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Lifted by Angels: The Presence and Power of Our Heavenly Guides and Guardians
Explores the relationship between people and angels, through the eyes of the early church.
Heaven is closer than we realize. Its boundaries overlap our own, and angels move in and out of our porous present, this moment that seems to us so solid and concrete. If that reality seems dim to us now, it beamed for the early Christians. Through their writings, sermons, songs, and art, the ancient faithful confessed a powerful and vivid belief that angels help carry us on our journey to God.
Rooted in the Scripture and following this ancient understanding, Lifted by Angels
the role that angels play in the lives of people and in God’s plan of salvationthe different ranks and functions of angelshow Satan and his demons fell from grace and plagued humansthe functions of guardian angels and how God assigns them to fit our personal needshow guardian angels help us resist evil, temptation, and the devilthe way angels join with us in our prayers, even adding their own to oursthe service angels provide in worshipFeaturing examples of angels in ancient icons and frescoes and supported by extensive research on the early church and its pastors, poets, theologians, and artists, Lifted by Angels answers universal curiosity about angels and the unseen world, leaving readers inspired and hopeful about the nearness of God.
Heaven is closer than we realize. Its boundaries overlap our own, and angels move in and out of our porous present, this moment that seems to us so solid and concrete. If that reality seems dim to us now, it beamed for the early Christians. Through their writings, sermons, songs, and art, the ancient faithful confessed a powerful and vivid belief that angels help carry us on our journey to God.
Rooted in the Scripture and following this ancient understanding, Lifted by Angels
the role that angels play in the lives of people and in God’s plan of salvationthe different ranks and functions of angelshow Satan and his demons fell from grace and plagued humansthe functions of guardian angels and how God assigns them to fit our personal needshow guardian angels help us resist evil, temptation, and the devilthe way angels join with us in our prayers, even adding their own to oursthe service angels provide in worshipFeaturing examples of angels in ancient icons and frescoes and supported by extensive research on the early church and its pastors, poets, theologians, and artists, Lifted by Angels answers universal curiosity about angels and the unseen world, leaving readers inspired and hopeful about the nearness of God.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2012
21 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Joel J. Miller
8 books12 followersJoel J. Miller is the author of several books including The Revolutionary Paul Revere. His writing has been featured in The American Spectator, Reason, Real Clear Religion and elsewhere. He blogs on faith and spirituality at joeljmiller.com. He and his family live in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 8, 2012
I received a free copy of this book through BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.
While I can’t say anything bad about this book, it was very textbook-y. It was very well-written, and researched. There were a ton of references, and to be honest, all of the references could have been made up and I wouldn’t have known. Because of this, it was difficult for me to read. I never felt like I was being preached to, or written down to, but it was very dry reading.
I can see this book being required reading in a seminary or religious college classes. I can see intellectual types wanting to read this. I wish it would have been more at a layman’s level.
While I can’t say anything bad about this book, it was very textbook-y. It was very well-written, and researched. There were a ton of references, and to be honest, all of the references could have been made up and I wouldn’t have known. Because of this, it was difficult for me to read. I never felt like I was being preached to, or written down to, but it was very dry reading.
I can see this book being required reading in a seminary or religious college classes. I can see intellectual types wanting to read this. I wish it would have been more at a layman’s level.
October 19, 2012
My view of angels is complicated. I was raised in an evangelical home and have always believed in angels and the part they played in the biblical story; however I was taught to be suspicious of tales of modern day angelic visitations, and to doubt the lore which was built around angels, because so much of it was New Age, Mormons, or Muslim. As a child I was tucked in with a prayer that asked God to send his angels to look after me, but if anybody started talking about experiencing angels, that was a good indication that they were a heretic or they needed to up their medication.
When I was in college, I attended a charismatic church which affirmed the experiential reality of a super natural God–everything God did in scripture was for today and that included angels and angelic visitations. I remember one guest speaker at our church explaining that he felt the presence of ‘angels in the room’ by a sensation he had in his sinus cavity(yep, I kid you not). Others saw angels, or ‘felt them.’ I did feel the reality of God’s presence at that church but the lack of critical thinking about spiritual experiences was disturbing.
