Conservative Judaism retains a traditional belief in angels although a literal belief in angels isn’t universal among them. Reform Judaism and Reconstructionist Judaism generally don’t believe in angels, rather their references are reserved for metaphorical purposes.
Very true. Among some of the other controversies they argued over, Pharisees and Sadducees would argue over the veracity of angelic beings. Sadducees were considered religious, but not superstitious, as they also did not believe that souls were eternal or that a heavenly realm existed.
The Bible has recorded such quibbles:
Paul knew that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees. So he called out in the Sanhedrin. "My brothers," he said, "I am a Pharisee. I am the son of a Pharisee. I believe that people will rise from the dead. That's why I am on trial."
When he said this, the Pharisees and the Sadducees started to argue. They began to take sides. The Sadducees say that people will not rise from the dead. They don't believe there are angels or spirits either. But the Pharisees believe all these things.
People were causing trouble and making a lot of noise. Some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up. They argued strongly. "We find nothing wrong with this man," they said. "What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?" The arguing got out of hand. The commanding officer was afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by those who were arguing. So he ordered the soldiers to go down and take him away from them by force. They were supposed to bring him into the fort. -Acts 23:6-10
This is the sole occurrence of the word "seraphim" in the canonic Hebrew Bible as heavenly beings.
What do you personally believe of the Seraphim?
"I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death." -Leonardo da Vinci
™ Version 4.2
