MODULE ONE
ANGELOLOGY
_ ANGELOLOGY
AN-jel-OUL-uh-jee
Module One
Point One - The Study
The Study of Angels as we Know Them
<> STORY POINT
We begin our study of the angels with what is referred to as Angelology. Angelology is majde up of the prefix, Angel- and the suffix -ology, which means the study of something as in biology, physiology, criminology, and so on. Angelology is the study of angels.
We begin this course on angels with the topic Angelology because it is used in its widest application as the study of just about everything relating to angels. In this module called Angelology we will be touching upon many aspects of angels and then as we proceed through the course, we will refine our lessons with topics that narrow in on subjects that may have been mentioned in this Angelology module.
I will begin with a personal story about myself and why Angelology is a good place to begin our course on angels. I have always had a personal relationship with angels. I can remember as a young boy in elementary school praying to the angels and frequently asking my guardian angel for help. And there have been many times in my life where I have felt the presence of angels.
About 20 years ago or more, I came across something that I purchased and that I use frequently to show my devotion to angels. I bought a large blow-up decoration that some might use as an outdoor Christmas decoration. It was a giant, blow-up of angel that had giant wings and arms extended as ready to hug you. It stood about six-feel tall when fully inflated. After I bought the angel home, I used it as a decoration for Christmas, but also adapted the angel for other purposes.
I have been asked to give talks on the angels many times by various religious groups or youth organizations. So I placed my giant angel in a large plastic bin with wheels so I can easily bring my angel to my talks. I added an extension plug to my angel with a foot pedal, so I can easily inflate my angel while speaking.
And what I do at my talk is to mention that my guardian angel is with me and that sometimes, if we close our eyes and pray the guardian angel prayer, my guardian angel will appear. So when I have the audience close their eyes and pray, I use my footpedal to inflate the angel. When I ask them to open their eyes, I have my huge, giant gurdian angel behind me.
Being a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic church, I give sermons or homilies during weekly masses. And I have used my giant angel in church when I preach on the angels.
Without a doubt, the appearance of this big angel with open arms always brings good laughter and welcomed smiles on everybody's face. Everyone looks forward to my bringing my angel to talks and church events. A lot of particpants like to have their picture taken with the angel behind them.
I mention this because this wonderful angel is a tangible sign of what my topic of discussion is all about, and that is the study of angels, or Angelology.
This bigger-than-life angel represents our topic for this first module, Angelology, and in a very real way, portrays the purpose and nature of angels that we will be discussing.
<> LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this module, you will be able to:
1. Define the meaning of Angelology.
2. Articulate with a basic degree of insight, the origin of angels, including the meaning of the name “angel” and an appreciation and understanding of their nature and purpose.
3. Appreciate a brief history of angels from the earliest records known to a modern-day concept of angels.
4. Understand what role religion has in the history of angels.
5. Learn about the development of angels on earth from a historical timeline.
6. Complete with a degree of satisfaction a short quiz based upon the material presented in this module.
<> THE USE OF NOTES FROM THE AUTHOR
When it is necessary to convey information pertaining to the textual material relating to the immediate subject matter, such information will appear as a “Note” preceding the information.
When information is cited as a textual entry, that citation will appear in parentheses following the information.
Note: All factual material (points of learning) are numbered consecutively throughout the book. Each module will consist of the following: “Main Points of Learning”, “Concluding Points of Learning,” a link to a video*, and a short quiz*.
*Some Modules do not have a video or quiz due to the nature of material. Interspersed between the learninng material are little snippets of poetic thoughts of inspiration called "Poetic Points."
<> POETIC POINT
Angelology -- The Study
In the hush of the infinite, Angelology is the first point of the star,
lighting the way to the questing mind's devotion to the unseen,
where every question is a feather,
and every answer, a glimmer in the vast cathedral of the cosmos.
Here we study not only the angels,
but the yearning in ourselves to touch the divine,
to name the nameless, to see the sacred
in the silent spaces between stars (Copilot/McCormick)
From Scripture
"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14)
"Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all his heavenly hosts." (Psalm 148:2)
Historical Reflection
From the ancient Sumerian Fravashi to the archangels Michael and Gabriel in Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam, the study of angels is a tapestry woven through the beliefs
of countless cultures, each seeking connection with the divine.