Joel Miller has written a book on angels which deftly guides readers past the extremes of supernatural suspicion and belief in anything and everything ‘angelic.’ Drawing generously on Biblical and patristic sources (early church theologians), he gives an account of how the early church thought and taught about angels. He asserts that ‘the image that forms from these sources is, I think, more exciting, more frightening, more humbling, more inspiring, and ultimately more real than our popular conceptions.(2)’ Miller discusses the early church’s reflections on the nature and origin of angels, their fall from grace (in the case of Satan and his demons), the ways God used angels to nurture and protect Israel, Christs victory over the demonic, the role of guardian angels in nurturing and protecting us, our participation with the angels in the worship of God, the role of angels in the eschaton.
This is a lot of ground to cover for a short book (the main text of the book is 152 pages excluding footnotes and bibliography); nevertheless Miller succeeds admirably well in delineating the understanding of angels bequeathed us from the early church, even demonstrating the way our understanding of angels has developed over time. Certainly there are some aspects of early church angel-ology where I disagree or would want to parse biblical texts which deal with angels differently. But there is no denying, the tradition has a lot to teach us. I would recommend this book for those who have an interest in angels (whether that manifests itself as an unhealthy fascination or dismissive suspicion). Part of navigating how we are to understand something so mysterious and etheral as angels is by submitting ourselves to a biblical understanding of angels and drawing on the rich resources of theology. Miller does both.
The question that the discerning reader may have is, “how does ancient exegesis shape our understanding of angels?” Just because ancient Christians thought and taught something, does not necessarily make it right. This is a popular level study and does little in way of evaluating its sources. Miller simply sites church fathers he is sympathetic to(while noting theological diversity and doctrinal development). The belief in the fall of Lucifer is found in the ancient church, but when you read Isaiah in its historic, literary context, the Biblical data doesn’t seem conclusive. There seems to be mysteries here that even the ancient church does not fully untangle for us, but I am grateful for the ways in which they affirm the angels and delineate a proper understanding of them.
Practically speaking, the presence of angels reminds us of the world beyond that which we apprehend with our senses. I think this a great book for sorting out what place angels should have in our theology.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me a copy of this book (via Book sneeze) in exchange for this review.
When I was in college, I attended a charismatic church which affirmed the experiential reality of a super natural God–everything God did in scripture was for today and that included angels and angelic visitations. I remember one guest speaker at our church explaining that he felt the presence of ‘angels in the room’ by a sensation he had in his sinus cavity(yep, I kid you not). Others saw angels, or ‘felt them.’ I did feel the reality of God’s presence at that church but the lack of critical thinking about spiritual experiences was disturbing.
Joel Miller has written a book on angels which deftly guides readers past the extremes of supernatural suspicion and belief in anything and everything ‘angelic.’ Drawing generously on Biblical and patristic sources (early church theologians), he gives an account of how the early church thought and taught about angels. He asserts that ‘the image that forms from these sources is, I think, more exciting, more frightening, more humbling, more inspiring, and ultimately more real than our popular conceptions.(2)’ Miller discusses the early church’s reflections on the nature and origin of angels, their fall from grace (in the case of Satan and his demons), the ways God used angels to nurture and protect Israel, Christs victory over the demonic, the role of guardian angels in nurturing and protecting us, our participation with the angels in the worship of God, the role of angels in the eschaton.
This is a lot of ground to cover for a short book (the main text of the book is 152 pages excluding footnotes and bibliography); nevertheless Miller succeeds admirably well in delineating the understanding of angels bequeathed us from the early church, even demonstrating the way our understanding of angels has developed over time. Certainly there are some aspects of early church angel-ology where I disagree or would want to parse biblical texts which deal with angels differently. But there is no denying, the tradition has a lot to teach us. I would recommend this book for those who have an interest in angels (whether that manifests itself as an unhealthy fascination or dismissive suspicion). Part of navigating how we are to understand something so mysterious and etheral as angels is by submitting ourselves to a biblical understanding of angels and drawing on the rich resources of theology. Miller does both.
