angelology

Angelology is the branch of theology and religious studies that investigates angels—the spiritual beings described as messengers or agents of the divine. It covers their nature, origin, hierarchy, roles, and interactions with humans. The study spans traditions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Zoroastrianism, and is distinct from demonology, which focuses on evil spirits.

Origins and terminology: The term angel comes from the Greek angelos, meaning messenger. In the Hebrew Bible and later Jewish literature, angels serve as agents of God. Christian angelology developed through patristic and medieval theologians. Islamic angelology emerged within Qur'anic exegesis and Hadith literature.

Christian angelology is notable for hierarchies of beings. Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite proposed three hierarchies with three orders each: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones; Dominions, Virtues, Powers; Principalities, Archangels, Angels. Angels perform roles as messengers, guardians, worshipers, and executors of divine will.

Other traditions: In Judaism, angels appear as messengers or agents of God, with figures such as Michael and Gabriel appearing in rabbinic and post-biblical literature. In Islam, angels are created from light and generally lack free will; they perform tasks such as recording deeds, delivering messages (notably Gabriel), and governing cosmic affairs.

In modern scholarship, angelology intersects theology, history, and literary studies. Debates address issues of ontology, free will, and the interpretation of scriptural descriptions. In contemporary culture, angels appear in art, literature, and media, though scholarly work emphasizes historical and textual context.