<> MAIN POINTS OF LEARNING
Definition of Angelology
_
1. Angelology (AN-jal-OUL-uh-jee) is the study of angels as we know them. The term itself comes from the Greek word “ἄγγελος” (aggelos), meaning “messenger,” and the Hebrew word “מַלְאָךְ” (mal’āḵ), which also translates to “messenger.” Angelology explores the origin, nature, and purpose of angels, considering them as supernatural beings who act as mediators between humanity and the divine. Angels are traditionally believed to have authority over the natural world and are organized into structured classes or hierarchies. The study also examines how angels are depicted across different cultures and religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and ancient civilizations such as Sumerian, Babylonian, Persian, Egyptian, and Greek societies. In these traditions, angels serve as messengers, protectors, and symbols of hope, love, and peace, while fallen angels are associated with chaos and destruction.
The Origin of Angels
Note: The following information, unless otherwise noted, was taken from the author’s personal notes that were accumulated over many years of study. The citation will appear as (McCormick, Personal Notes) after the last entry.
2. The word “angel” is derived from the Greek word ἄγγελος (aggelos), which means messenger. The Hebrew word for angel is מַלְאָךְ (mal’āḵ), which also translates to the word messenger. The word “angel” can commonly be used to describe someone or some body who serves as a messenger.
3. Within some religions, angels are spirit beings who bring messages of truth and help mankind. Fallen angels bring forth messages of untruth and lead people astray, wreaking havoc and chaos, destruction and mayhem in the world. Good angels deliver messages of hope, love, serenity, peace, comfort, and understanding.
The concept of good and bad angels will be discussed in another module in greater detail.
4. Angels are traditionally believed to be supernatural beings who act as mediators between mankind and God. Angels have authority over the natural world and are organized into a structured classes or a set hierarchy. This hierarchy of angels will be discussed in a future lecture.
5. The origin of angels in history is complicated due to angels and similar spirit beings that are found within many cultures around the world. Angels are found within at least three mainstream religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. And angels, or divine helpers, are also found within Sumerian, Babylonian, Persian, Egyptian and Greek writings. Early writings and drawings from these ancient civilizations and cultures influence the very idea of angels in key religions and helped solidify the presence of angels. For example, it is well known that ancient Sumerian texts pre-dated the Hebrew book of Genesis, including the concept of angels (McCormick, Personal Notes).
Note: The following information, unless otherwise noted, was acquired from notes from an online class entitled “Angelology” from Universal Class, Inc., 2010. (http://angels.onlineclasses.com). The citation will appear at the end of the last piece of information as (Angelology, Universal Class).
6. The earliest records known to contain angel artifacts and relics are from the Sumerian culture, and ancient civilization from about c. 3000 BCE. Sumerian homes often had an altar honoring their guardian angel. One of the earliest discovered angel engravings in stone was a winged figure from heaven, pouring the water of life into the king’s cup. Temple walls and the entrances to palaces had painted images of protectors of winged beings who were also worshiped and were similar to the Cherubim and Seraphim of today. Cherubim and Seraphim are part of the hierarchy of angels which will be discussed in a future lecture.
7. We tend to associate the earliest angels with Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Muslim, and Hebrew faiths. Their appearance on earth took place long before the birth of Christ. Angels have been present in almost every culture that has been studied since the beginning of recorded time, not as we know angels today, but as some sort of winged spirit being that evolved over the history of the world to the angels as we know them.
8. In 660 BC, Zoroaster, a Persian, promoted the idea of one God, and was the first person known to actually see the angels. He was allowed to be in their presence and learn of their roles in God’s plan. Zoroaster is responsible for the teaching that we each have a guardian angel assigned to watch over us throughout our life (McCormick, Personal Notes).