The question that the discerning reader may have is, “how does ancient exegesis shape our understanding of angels?” Just because ancient Christians thought and taught something, does not necessarily make it right. This is a popular level study and does little in way of evaluating its sources. Miller simply sites church fathers he is sympathetic to(while noting theological diversity and doctrinal development). The belief in the fall of Lucifer is found in the ancient church, but when you read Isaiah in its historic, literary context, the Biblical data doesn’t seem conclusive. There seems to be mysteries here that even the ancient church does not fully untangle for us, but I am grateful for the ways in which they affirm the angels and delineate a proper understanding of them.
Practically speaking, the presence of angels reminds us of the world beyond that which we apprehend with our senses. I think this a great book for sorting out what place angels should have in our theology.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me a copy of this book (via Book sneeze) in exchange for this review.
October 8, 2012
I received this book from Thomas Nelson's program BookSneeze. In exchange for the book, all I have to do is provide an honest review on my blog and a website like Amazon. This program is primarily a Protestant book source, but occasionally you find a Catholic or Orthodox Gem, and Lifted By Angels definitely falls into that category.
This 150 page book is a quick read as it is only 7 chapters long and each of them is more fascinating than the next. He starts by explaining how the angelic realm makes and our world make up one big world with so much interaction between the two, whether we are aware of it not. We next get a picture of fallen angels and how we as humanity fell too. After that we get chapters on who angels are, what their jobs are, and how they interact with us and watch over us. The whole book has Bible passages, Apocryphal passages, and Early Church Fathers teachings woven throughout.
I truly loved this book, and at first I was disappointed that it was only 150 pages long. I was thinking this book should be way longer, but Mr. Miller points out excellently in his book that we can make a cult of angels. So yes, angels are here to help us and assist us on the path of salvation, but we are not supposed to make gods of them or worship them. That would indeed be in error.
This book also made me want to reach out to my guardian angel. I talked to my guardian angel after reading this book. I thanked him for always being there for me, even when I didn't deserve it, and for watching over me. I also apologized to him for the things which I did wrong and that offended him, because these are creatures that see God, and for them to look upon us in our sin and fallen nature must make them very sad.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about angels, no matter how much knowledge they have about angels. This book is packed full of information, but is written in a way that makes it easy to read and easy to understand. I give this book 5 stars easily, and recommend everyone buy it and read it. Check out my other reviews at stuartsstudy.blogspot.com.
This 150 page book is a quick read as it is only 7 chapters long and each of them is more fascinating than the next. He starts by explaining how the angelic realm makes and our world make up one big world with so much interaction between the two, whether we are aware of it not. We next get a picture of fallen angels and how we as humanity fell too. After that we get chapters on who angels are, what their jobs are, and how they interact with us and watch over us. The whole book has Bible passages, Apocryphal passages, and Early Church Fathers teachings woven throughout.
I truly loved this book, and at first I was disappointed that it was only 150 pages long. I was thinking this book should be way longer, but Mr. Miller points out excellently in his book that we can make a cult of angels. So yes, angels are here to help us and assist us on the path of salvation, but we are not supposed to make gods of them or worship them. That would indeed be in error.
This book also made me want to reach out to my guardian angel. I talked to my guardian angel after reading this book. I thanked him for always being there for me, even when I didn't deserve it, and for watching over me. I also apologized to him for the things which I did wrong and that offended him, because these are creatures that see God, and for them to look upon us in our sin and fallen nature must make them very sad.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about angels, no matter how much knowledge they have about angels. This book is packed full of information, but is written in a way that makes it easy to read and easy to understand. I give this book 5 stars easily, and recommend everyone buy it and read it. Check out my other reviews at stuartsstudy.blogspot.com.
