century, the Church has often and at length taught the doctrine of angelology. Basing herself on Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, the Church tells the faithful to honor the angels whom God has given us to guide and guard us on the road to eternity. It is certain that each of the faithful has a personal guardian angel. Otherwise than the saints who are also intercessors for us before God, angels are specially appointed to guard and direct their charges on earth. That is one side of their ministry, from God to us which is to guide our minds and direct our wills. The other side is from us to God, and this is the angels’ power of intercession. Because of their nearness to God and their holiness, the angels are powerful pleaders on our behalf. That is why, as Catholics, we are told to invoke the angels on both counts. We are to solicit their continued enlightenment so we might know the divine will and understand how to fulfill it. We are also to ask for their prayers so we might have the courage and generosity to put the will of God into practice. As St. Ambrose puts it, “The angels should be entreated for us, who have been given us to guard us.” The Church not only encourages us to pray to the angels but enjoins us to do so. To believe this and act accordingly is to be a Catholic. No one else is. The phenomenal increase of interest in angels in our day should tell us something. More than ever before in Christian history, we are to deepen our knowledge of the angels. We are to promote devotion to the angels. Why? Because the angels are given to us by God to protect us from the power of Satan and teach us the Good News that Jesus Christ, the living God became man to bring joy to the whole world.
By Fr. Peter Joseph Last month, when I dealt with the notion of "healing your family tree," I said that today's confusion in the Church has led some people to take up New Age ideas unawares. Among these are some mixed-up notions about curses, exorcisms and baptising the dead. Often, healing your tree is meant to liberate you or your family from some curse. But do curses work? Unlike the sacraments of the Church, curses or spells do not work ex opere operato (by virtue of the rite itself). God has not given the devil such unfailing power. His influence is limited, sporadic and determined by God. The rituals and formulas prescribed by the devil and his agents have no intrinsic force, but are mere devices employed by the devil: to deceive and degrade the gullible; to increase his hold over his victims and extract their subservience; to ape the rituals of the Church; and to gain for himself the worship due to God alone. So it is that curses and superstitions seem to work only on those who believe in them! In other words, they are purely psychological, or if demons are at work, they can work only where the recipient of the curse starts to worry about it. So, in either case, the answer is to despise any attempt to curse you, trust in God, practise your religion faithfully and be at peace.
A man from Kenya told me how, where he lived, the witch-doctors lamented the impotence of their sorcery against Christians, because the priests told the catechumens that once they are baptised they will have put on Christ who has conquered all evil powers and they are protected as his family members. Pope Paul VI said, in one of his famous 1972 discourses on the devil: "Everything which defends us from sin protects us of itself from the invisible Enemy. Grace is the decisive defense." What did Our Lord say to do if people curse you? "Bless those who curse you" (Luke 6:28). That is all. Charity in deed. He never advised seeing some expert to get it "lifted".
The true Catholic vision of our links with our ancestors is found in our doctrines of Purgatory and the Communion of Saints. To teach people that their ancestors are to blame for present spiritual ills, and need pacifying or whatever, is a reversion to pre-Christian paganism and fatalism. To try those whom He loves, God may allow evil spirits to afflict them seriously, but these exceptions are extremely rare. St Paul was among them. He was harassed by an angel of Satan and three times prayed for deliverance, but was told, "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul says himself that he had to suffer this, "to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations" (v 7). God's designs Like the desire to know the unknowable is the desire to escape the inescapable. If we have prayed with persistence, and done what we can, and still have something to endure, we must then abandon ourselves to the hidden designs of God. Continuation and growth in grace is a life-long struggle. There are no secret prayers or formulas to lift burdens off us as if they are a spell. And to attempt to do so through "white magic" is as illicit as using black magic. It is a mistake to think that every illness and trial is contrary to the gracious will of God. Normally we never know in this life how much good our crosses are doing to ourselves and to others. Practices of self-denial and the generous acceptance of suffering offered to God do much for the Church, for in this way, as St Paul says, "in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of His Body, that is, the Church" (Colossians 1:24). The Church is the dispenser of the treasures of the Redemption, and Christ in a mysterious and awesome fashion has made Himself dependent on us, so to speak. Pius XII sums it up so powerfully in Mystici Corporis: "This is truly a tremendous mystery and one which can never be sufficiently meditated: namely, that the salvation of many souls depends upon the prayers and voluntary mortifications offered for that intention by the members of the mystical Body of Jesus Christ". To escape all suffering is to flee salvation. In downplaying curses, I am not denying the power of the Evil One. I have written before on his power to cause disturbances, false visions, and false miracles. Apart from genuine exorcisms, which are always beneficial, what about benefits claimed through healing your family tree? In some cases, it might be the removal of demonic influence through renunciation of a sin (e.g., attending séances) - and then the peace and release obtained is mistakenly ascribed to the departure of some deceased ancestor. In fact, the Church's classic rules for exorcism issued in 1614 specifically say that the exorcist "should not believe the demon if he pretends to be the soul of a deceased person" (Rule 14). At other times, where something genuine seems to take place - the instantaneous removal of a malady, for example - this can be explained by the devil removing what he himself had caused, as a ploy to make people fall for the whole ancestral spirits business. It is the same game when unauthorised people try to cast out demons. The devil then is free to play all sorts of tricks on them, even pretending to leave, since he is being commanded without authority. Read Acts 19:13-17 where Jewish exorcists were overpowered by the demon when they tried to use the name of Jesus without authority. Canon 1172 lays down that only a priest lawfully deputed by his bishop may perform an exorcism. It is presumptuous, dangerous and disobedient for a layman to undertake such a ritual. Lacking authority from the Church to exorcise, he may expose himself to the power of the demon, whom he imitates by disobedience. The well-known lengthy prayer of Pope Leo XIII against Satan and the rebellious angels is not for use by the laity, said the Holy Office in 1985.