9. The Sumerians believed that each person had a “ghost” of some sort, what we now call our guardian angel. These angels were considered to be a constant companion for a person throughout their life. Altars that appear to be dedicated to guardian angels have been found in the excavations of ancient Sumerian homes, along with stone engravings and temple wall paintings of human figures with wings. After the polytheistic Semitic tribes had conquered the Sumerians around 1900 BC, their mythical cosmology borrowed the notion of angels from the vanquished Sumerians (Ebbs).
10. Angels are also present in mythology. The Valkyries in Norse mythology were angels who gifted battle heroes to Valhalla, or heaven. Taking several forms over time, these angels, as in other instances, freely traveled between heaven and earth as workers and messengers. Angels also appear prominently in Greek and Celtic mythology in basically the same capacity, as helpers and messengers.
11. Mythological angels are not always on the side of light and purity and have often been portrayed as “fallen” from grace through their attraction to earthly things or obsession with their egos. These were thought to be a source of confusion, pain, and suffering for anyone they encountered. Angels are still associate in many circles with the “occult” (Angelology, Universal Class).
Note: The following information, unless otherwise noted, is taken from Ebbs, Richard. “Angels – A History of Angels in Western Thought,” 2006. The citation at the end of the material will appear as )Ebbs).
12. Sumerian society is the oldest society that has left us clear evidence of the use of a winged human. This evidence is in the form of stone carvings, either in the form of three-D statues or relief carvings that provide the illusion of three-dimension figures. Sumerian culture flourished around 3000 BC between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in present-day Iraq (Ebbs).
13. The religion of these people was complex, embracing a wide variety of spirits and gods, but of particular interest was their belief in messengers of the gods, spiritual forces who ran errands between gods and humans.
14. Sumerian domination in the Middle East came to an end around 2000 BC, when the Sumerians were defeated by opposing military and the overlapping Assyrian and Babylonian cultures took over. Winged figures can also be found among the icons of ancient Assyria and Babylonia.
15. Where did the notion of an angel come from before Sumeria? Almost certainly, the motif of a winged human figure goes back much further than Sumeria. Without a doubt, the motifs that were found almost certainly go back into the unknown past, the realms of unrecorded history. Recent evidence suggest that this is the case (Ebbs).
Note: The following timeline and comments, unless otherwise noted, were taken from a personal communication, between this author, Robert W. McCormick and Copilot, Microsoft, October 19, 2025. The citation will appear at the end of the material as (McCormick/Copilot).
Historical timeline of the Development of Angels on Earth
Note: Module Five – ANGELOSOPHY will expand on the different religions and cultures that are mentioned in this timeline.
Note: In using historical chronology, the following information will be helpful.
When c. is used before or after a time, it is an abbreviation for the Latin word “circa,” which means about or around, indicating as estimation of time.
BC and AD are time references measured before Christ’s birth. BC is the abbreviation for “Before Christ,” and AD is the abbreviation for Anno Domini, meaning “in the year of the Lord.”
Years using the BC after the number are counted backwards as in 500 BC, 400 BC, 300 BC, and so on. Years using the AD, usually before the number, are counted forwards as in AD 300, AD 400, AD 500, and so on.
A modern and all-inclusive way of indicating time is to use the BCE in place of BC. BCE is an abbreviation for “Before the Common Era.” And using CE in place of AD. CE is the abbreviation for Common Era.
Note: The following time line is a compilation of personal notes and a personal communication between this author, Robert W. McCormick, and CoPilot, Microsoft, October 29, 2025.
A Timeline of Angels in Relation to Various Religions
Ancient Civilizations (c. 3000 - 500 BCE)
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Mesopotamia, Babylon, Persia: Early concepts of intermediary beings—gods, spirits, and messengers—appear in mythologies. Winged figures like Nike (Greek) and Eros are precursors to later angelic imagery. Spirits and messengers act as intermediaries between gods and humans. Winged beings appear in art and mythology.
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Egypt: Winged deities like Isis symbolize protection and divine power.
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Greco-Roman World: Winged figures such as Nike (victory) and Eros (love) inspire later angelic imagery.
Zoroastrianism (c. 1000 BCE)
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Persia: Zoroastrianism introduces the Amesha Spentas and Yazatas, celestial beings who serve as guardians and messengers. This is considered the first true monotheistic angelology.