January 5, 2013
I found this book to be very interesting. Many have considered it dry and textbook-like. I suppose the book would be dry for those who were not as interested in the subject and who had to read it for some other reason. Because I was interested in the topic, I did not find it to be dry--at all.
Miller first tells the story of angels and their involvement in history from the Fall to Christ. He then discusses the different roles and responsibilities of angels for us. Much of his information comes from the Bible and from early Church Fathers--who are generally commenting on texts from the Bible. He occasionally references apocryphal texts.
I think what fascinated me most was the general acceptance of supernatural beings like angels--and their personal and direct involvement with humans. In our empirical, scientific world we tend to reject the supernatural, like angels. For better or for worse, this has effected even the Church's view of angels and their involvement. Miller's presentation of angels and their roles and responsibilities challenges that de-emphasis.
The book is an easy read; he does not talk down to the reader and makes topic very approachable. Dry? I suppose it could be for some. Best? He, like Paul, predicts some of the arguments readers--especially Protestants, maybe?--will have with the texts he presents and is able to answer them, quite effectively.
Some Christians have quite the fascination with demons--which might explain the popularity of a book like The Screwtape Letters. Miller presents a case for angels which answers the demons, and shows that any emphasis on demons apart from a Biblical view of angels is deficient.
Miller first tells the story of angels and their involvement in history from the Fall to Christ. He then discusses the different roles and responsibilities of angels for us. Much of his information comes from the Bible and from early Church Fathers--who are generally commenting on texts from the Bible. He occasionally references apocryphal texts.
I think what fascinated me most was the general acceptance of supernatural beings like angels--and their personal and direct involvement with humans. In our empirical, scientific world we tend to reject the supernatural, like angels. For better or for worse, this has effected even the Church's view of angels and their involvement. Miller's presentation of angels and their roles and responsibilities challenges that de-emphasis.
The book is an easy read; he does not talk down to the reader and makes topic very approachable. Dry? I suppose it could be for some. Best? He, like Paul, predicts some of the arguments readers--especially Protestants, maybe?--will have with the texts he presents and is able to answer them, quite effectively.
Some Christians have quite the fascination with demons--which might explain the popularity of a book like The Screwtape Letters. Miller presents a case for angels which answers the demons, and shows that any emphasis on demons apart from a Biblical view of angels is deficient.
August 9, 2020
This is a good book for beginner to intermediate Christians, even though we are all beginners in a way throughout our lives. By beginner, I mean one who hasn't studied theology or is book learned.
This book would be especially helpful to the many people who are abandoning New Age practices when they finally wake up to the real nature of the supernatural forces they are participating in. More and more of them are coming out with testimonies on YouTube of the saving grace of Christ Jesus, only to find there is no church for them. Some are starting up "YouTube churches". When these people have an epiphany of Christ Jesus and take refuge in Christ, they seem to often get lost in the myriad tens of thousands of sects that have popped up in the USA, which can be equally tragic as getting lost in the New Age.
The book is grounded in the original Christian faith of the apostles, the one that has not found the words to difficult to bear or comprehend: "...unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life" (John 6.51 53-54). The Orthodox Church still believes in the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, the spiritual realities of the Divine Liturgy which mirrors the worship of heaven. We pray with the angels during Divine Liturgy, they are present and active and with the Holy Spirit attend the Divine Liturgy and we join their unending worship. We step into their ongoing glory of God when we step into the Liturgy, "the work of the people". It is tremendously beautiful experience to "lay aside all earthly cares" and enter into this shared reality with those who also love God, His angels and servants.
One oft prayed part of every Liturgy and prayer is the Trisagion hymn, given by angels to humanity: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us!
Those fleeing the New Age might be more able than others to comprehend the spiritual realities of the Divine Liturgy. This short easy to read book with end notes and index can help dispel many of the erroneous and wrong things taught about angels and spiritual beings in the "New Age" cafeteria style paganism (which is actually really old) and in the popular notions.
