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Author Topic:   Angelic and Demonic Perceptions
Bailey
Member (Idle past 4370 days)
Posts: 574
From: Earth
Joined: 08-24-2003


Message 1 of 16 (419101)
08-31-2007 10:16 PM


Many denominations and people have debated the reality and allegory of angels and demons for thousands of years.
Sometimes portrayed in fine art as white-robed winged figures of human form, often considered to be God’s most intimate creation until the ordinance of mankind was established. Found in many religions and spoken of often in Scripture (— ("mal'ach")), presumably working behind the scenes, existing to execute God’s will in the Spirit realm and on Earth, never doubting God’s existence and infinite display of Wisdom and Justice. They are partakers of the Heavens and considered by some to be spiritual beings superior to humans in power and intelligence. Their name can be derived from Old English engel & Anglo-French angele; and from Late Latin angelus, as well as Greek (a) angelos, literally translated as messenger.
Perhaps they are but a figment of the creative mind of humanity representing the idealisms of love and general good notions mankind has the option to pursue. Are these heavenly “angels” merely a benevolent conception mirroring the inspirations for faith and hope? Are angel’s truly spiritual beings? We’re they drafted by God to protect and serve all mankind as the police of the universe?
The idea of demons is as old as religion itself, stirring the cauldron of duality. Sometimes considered to be “fallen angels”, they are connotative of prideful, disobedient, mischievous creatures. Speculatively, their jealousy for the creation God establishes in His own image causes an upheaval; in turn a third of the order of the angels fall from grace by rebelling against God, disturbing the delicate balance of the universe. Some people believe that demons were expelled from the Heavens for the interdicted and unsanctioned sin of interbreeding with the women of the Earth, giving rise to a race of half-human giants known as the Nephilim. The word demon can be traced from ancient origins by Late Latin daemon evil spirit, from Latin divinity, spirit, and from Greek daimOn, most likely from daiesthai meaning to distribute or divide.
Perhaps they are only a figment of mankind’s imagination brought to life by the inherent nature of pride or greed. Are these evil “demons” simply an illusion reflecting the concepts of mayhem and anarchy? Do they really exist as non-corporeal entities on a forbidden mission to destroy the human race?
A study is in order to examine the Scriptural evidence and relative allegory surrounding these age old impressions.
Anyone interested .
Bible Study . Faith & Belief??

Mercy Trumps Judgement,
Love Weary
Paul the humble... writes:
"I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing."

Replies to this message:
 Message 6 by Bailey, posted 09-01-2007 12:56 PM Bailey has not replied
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AdminBuzsaw
Inactive Member


Message 2 of 16 (419104)
08-31-2007 10:30 PM


Thread moved here from the Proposed New Topics forum.

Replies to this message:
 Message 3 by Bailey, posted 08-31-2007 10:36 PM AdminBuzsaw has replied

  
Bailey
Member (Idle past 4370 days)
Posts: 574
From: Earth
Joined: 08-24-2003


Message 3 of 16 (419106)
08-31-2007 10:36 PM
Reply to: Message 2 by AdminBuzsaw
08-31-2007 10:30 PM


Thank you Buz
I wanted to thank you for the expedited promotion.
Thank you
Very much appreciated!!
p.s. pbee will be thrilled
Edited by Bailey, : No reason given.

Mercy Trumps Judgement,
Love Weary
Paul the humble... writes:
"I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing."

This message is a reply to:
 Message 2 by AdminBuzsaw, posted 08-31-2007 10:30 PM AdminBuzsaw has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 4 by pbee, posted 08-31-2007 11:42 PM Bailey has not replied
 Message 5 by AdminBuzsaw, posted 09-01-2007 9:09 AM Bailey has not replied

  
pbee
Member (Idle past 6028 days)
Posts: 339
Joined: 06-20-2007


Message 4 of 16 (419108)
08-31-2007 11:42 PM
Reply to: Message 3 by Bailey
08-31-2007 10:36 PM


Re: Thank you Buz
I second that also, thank-you for the rapid response.
Since the announcement of the proposed topic, I have been contemplating ways to present my own research and findings on this topic. I have read numerous posts expressing beliefs which seemed to revolve heavily on the misinterpretations of the angelic forces referenced in the scriptures.
My own research has lead me to concluded that the Creator has spirit creatures in the heavenly realm. These are invisible to us, and they are powerful. We have strong scriptural evidence to support that spirit creatures, just as God’s earthly creatures, also bare independent thoughts and intelligence complete with their own personalities and individuality.
It is of my own opinion that we could obtain a wealth of groundwork with a comprehensive understanding of the angelic forces of heaven mentioned within the scriptural records.
PS. I am preparing a compilation of references and footnote material in preparation for this topic. It should be ready sometime this evening.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by Bailey, posted 08-31-2007 10:36 PM Bailey has not replied

  
AdminBuzsaw
Inactive Member


Message 5 of 16 (419133)
09-01-2007 9:09 AM
Reply to: Message 3 by Bailey
08-31-2007 10:36 PM


Re: Thank you Buz
Happy to accomodate. I liked the efficiency in your OP and it should prove to be an informative and interesting topic.