Hebrew Scriptures and Judaism (c. 1000 BCE – 500 BCE)
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Early Judaism: Angels (mal’akh) are messengers and agents of God. The Hebrew Bible mentions angels as protectors, destroyers, and worshippers. Only Michael and Gabriel are named.
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Cherubim and Seraphim described as guardians and worshippers, often with awe-inspiring features.
Post-Exilic (Second Temple) Judaism (c. 500 BCE – 70 BCE)
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Books of Enoch an Apocrypha: development of angelic hierarchies, named angels, and the concept of fallen angels.
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Influence of Persian and Hellenistic thought: Shapes Jewish angelology. Books of Daniel and Enoch introduce angelic hierarchies and apocalyptic roles.
Christianity (1st Century CE - Present)
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New Testament: Angels announce key events (e.g., birth of Christ), protect, and guide believers. Michael and Gabriel are prominent.
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Late Antiquity (4th–6th centuries CE): Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite formalizes the “Celestial Hierarchy” with nine orders: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, Angels.
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Middle Ages & Renaissance: Angelology flourishes in theology, art, and literature. Angels are depicted with wings and human forms. Scholastic philosophers like Thomas Aquinas describe angels as “pure intellects”.
Islam (7th Century CE - Present)
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Qur’an: Angels (malak) are created from light, serve as messengers, record deeds, and guard paradise. Key angels include Jibreel (Gabriel) and Mikail (Michael). Artistic depictions are rare due to religious restrictions.
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Islamic angelology: Emphasizes obedience, purity, and lack of free will.
Eastern Religions (Hinduism & Buddhism)
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Hinduism: Devas are celestial beings who maintain cosmic order and interact with humans. They are worshipped as minor deities.
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Buddhism: Devas and bodhisattvas serve as protectors and guides, helping practitioners on the path to enlightenment.
Medieval and Renaissance Europe (1000–1600 CE)
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Christian Angelology: Hierarchies and roles of angels are further systematized. Angels become central figures in religious art, literature, and philosophy.
Modern Era (1600 CE – Present)
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Enlightenment: Scientific thinking challenges literal belief in angels, but they remain influential in literature and philosophy.
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Angels in Literature, Art, and Popular Culture: Medieval paintings, stained glass, novels, films, and new age spirituality.
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Beliefs: Angels are reinterpreted in New Age spirituality as spirit guides. Popular culture depicts angels as benevolent, winged beings, often diverging from traditional religious descriptions (Copilot).
16. The history of angels spans thousands of years and multiple cultures. From ancient winged spirits to complex religious hierarchies and modern pop culture icons, angels have served as messengers, protector, and symbols of hope, mystery, and the divine (McCormick/Copilot).
<> POETIC POINT
Angelology is the study of the unseen architecture of compassion --
the quiet science of wings, whispers, and watchfulness.
It is the attempt to map what cannot be measured,
to name what has always been guiding us,
from just beyond the veil of ordinary sight,
to the brightness of the guiding star (McCormick/Copilot).
<> CONCLUDING POINTS OF LEARNING
Note: The following textual material, unless otherwise noted, was acquired from personal communication between this author, Robert W. McCormick, and Copilot, Microsoft, October 19, 2025.
17. Angels have captivated human imagination for thousands of years, appearing as messengers, protectors, and symbols of the divine across cultures. The word “angel” derives from the Greek angelos, meaning “messenger,” and the Hebrew mal’akh, which carries a similar meaning. Although their forms and functions have evolved over time, angels consistently serve as intermediaries between the human and the sacred, embodying hope, mystery, and transcendence.
18. The earliest roots of angelic beings can be traced to Mesopotamian, Babylonian, and Persian traditions, where spirits and messengers bridged the gap between gods and mortals. In these societies, supernatural beings often took on protective or guiding roles, sometimes depicted with wings to symbolize their ability to move between realms.
19. Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, introduced spiritual entities known as Yazatas and Amesha Spentas, who served as divine helpers and guardians. These concepts influenced later Jewish and Christian angelology.