Angels are not to be worshiped or considered more powerful than God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit who proceeds from the Father. Christ Jesus is Lord over the angels and commands even fallen angels in rebellion. The angels who serve the Most High God also help us a great deal everyday. Everyone has a Guardian Angel from God. They help us when we turn to God. Otherwise, God does not infringe on our free will to choose evil.
Also might be helpful to provide some basic theological historical underpinning of the Christian faith to Christians who haven't received much beyond milk in the course of attending various churches. Taste and see that the Lord is good.
This book would be especially helpful to the many people who are abandoning New Age practices when they finally wake up to the real nature of the supernatural forces they are participating in. More and more of them are coming out with testimonies on YouTube of the saving grace of Christ Jesus, only to find there is no church for them. Some are starting up "YouTube churches". When these people have an epiphany of Christ Jesus and take refuge in Christ, they seem to often get lost in the myriad tens of thousands of sects that have popped up in the USA, which can be equally tragic as getting lost in the New Age.
The book is grounded in the original Christian faith of the apostles, the one that has not found the words to difficult to bear or comprehend: "...unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life" (John 6.51 53-54). The Orthodox Church still believes in the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, the spiritual realities of the Divine Liturgy which mirrors the worship of heaven. We pray with the angels during Divine Liturgy, they are present and active and with the Holy Spirit attend the Divine Liturgy and we join their unending worship. We step into their ongoing glory of God when we step into the Liturgy, "the work of the people". It is tremendously beautiful experience to "lay aside all earthly cares" and enter into this shared reality with those who also love God, His angels and servants.
Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim chant the thrice holy hymn to the life-creating Trinity. Now lay aside all earthly cares that we may receive the King of all escorted invisibly by the Angelic hosts. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia....
One oft prayed part of every Liturgy and prayer is the Trisagion hymn, given by angels to humanity: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us!
Those fleeing the New Age might be more able than others to comprehend the spiritual realities of the Divine Liturgy. This short easy to read book with end notes and index can help dispel many of the erroneous and wrong things taught about angels and spiritual beings in the "New Age" cafeteria style paganism (which is actually really old) and in the popular notions.
Angels are not to be worshiped or considered more powerful than God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit who proceeds from the Father. Christ Jesus is Lord over the angels and commands even fallen angels in rebellion. The angels who serve the Most High God also help us a great deal everyday. Everyone has a Guardian Angel from God. They help us when we turn to God. Otherwise, God does not infringe on our free will to choose evil.
Also might be helpful to provide some basic theological historical underpinning of the Christian faith to Christians who haven't received much beyond milk in the course of attending various churches. Taste and see that the Lord is good.
September 15, 2019
DNF. Got through about 89-85% of the book before I just could not take any more of it. The first part started off well - interesting ideas and grounded in evangelical terms and references. After drawing inferences and making suggestions as to what the reference texts meant and how they applied to us (as well as through the ages), Miller entered into flights of fancy.
Because of my RC tradition, I grew up believing in angels - perhaps not the 'active in your life' type but certainly that they existed and were real. Guardian angels surrounded us and protected us from a myriad 0f real and supposed dangers to our body and spiritual aspects of our lives. So far so good. Miller does a pretty good job of tying the loose bits together so that they give us an understanding of of what angels were all about.
Then, Miller starts to draw in references to sources outside of the typical. Admittedly I was not / am not familiar with those sources and perhaps I need to be more widely read to get a broader understanding. But I do draw a line when Miller talks about early church leaders being visited numerous times by angelic beings and even being chided by them for not embarking on a direction given in earlier visitations. As an anecdote yes but as proof of the validity of angels? I think not.
Because of my RC tradition, I grew up believing in angels - perhaps not the 'active in your life' type but certainly that they existed and were real. Guardian angels surrounded us and protected us from a myriad 0f real and supposed dangers to our body and spiritual aspects of our lives. So far so good. Miller does a pretty good job of tying the loose bits together so that they give us an understanding of of what angels were all about.