For ideological balance on the EvC admin team as a Biblical creationist.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by Bailey, posted 08-31-2007 10:36 PM Bailey has not replied

  
Bailey
Member (Idle past 4370 days)
Posts: 574
From: Earth
Joined: 08-24-2003


Message 6 of 16 (419184)
09-01-2007 12:56 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Bailey
08-31-2007 10:16 PM


Nature of Seraphim
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.
The rationalist view of angels, held by Jewish philosopher Moses Maimonides and others, harshly states that the average person's understanding of the term "angel" is ignorant in the extreme. The wise man, according to Maimonides, understands that what the Bible and Talmud refer to as "angels" are actually metaphors for laws of nature, or the principles by which the universe operates.
Consider, it’s said the seraphim surround the throne of God, singing the music of the spheres (universal music) and regulating the movement of the heavens as it emanates from God. Musica universalis is an ancient philosophical concept that regards proportions in the movements of celestial bodies ” the Sun, Moon, and planets ” as a form of music. This 'music' is not literally audible, but simply a harmonic and/or mathematical concept. The Greek mathematician and astronomer Pythagoras is frequently credited with originating the concept.
The Judaic angelic hierarchy is different from Christian theology.
In the Christian angelic hierarchy, seraphim represent the highest known rank of angels as opposed to the fifth rank in the Judaic hierarchy. At some point Jewish imagery perceived Seraphim as having human form, and in that perception they passed into the ranks of Christian angels. There are only two angels I know of in the Greek and Hebrew Bible mentioned by name: Michael (the “archangel“)
Revelations writes:
And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back
and Gabriel.
Daniel 8 writes:
15 While I, Daniel, was watching the vision and trying to understand it, there before me stood one who looked like a man. 16 And I heard a man's voice from the Ulai calling, "Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the vision."
17 As he came near the place where I was standing, I was terrified and fell prostrate. "Son of man," he said to me, "understand that the vision concerns the time of the end
The Seraphim mentioned in Isaiah serve as the caretakers of God's throne and continuously sing his praises.
Isaiah 6: 1-4 writes:
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory."
4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
This is the sole occurrence of the word "seraphim" in the canonic Hebrew Bible as heavenly beings.
Edited by Bailey, : edit

Mercy Trumps Judgement,
Love Weary
Paul the humble... writes:
"I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing."

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Bailey, posted 08-31-2007 10:16 PM Bailey has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 12 by Archer Opteryx, posted 09-02-2007 3:42 AM Bailey has replied
 Message 14 by Hyroglyphx, posted 09-03-2007 12:02 PM Bailey has replied

  
Bailey
Member (Idle past 4370 days)
Posts: 574
From: Earth
Joined: 08-24-2003


Message 7 of 16 (419207)
09-01-2007 2:35 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Bailey
08-31-2007 10:16 PM