20. In Egyptian mythology, deities such as Isis were portrayed with wings, signifying their divine power and protective nature. Similarly, Greco-Roman mythology featured winged figures like Nike (the goddess of victory) and Eros (the god of love), whose imagery would later inspire artistic depictions of angels.
21. The Hebrew Bible presents angels as mal’akhim—messengers of God who appear in pivotal moments to deliver guidance, protection, or judgment. The Angel of the Lord is a recurring figure, sometimes indistinguishable from God Himself, who intervenes in the lives of patriarchs and prophets.
22. Two prominent classes of angels, the Cherubim and Seraphim, are described as awe-inspiring beings. Cherubim guard sacred spaces, such as the Garden of Eden and the Ark of the Covenant, while Seraphim are depicted as fiery attendants who worship God. These angels are often portrayed with multiple wings and otherworldly features, emphasizing their power and mystery.
23. During the Second Temple period (circa 500 BCE–70 CE), Jewish thought about angels became increasingly elaborate. Influenced by Persian dualism and Hellenistic philosophy, Jewish texts such as the Book of Enoch introduced detailed hierarchies of angels, assigning them names, ranks, and specific duties. This era also saw the emergence of the concept of fallen angels — beings who rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven, a theme that would resonate in later Christian and Islamic traditions.
24. The development of angelology during this period laid the groundwork for the complex systems of angels found in Christianity and Islam.
25. Christianity inherited and expanded upon Jewish angelology, integrating angels into its theology, scripture, and art. In the New Testament, angels play crucial roles: Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus to Mary, angels herald Jesus’ birth to shepherds, as angels appear at key moments in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
26. Early Christian theologians, such as Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, developed intricate hierarchies of angels, dividing them into nine orders (Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels). This celestial hierarchy influenced centuries of Christian thought and artistic representation. This hierarchy of angels will be discussed more deeply in a future lecture.
27. Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, angels became prominent in Christian art and literature. They were depicted as radiant, benevolent beings, often with flowing robes and feathered wings, serving as guardians, messengers, and symbols of divine presence.
28. In Islamic tradition, angels are essential spiritual beings created from light. The Qur’an names several key angels, each with distinct roles:
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Jibril (Gabriel): Delivers revelations to prophets, including Muhammad.
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Mikail (Michael): Provides sustenance and oversees natural phenomena.
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Israfil: Will blow the trumpet to signal the Day of Judgment.
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Azrael: The angel of death, responsible for taking souls.
29. Angels in Islam are believed to be ever-present, recording human deeds, guiding souls, and executing God’s will. While their roles share similarities with those in Judaism and Christianity, Islamic angelology emphasizes their obedience, purity, and lack of free will
30. Beyond the Abrahamic faiths, angels or angel-like beings appear in Gnostic, Zoroastrian, and other spiritual traditions, often as cosmic forces or guides. In Gnosticism, for example, angels serve as intermediaries between the divine and the material world.
31. In modern times, angels have transcended religious boundaries to become enduring symbols in literature, art, and popular culture. From medieval paintings and stained-glass windows to contemporary films, novels, and new age spirituality, angels are depicted as guardians, guides, and emblems of hope. Their imagery continues to evolve, reflecting humanity’s fascination with the idea of benevolent, transcendent beings.
32. The history of angels is a tapestry woven from the beliefs, hopes, and imaginations of countless cultures. From ancient winged spirits to complex religious hierarchies and modern pop culture icons, angels have served as messengers, protectors, and symbols of the divine. Their enduring presence in human thought and creativity speaks to a universal longing for connection with something greater—a hope that, somewhere beyond the visible world, benevolent forces watch over and guide us (Copilot/McCormick).
<> POETIC POINT
Angelology is the doorway of wonder,
where the mind knocks before mystery,
and begins to learn the language of light.
It is the first breath of curiosity
that awakens the soul to the presence
that has aways illuminated the way (Copilot).
Watch the video
The History of Angels
Then take the Quiz
A PRAYER
May wonder remain your companion,
and curiosity your star in the sky.
May you never lose the language of light,
nor forget the angel that walks beside you unseen.
Blessed be your seeking,
for every question is a doorway to the divine,
And every answer the light to the truth (Copilot).