Then, Miller starts to draw in references to sources outside of the typical. Admittedly I was not / am not familiar with those sources and perhaps I need to be more widely read to get a broader understanding. But I do draw a line when Miller talks about early church leaders being visited numerous times by angelic beings and even being chided by them for not embarking on a direction given in earlier visitations. As an anecdote yes but as proof of the validity of angels? I think not.
July 5, 2021
Interesting read on angels. The latter half of the book is heavy on musings, myths, and some large logical leaps from one point to the next. However, this is the nature of the mystery regarding angels. Not doctrine, but an interesting discussion.
June 28, 2019
Very good book. Written well - not boring or dry!
January 19, 2013
In his newest book, Lifted By Angels: The Presence and Power ofOur Heavenly Guides and Guardians, author Joel J. Miller offers numerous sources of research and thoughts on these questions and more. The very title of this book explains a portion of angels’ roles—guiding and helping us heavenward.
I chose this book for two main reasons: I have studied very little about the enthralling topic of angels, and I enjoy this author’s blog.
Some may feels angels as distant creatures. On page 4, the author sets the tone for the purpose of this book: “Their [referring to angels] very inaccessibility fuels our interest and wonder, which unfortunately comes at the expense of their seeming foreign and apart. They are anything but.”
The author practices orthodox Christianity, which I confess I know less about than my own beliefs. In this well-researched book, his orthodox experience offers writing deeply rooted in history, which is intriguing to read. The author presents angels as ancient Christians viewed and knew them. He compares theologians’ ideas to Scripture and presents differences and possible conclusions. Such differences do “not mean we are incapable of knowing more of [the angels’] story, only that we must organize the limited and speculative nature of our knowledge” (p. 8).
So what do angels do? “…their primary task is to reflect the knowledge and glory of God…” (p. 19) and to “enjoy His benefits and share in His goodness” (p. 7).
Why study angels? The author discusses in the end of the first chapter some theologians’ (and even apostles’) hesitations in approaching the subject for fear that such study might “[divert] attention from Christ” (p. 24). The author has this to say about the need for angelic study:
“But if contemplating our fellowship with angels could increase our understanding of Christ, his mission, and the believers’ role in it, then further comment seems not only warranted, but perhaps even necessary. Indeed, why else would Paul and these early Christians talk of angels at all? But they do, and these savvy practitioners point the way for us today.” (pp. 24-25)
Reading about the fall of some angels (to become the devil and his followers) reminded me yet again how important grace is—and how amazing of a gift we have in the mere opportunity to receive grace. In a discussion on demons in contrast to angels, we realize together as we read “demons desire out demise, but the angels take wing in our defense” (p. 63).
In a few places, I wanted the author to give an answer to questions that might arise as I read. As an example, on page 40, the author tells readers (with supporting research) that “fallen angels are no longer in heaven, but prowl this atmosphere of ours.” Why are these fallen angels sent to our atmosphere, knowing the damage they would impart? On page 106, an interesting discussion on both the Holy Spirit directing our thoughts and angels “implanting godly thoughts” sparked more questions: How does one tell if the Holy Spirit or an angel is directing thoughts? (Or, does that answer particularly matter?) Even if I want more answers, as the author is careful to explain early in the book, our purpose is to glorify God, and angels’ purpose to lift us back to Him.
One of my favorite revelations emerged on page 78, where Christ’s appearance on earth meant reinforcement for the angels’ long-suffering work. “Imagine then the angelic excitement, joy, and even relief when the Savior finally arrived.” No wonder such a chorus of jubilantly singing angels appeared at Christ’s birth!
This book reads like a well-written, book-length research paper full of varied sources from ancient Christian thinkers and Scripture. If you’re looking for an orthodox look at angels with reason and a bit of mysticism included, consider perusing Lifted By Angels. Even if you may not agree with all of the conclusions or perspectives included, this book will encourage further thought and study on a worthy subject.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I chose this book for two main reasons: I have studied very little about the enthralling topic of angels, and I enjoy this author’s blog.
Some may feels angels as distant creatures. On page 4, the author sets the tone for the purpose of this book: “Their [referring to angels] very inaccessibility fuels our interest and wonder, which unfortunately comes at the expense of their seeming foreign and apart. They are anything but.”