Another thing doing the rounds is a ritual for baptising aborted or miscarried babies (months or even years after the event), involving recital of a prayer and sprinkling Holy Water into the air. I have met people who have followed this ceremony in good faith. But I must say here that baptising miscarried babies is pure fantasy. Sacraments are for the living. No one can baptise the dead. That idea comes straight from the Mormons, who try to baptise all their dead ancestors, back as far as one can go. No one knows for sure what St Paul is referring to when he mentions Corinthians "baptising on behalf of the dead" (1 Corinthians 15:29) - but the Church's teaching rules out any ceremony of baptism administered to those dead and buried. To attempt to do so is the illicit practice of simulating a sacrament. I have even seen a pamphlet saying that women worrying about miscarriages are impeding the happiness of their babies. Nonsense! Babies who die in the womb are in the hands of God. They are certainly not being detained from happiness because of their mothers' worry. The author was probably unaware that he had implied in that pamphlet that such babies were suffering in Hell or Purgatory. Both are impossible here. Naming guardian angels Another New Age practice which has made its way into the Catholic Church is naming your guardian angel. I have heard some people speak of it as if it were a necessary thing to name your angel, and as if it were an age-old practice. It is in fact a New Age fad, never practised or taught by a single Pope or Saint or any notable writer in the whole history of the Church. The Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy issued in 2002* by the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship says, "The practice of assigning names to the holy angels should be discouraged except in the cases of Gabriel, Raphael and Michael whose names are contained in Holy Scripture" (n. 217). Behind it is a desire to tame and control the spirit world. It is disordered to name your angel: the higher names the lower, not the other way around. Parents name their children, not vice versa. We are entrusted to our guardian angels; they are not entrusted to us. I fear that some people, in their mind, have turned their angel into some human friend or pet. In all these matters, there is no better advice than that of St Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:15: "Stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us". Neither subtract from nor add to the teaching of the Church. Many novelties are really the re-appearance of ancient gnostic errors parading as piety, for as St Paul also warns (2 Corinthians 11:14), "even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light". Fr Peter Joseph is serving as Chancellor for the Maronite Diocese of Australia for the next three years. Reprinted from AD 2000, Volume 16 No. 2 (March 2003), page 12 *See page 22 JESUS CHRIST THE BEARER OF THE WATER OF LIFE, A CHRISTIAN REFLECTION ON THE ‘NEW AGE’ http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_interelg_doc_20030203_new-age_en.html #2.2.1. Enchantment: There Must be an Angel One of the most common elements in New Age "spirituality" is a fascination with extraordinary manifestations, and in particular with paranormal entities. People recognised as "mediums" claim that their personality is taken over by another entity during trances in a New Age phenomenon known as "channeling", during which the medium may lose control over his or her body and faculties. Some people who have witnessed these events would willingly acknowledge that the manifestations are indeed spiritual, but are not from God, despite the language of love and light which is almost always used... It is probably more correct to refer to this as a contemporary form of spiritualism, rather than spirituality in a strict sense. Other friends and counsellors from the spirit world are angels (which have become the centre of a new industry of books and paintings). Those who refer to angels in the New Age do so in an unsystematic way; in fact, distinctions in this area are sometimes described as unhelpful if they are too precise, since "there are many levels of guides, entities, energies, and beings in every octave of the universe... They are all there to pick and choose from in relation to your own attraction/repulsion mechanisms".(22) These spiritual entities are often invoked 'non-religiously' to help in relaxation aimed at better decision-making and control of one's life and career. Fusion with some spirits who teach through particular people is another New Age experience claimed by people who refer to themselves as 'mystics'. Some nature spirits are described as powerful energies existing in the natural world and also on the "inner planes": i.e. those which are accessible by the use of rituals, drugs and other techniques for reaching altered states of consciousness. It is clear that, in theory at least, the New Age often recognizes no spiritual authority higher than personal inner experience.
The essential matrix of New Age thinking is to be found in the esoteric-theosophical tradition which was fairly widely accepted in European intellectual circles in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was particularly strong in freemasonry, spiritualism, occultism and theosophy, which shared a kind of esoteric culture. In this world-view, the visible and invisible universes are linked by a series of correspondences, analogies and influences between microcosm and macrocosm, between metals and planets, between planets and the various parts of the human body, between the visible cosmos and the invisible realms of reality. Nature is a living being, shot through with networks of sympathy and antipathy, animated by a light and a secret fire which human beings seek to control. People can contact the upper or lower worlds by means of their imagination (an organ of the soul or spirit), or by using mediators (angels, spirits, devils) or rituals. #7.2 Channeling: Psychic mediums claim to act as channels for information from other selves, usually disembodied entities living on a higher plane. It links beings as diverse as ascended masters, angels, gods, group entities, nature spirits and the Higher Self. Yüklə 402,5 Kb. Dostları ilə paylaş:
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