Seraphim & Fallen Seraphim as Watchers
In different texts some in the rank of seraphim are referred to as the Watchers. Early mystical Hebrew sects organized these Watchers and formed their own Archangel hierarchy. According to this system the Watchers were ruled over by four great Watchers known as the archangel Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Auriel. In the Old Testament there is specific reference made to the Irin, or Watchers, which does appear to be an order of angels.
KJV Daniel 4 writes:
13I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;
14He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:
15Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:
16Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.
17This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
A French theologian of the 16th Century, named Sinistrari, spoke of beings that existed between Humans and Angels. Sinistrari attributed bodies of fire, air, earth, and water to these non corporeal beings, and concluded that the Watchers were made of fire and air. He called them demons and associates them with the elemental natures of Earth, Air, Fire and Water. In many Wiccan traditions the Watchers are the guardians of the portals to other realms, protectors of "the ritual circle", and witnesses to the rites that have been kept down through the Ages. Each of the ruling Watchers oversees a Watchtower, which is now a portal marking one of the four quarters of "the ritual circle". These may’ve been partial adoptions borrowed from certain Gnostic sects in the early days of Christianity
In early Hebrew lore the Irin are a high order of angels that sit on the supreme Judgment Council of the Heavenly Court. In the Apocryphal Books of Enoch and Jubilees, the Watchers are sent to Earth to teach law and justice to humankind. Some common associations found in various texts regarding the Watchers are:
1. Araqiel: taught the signs of the earth.
2. Armaros: taught the resolving of enchantments.
3. Azazel: taught the art of cosmetics.
4. Barqel: taught astrology.
5. Ezequeel: taught the knowledge of the clouds.
6. Gadreel: taught the making of weapons of war.
7. Kokabeel: taught the mystery of the Stars.
8. Penemue: taught writing.
9. Sariel: taught the knowledge of the Moon.
10. Semjaza: taught Herbal enchantments.
11. Shamshiel: taught the signs of the Sun.
It's these same angels who are referred to as the Sons of God in the Book of Genesis. According to Christian mythology their "sins" filled the Earth with violence and the world was destroyed as a result of their intervention.
Genesis 6:2 writes:
...the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose.
Richard Cavendish also supposes a portion of the Watchers are fallen angels which magicians call forth in ceremonial magic. Cavendish mentions that the Watchers were so named because they were stars, the "eyes of night." In his book, The Powers of Evil, he makes references to the biblical giants possibly being in relation to the Giants or Titans of Greek Mythology. He refers to the Nephilm in Genesis
Genesis 6:4 writes:
The Nephilim were on the earth in those days”and also afterward”when the sons of God went to the daughters of the human beings and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown
Enoch, a direct descendant of Adam and ancestor of Noah, is believed by some to have been taken away by God and became known as the angel Metatron. Metatron ployed a small role in the movie Dogma. Enoch is also identified by some scholars of Islam as the Idris (Arabic: ‘‘‘’‘ ), although the quran does not give enough information about Idris to support this.
The introduction to the Book of Enoch tells us that Enoch was "just man, whose eyes were opened by God so that he saw vision of the Holy One in the heavens, which the sons of God showed to me, and from them I heard everything, and I knew what I saw, but [these things that I saw will] not [come to pass] for this generation, but for a generation that has yet to come."
It discusses God coming to Earth on Mount Sinai with his hosts to pass judgement on mankind. It also tells us about the luminaries rising and setting in the order and in their own time and never change.
Enoch writes:
"Observe and see how (in the winter) all the trees seem as though they had withered and shed all their leaves, except fourteen trees, which do not lose their foliage but retain the old foliage from two to three years till the new comes."
How all things are ordained by God and take place in his own time. The sinners shall perish and the great and the good shall live on in light, joy and peace.
"And all His works go on thus from year to year for ever, and all the tasks which they accomplish for Him, and their tasks change not, but according as God hath ordained so is it done."
The first section of the book depicts the interaction of the fallen angels with mankind;the kingpin Smazz compels the other 199 fallen angels to take human wives to "beget us children".
Enoch writes:
"And Semjz, who was their leader, said unto them: 'I fear ye will not indeed agree to do this deed, and I alone shall have to pay the penalty of a great sin.' And they all answered him and said: 'Let us all swear an oath, and all bind ourselves by mutual imprecations not to abandon this plan but to do this thing.'. Then sware they all together and bound themselves by mutual imprecations upon it. And they were in all two hundred; who descended in the days of Jared on the summit of Mount Hermon, and they called it Mount Hermon, because they had sworn and bound themselves by mutual imprecations upon it."
The names of the leaders are given as "Samyaza (Shemyazaz), their leader, Araqiel, Rml, Kokabiel, Tamiel, Ramiel, Daniel, Chazaqiel, Baraqiel, Asael, Armaros, Batariel, Ananiel, Zaqiel, Shamsiel, Satariel, Turiel, Yomiel, Sariel."
This results in the creation of the Nephilim (Genesis) or Anakim/Anak (Giants) as they are described in the book:
Enoch writes:
"And they became pregnant, and they bare great giants, whose height was three thousand ells [the Ethiopian text gives 300 cubits (135 meters), which is probably a corruption of 30 cubits (13.5 meters)]: Who consumed all the acquisitions of men. And when men could no longer sustain them, the giants turned against them and devoured mankind. And they began to sin against birds, and beasts, and reptiles, and fish, and to devour one another's flesh, and drink the blood."
It also discusses the teaching of humans by the fallen angels, namely Azzl:
Enoch writes:
"And Azzl taught men to make swords, and knives, and shields, and breastplates, and made known to them the metals of the earth and the art of working them, and bracelets, and ornaments, and the use of antimony, and the beautifying of the eyelids, and all kinds of costly stones, and all colouring tinctures. And there arose much godlessness, and they committed fornication, and they were led astray, and became corrupt in all their ways. Semjz taught enchantments, and root-cuttings, Armrs the resolving of enchantments, Barqjl, taught astrology, Kkabl the constellations, Ezql the knowledge of the clouds, Araqil the signs of the earth, Shamsil the signs of the sun, and Saril the course of the moon."
Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel appeal to God to judge the inhabitants of the world and the fallen angels. Uriel is then sent by God to tell Noah of the coming apocalypse and what he needs to do.
Enoch writes:
"Then said the Most High, the Holy and Great One spoke, and sent Uriel to the son of Lamech, and said to him: Go to Noah and tell him in my name "Hide thyself!" and reveal to him the end that is approaching: that the whole earth will be destroyed, and a deluge is about to come upon the whole earth, and will destroy all that is on it. And now instruct him that he may escape and his seed may be preserved for all the generations of the world."
God commands Raphael to imprison Azzl:
Enoch writes:

"the Lord said to Raphael: 'Bind Azzl hand and foot, and cast him into the darkness: and make an opening in the desert, which is in Ddl (Gods Kettle/Crucible/Cauldron), and cast him therein. And place upon him rough and jagged rocks, and cover him with darkness, and let him abide there for ever, and cover his face that he may not see light. And on the day of the great judgement he shall be cast into the fire. And heal the earth which the angels have corrupted, and proclaim the healing of the earth, that they may heal the plague, and that all the children of men may not perish through all the secret things that the Watchers have disclosed and have taught their sons. And the whole earth has been corrupted through the works that were taught by Azzl: to him ascribe all sin."
God gave Gabriel instructions concerning the Nephilim and the imprisonment of the fallen angels:
"And to Gabriel said the Lord: 'Proceed against the biters and the reprobates, and against the children of fornication: and destroy [the children of fornication and] the children of the Watchers from amongst men [and cause them to go forth]: send them one against the other that they may destroy each other in battle"
The Lord commands Michael to bind the fallen angels.
Enoch writes:
"And the Lord said unto Michael: 'Go, bind Semjz and his associates who have united themselves with women so as to have defiled themselves with them in all their uncleanness. 12. And when their sons have slain one another, and they have seen the destruction of their beloved ones, bind them fast for seventy generations in the valleys of the earth, till the day of their judgement and of their consummation, till the judgement that is for ever and ever is consummated. 13. In those days they shall be led off to the abyss of fire: (and) to the torment and the prison in which they shall be confined for ever. And whosoever shall be condemned and destroyed will from thenceforth be bound together with them to the end of all generations."
Edited by Bailey, : spelling

Mercy Trumps Judgement,
Love Weary
Paul the humble... writes:
"I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing."

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Bailey, posted 08-31-2007 10:16 PM Bailey has not replied

  
CK
Member (Idle past 4128 days)
Posts: 3221
Joined: 07-04-2004


Message 8 of 16 (419208)
09-01-2007 2:39 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Bailey
08-31-2007 10:16 PM


but what do they do?
Let's assume those angels and demons exist on earth - what do they do? How do they interact with us?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Bailey, posted 08-31-2007 10:16 PM Bailey has not replied

  
AdminBuzsaw
Inactive Member


Message 9 of 16 (419228)
09-01-2007 4:24 PM


Topic Control
Hi Bailey. Your OP to this thread which I promoted appeared to indicate the evil angelic/demonic aspect of beings for this thread.
I'm concerned that where you are going from the OP is another topic, i.e. the good angelic realm. There may be occasion to incorporate reference to the good guys but only when it has some application to your OP perse. Trying to do both topics in one thread with only one applicable to the OP is not consistent with Forum Guidelines #2 which states thus:
FG#2 writes:
Please stay on topic for a thread. Open a new thread for new topics.
IF YOU WISH TO DISCUSS THIS ACTION, PLEASE DO SO IN THE MODERATION FORUM. THANKS.

For ideological balance on the EvC admin team as a Biblical creationist.

  
AdminBuzsaw
Inactive Member


Message 10 of 16 (419229)
09-01-2007 4:32 PM


Clarification Of Action
Hi again, Bailey. My action was pertaining primarily to (abe: some statements in) message 6. From there I have no problem with where you are going. Feel free to carry on keeping the emphasis on your OP. Thanks
Edited by AdminBuzsaw, : No reason given.
Edited by AdminBuzsaw, : No reason given.
Edited by AdminBuzsaw, : No reason given.

For ideological balance on the EvC admin team as a Biblical creationist.