The author practices orthodox Christianity, which I confess I know less about than my own beliefs. In this well-researched book, his orthodox experience offers writing deeply rooted in history, which is intriguing to read. The author presents angels as ancient Christians viewed and knew them. He compares theologians’ ideas to Scripture and presents differences and possible conclusions. Such differences do “not mean we are incapable of knowing more of [the angels’] story, only that we must organize the limited and speculative nature of our knowledge” (p. 8).
So what do angels do? “…their primary task is to reflect the knowledge and glory of God…” (p. 19) and to “enjoy His benefits and share in His goodness” (p. 7).
Why study angels? The author discusses in the end of the first chapter some theologians’ (and even apostles’) hesitations in approaching the subject for fear that such study might “[divert] attention from Christ” (p. 24). The author has this to say about the need for angelic study:
“But if contemplating our fellowship with angels could increase our understanding of Christ, his mission, and the believers’ role in it, then further comment seems not only warranted, but perhaps even necessary. Indeed, why else would Paul and these early Christians talk of angels at all? But they do, and these savvy practitioners point the way for us today.” (pp. 24-25)
Reading about the fall of some angels (to become the devil and his followers) reminded me yet again how important grace is—and how amazing of a gift we have in the mere opportunity to receive grace. In a discussion on demons in contrast to angels, we realize together as we read “demons desire out demise, but the angels take wing in our defense” (p. 63).
In a few places, I wanted the author to give an answer to questions that might arise as I read. As an example, on page 40, the author tells readers (with supporting research) that “fallen angels are no longer in heaven, but prowl this atmosphere of ours.” Why are these fallen angels sent to our atmosphere, knowing the damage they would impart? On page 106, an interesting discussion on both the Holy Spirit directing our thoughts and angels “implanting godly thoughts” sparked more questions: How does one tell if the Holy Spirit or an angel is directing thoughts? (Or, does that answer particularly matter?) Even if I want more answers, as the author is careful to explain early in the book, our purpose is to glorify God, and angels’ purpose to lift us back to Him.
One of my favorite revelations emerged on page 78, where Christ’s appearance on earth meant reinforcement for the angels’ long-suffering work. “Imagine then the angelic excitement, joy, and even relief when the Savior finally arrived.” No wonder such a chorus of jubilantly singing angels appeared at Christ’s birth!
This book reads like a well-written, book-length research paper full of varied sources from ancient Christian thinkers and Scripture. If you’re looking for an orthodox look at angels with reason and a bit of mysticism included, consider perusing Lifted By Angels. Even if you may not agree with all of the conclusions or perspectives included, this book will encourage further thought and study on a worthy subject.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 12, 2013
Definitely a challenging read. Theologically and confronting some ideas I had never gears discussed in my Evangelical upbringing this book opens up the other books outside of the Canon that were used in coming up with a theology of angels.
It was also challenging because it read more like a textbook on angels. It went chronologically from before the creation of the world through the OT and NT what the Church through the centuries has said and finally to the end of life and the eschaton. Pretty neat.
It stays away from pop theology about angels being people, or angels our "gods." Which Scripture doesn't teach.
I think what I take from the book is a reminder of how God is working through the angels in our world and that God has appointed each of us at least one angel. On a personal note I remember walking into a funky store near Ryerson and the lady at the counter asked me if I knew that angels were with me. Do I think I am more holy because I had angels around me? No. Now I realize that the cashier saw the angels God has provided for me on my journey. And now may God bless you to know the angels he has sent to help you through this journey of life. God is our comfort but He sends the Church and His angels to help is in life as He has done with the saints who have gone before us.
It was also challenging because it read more like a textbook on angels. It went chronologically from before the creation of the world through the OT and NT what the Church through the centuries has said and finally to the end of life and the eschaton. Pretty neat.
It stays away from pop theology about angels being people, or angels our "gods." Which Scripture doesn't teach.
