Angelology

Definition and Meaning

Angelology is the branch of Christian doctrine that deals with what angels are and what they do. The Hebrew word mal'akh and the Greek word angelos, both rendered "angel," originally meant "one who is sent," that is, a messenger. Angelology generally addresses the teaching that angels were created by God, that they serve God and convey His will, and that some angels fell. In Protestant systematic theology (the discipline that sets out Christian doctrine in an orderly, comprehensive way), it is usually included in the sections dealing with creation and providence.

Biblical and Historical Background

The angels mentioned by name in Scripture are Michael (Daniel 10:13; Jude 1:9) and Gabriel (Luke 1:26). The beings who attend God include the seraphim and cherubim (Isaiah 6:2; Genesis 3:24). Hebrews 1:14 calls angels "ministering spirits." Colossians 2:18 and Revelation 22:8–9 warn against worshiping angels. The teaching on fallen angels rests on passages such as 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 1:6, and it leads into the discussion of Satan and demons.

In church history, The Celestial Hierarchy of Pseudo-Dionysius, a work generally dated to around the fifth or sixth century, divided the angels into nine ranks. This scheme exerted great influence on medieval theology. In the Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin discussed angels and devils and cautioned against speculating about the ranks or number of angels, matters on which Scripture is silent. The Catholic Church observes feast days honoring the archangels and the guardian angels, and guardian angels are part of its official teaching.

Practice in the Korean Church

Few Korean Protestant denominations include angelology as a separate article in their confessions of faith. Most treat it in systematic theology courses at seminaries and in doctrinal instruction.

• Presbyterian churches in the Reformed tradition generally limit themselves to describing angels as instruments that serve God's providence. They tend to be wary of detailed accounts of angels based on experience or speculation.
• Methodist and Holiness churches likewise affirm the existence and ministry of angels, but they seldom give the subject particular emphasis in preaching or teaching.
• In Pentecostal and charismatic circles, angelology is frequently discussed in connection with spiritual warfare and deliverance ministry.
• At some gatherings, testimonies of having seen angels or prayers addressed directly to angels are presented. Theologians and pastors from various denominations criticize such practices as liable to drift into the worship of angels that Scripture forbids.
• The concept of guardian angels is discussed on the basis of Matthew 18:10. Within Protestantism, opinion is divided between those who accept the idea and those who regard its biblical basis as weak.

In church life, angels have become familiar images, as seen in the angel roles of Christmas pageants and in Christmas hymns that feature angels.