Replies to this message:
 Message 11 by Bailey, posted 09-01-2007 5:03 PM AdminBuzsaw has replied

  
Bailey
Member (Idle past 4370 days)
Posts: 574
From: Earth
Joined: 08-24-2003


Message 11 of 16 (419231)
09-01-2007 5:03 PM
Reply to: Message 10 by AdminBuzsaw
09-01-2007 4:32 PM


Re: Clarification Of Action
Buz writes:
Hi Bailey. Your OP to this thread which I promoted appeared to indicate the evil angelic/demonic aspect of beings for this thread...I'm concerned that where you are going from the OP is another topic, i.e. the good angelic realm...Trying to do both topics in one thread with only one applicable to the OP is not consistent with Forum Guidelines #2 ]
Originally I was trying to capture the duality of two Angelic and Demonic Perceptions in the OP...
1)non corporeal / literal existence of both
vs.
2)allegory / symboliic existence or both
Along with the nature and speculative role each may play in the universe and realm of thought in respect to purpose/ duties, contrasting symbolisms.
Perhaps this is too much to cover in one thread.
It'd be challenging to keep things on point.
The "Nature of the Seraphim" was to provided to foreshadow the substance of the Watchers as archangel/demonic entities
(Michael/Semjz, Raphael/Azzl).
Thanks for your interest and guidance.

Mercy Trumps Judgement,
Love Weary
Paul the humble... writes:
"I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing."

This message is a reply to:
 Message 10 by AdminBuzsaw, posted 09-01-2007 4:32 PM AdminBuzsaw has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 16 by AdminBuzsaw, posted 09-05-2007 12:35 AM Bailey has not replied

  
Archer Opteryx
Member (Idle past 3598 days)
Posts: 1811
From: East Asia
Joined: 08-16-2006


Message 12 of 16 (419321)
09-02-2007 3:42 AM
Reply to: Message 6 by Bailey
09-01-2007 12:56 PM


Maimonides
Bailey:
The rationalist view of angels, held by Jewish philosopher Moses Maimonides and others, harshly states that the average person's understanding of the term "angel" is ignorant in the extreme. The wise man, according to Maimonides, understands that what the Bible and Talmud refer to as "angels" are actually metaphors for laws of nature, or the principles by which the universe operates.
Moses ben Maimon ('Maimonides' or 'Rambam') wasn't 'harsh.' He was just a strict monotheist.
Judaism is a monotheistic religion (Deut 6.4). How many heavenly beings belief in 'one God' allows for, if any, has long been a subject of debate. (NT 'Pharisees' vs 'Sadducess' etc)
Interested readers will find an excellent introduction to the thought of this philosopher at the Stanford site:
Maimonides (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
___

Archer
All species are transitional.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 6 by Bailey, posted 09-01-2007 12:56 PM Bailey has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 13 by Bailey, posted 09-02-2007 5:23 AM Archer Opteryx has not replied

  
Bailey
Member (Idle past 4370 days)
Posts: 574
From: Earth
Joined: 08-24-2003


Message 13 of 16 (419328)
09-02-2007 5:23 AM
Reply to: Message 12 by Archer Opteryx
09-02-2007 3:42 AM


Re: Maimonides
Arch writes:
Moses ben Maimon ('Maimonides' or 'Rambam') wasn't 'harsh
Many of Maimonides perceptions were derived from his stringent pursuit of philosophy. This is one of the reasons his teachings persevere for so many as an insightful tool of understanding to this day. Thank you for the link.
Be good.

Mercy Trumps Judgement,
Love Weary
Paul the humble... writes:
"I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing."

This message is a reply to:
 Message 12 by Archer Opteryx, posted 09-02-2007 3:42 AM Archer Opteryx has not replied

  
Hyroglyphx
Inactive Member


Message 14 of 16 (419524)
09-03-2007 12:02 PM
Reply to: Message 6 by Bailey
09-01-2007 12:56 PM


Re: Nature of Seraphim
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

This message is a reply to:
 Message 6 by Bailey, posted 09-01-2007 12:56 PM Bailey has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 15 by Bailey, posted 09-04-2007 3:05 AM Hyroglyphx has not replied

  
Bailey
Member (Idle past 4370 days)
Posts: 574
From: Earth
Joined: 08-24-2003


Message 15 of 16 (419669)
09-04-2007 3:05 AM
Reply to: Message 14 by Hyroglyphx
09-03-2007 12:02 PM


Re: Nature of Seraphim
nemesis writes:
What do you personally believe of the Seraphim?
I've yet to form an educated opinion / believe...
do you have any input?
What is your believe?
Be good nemesis...

Mercy Trumps Judgement,
Love Weary
Paul the humble... writes:
"I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing."

This message is a reply to:
 Message 14 by Hyroglyphx, posted 09-03-2007 12:02 PM Hyroglyphx has not replied

  
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