Graham A. Cole, former dean emeritus of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, discusses the presence and role of angels throughout history and different cultures. They explore the diverse religious perspectives on angels, including Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Islam, and Greek mythology. The concept of guardian angels and their role in protecting individuals is also examined, along with personal accounts of encounters with angels during a terrorist attack and a school shooting. The podcast concludes by exploring the role of angels in prayer and emphasizing their importance in communication with God.
Angels have been part of human cultures throughout history, associated with significant moments and figures in religious texts like the Bible.
Angels are spiritual creatures created by God, described as messengers and guardians, although the concept of guardian angels is speculative and not explicitly supported in Scripture.
Deep dives
Angels: A Historical and Cultural Presence
Angels have been present in various human cultures throughout history, including in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They are mentioned in religious texts, such as the Bible, and have been associated with significant moments and figures, like the Garden of Eden, the Battle of Jericho, and the birth of Christ. While angels fell out of favor during the Protestant Reformation, they made a comeback in the 20th century, thanks to influential preachers like Martin Lloyd Jones and Billy Graham. Angels have been represented in various forms in art, literature, and popular culture, with names like Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael being popular.
Defining Angels: Spiritual Beings Created to Serve God
Angels are spiritual creatures created by God to serve Him. They are often described as messengers, involved in making God known, communicating messages, and guarding God's people in various situations. Despite the lack of detailed information about the hierarchy and types of angels in the Bible, theologians have speculated about different ranks and classifications, including archangels. While some may believe in the concept of guardian angels assigned to individuals, it is not explicitly supported in Scripture and can be viewed as speculative.
Angels in Popular Culture and the New Age Movement
Angels have been portrayed and interpreted differently in popular culture and the New Age movement. In popular culture, angels have been featured in films, plays, and literature, often associated with guarding or protecting individuals. The New Age movement tends to inflate the personalities of angels and views them as accessible through specific techniques or practices. However, Christianity offers a personal relationship with God rather than a magical approach to angels. The Christian belief is grounded in the authority and teachings of Jesus, who affirmed the existence of angels, aligning with the supernatural orientation of the Christian mind.
Real-Life Encounter with Angels: Reports of Divine Intervention
Real-life accounts suggest that angels have been encountered in situations involving danger and peril. The episode shares the testimony of missionaries in Pakistan who experienced an attack on their school. Despite the tragic event, individuals reported being miraculously saved, pushed out of harm's way, or shielded from bullets. Some have even heard angelic singing during the terrifying ordeal. These personal experiences reinforce the belief in the presence of angels and their involvement in protecting and providing unseen aid in times of need.
Angels are everywhere in history. From winged guardians in Sumerian mythology to the messengers of the Gods in Ancient Greece, to new-age guardian angels, humanity has always been fascinated by these celestial beings. But what does the Bible say about them?
Our guest on this episode is Graham A. Cole. He was dean emeritus and professor of biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago, before his retirement. He formerly worked as the dean of Ridley College in Melbourne. His book Against the Darkness: The Doctrine of Angels, Satan, and Demons is out now.
For extended show notes and transcripts, head to our website.
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