I think what I take from the book is a reminder of how God is working through the angels in our world and that God has appointed each of us at least one angel. On a personal note I remember walking into a funky store near Ryerson and the lady at the counter asked me if I knew that angels were with me. Do I think I am more holy because I had angels around me? No. Now I realize that the cashier saw the angels God has provided for me on my journey. And now may God bless you to know the angels he has sent to help you through this journey of life. God is our comfort but He sends the Church and His angels to help is in life as He has done with the saints who have gone before us.
October 10, 2012
A literary account of angels that appear in biblical text that reads much like a seminary text book. The author uses reference from early Christian writings and text such as the books of Tobit and the Wisdom of Solomon. He quotes the Old Testament, and different translations of Septuagint and Masoretic text.
Angels are described as they appear during certain events in the Bible, such as angels falling from grace, angels that helped Christ, and angels as they appear in the Book of Revelation.
Was it interesting? Maybe, if you are a Biblical scholar, but for a general reader, I must say no. I found it quite boring. Maybe it was too complicated and over my head, so I can’t say that some may not find it of value to read. For the average reader, I cannot recommend.
I received this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.
Angels are described as they appear during certain events in the Bible, such as angels falling from grace, angels that helped Christ, and angels as they appear in the Book of Revelation.
Was it interesting? Maybe, if you are a Biblical scholar, but for a general reader, I must say no. I found it quite boring. Maybe it was too complicated and over my head, so I can’t say that some may not find it of value to read. For the average reader, I cannot recommend.
I received this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.
October 7, 2014
I like learning about angels
My nephew was kidnapped by a non-relative in January of 2013 and has not yet been returned to his family who loves him, so it is an incredible comfort to think about angels watching over him and keeping him safe, and read/study about angels. This book seems either Catholic or Orthodox Christian -- for instance, in what I consider "mainstream Christianity," people say, "the Adversary" or "the Accuser of the Brethren" (among many others), but here, he is consistently called "the devil." On some levels, the information seems irrelevant to our lives today, but I'm glad I read it.
My nephew was kidnapped by a non-relative in January of 2013 and has not yet been returned to his family who loves him, so it is an incredible comfort to think about angels watching over him and keeping him safe, and read/study about angels. This book seems either Catholic or Orthodox Christian -- for instance, in what I consider "mainstream Christianity," people say, "the Adversary" or "the Accuser of the Brethren" (among many others), but here, he is consistently called "the devil." On some levels, the information seems irrelevant to our lives today, but I'm glad I read it.
November 19, 2012
This was a very dry, text book reading of how angels are viewed. The ideas presented were sometimes new to me, and that was surprising. I never really gave angels a lot of thought, just that they aided God and were before the throne to worship Him. I do love the writing on how fierce they are. And how descriptive the bible talks of them. I think the author excels in his research, biblically, of angels. Even with it being dry, and a bit long winded, the knowledge the author has compiled, is impressive. Booksneeze was nice enough to send me this book for review.
October 8, 2013
An excellent overview of the theology of angels. Particularly strong in Scripture, Fathers of the Church, and Eastern Orthodox spirituality and liturgy. There is virtually nothing of the Western liturgy and spirituality, which may be a bit off-putting for many.
Very readable for someone with a good theological foundation in Scripture and Patristics. Some beautiful insights into the relationship we have with our angelic guardians (and our enemies as well), and how we fit into the larger spiritual world around us.
Very readable for someone with a good theological foundation in Scripture and Patristics. Some beautiful insights into the relationship we have with our angelic guardians (and our enemies as well), and how we fit into the larger spiritual world around us.
May 21, 2013
Interesting and thought provoking
August 17, 2013
Took a little bit to get into it but found it very insightful amidst my current life experiences. A good concept to ponder.
September 1, 2013
I loved this book...I could not put it down! Fabulous reading for any Orthodox Christian or those beginning to study the faith.
April 10, 2022
Augustine, 3rd Genesis, envy and pride jealousy, watching over children, present.
May 2, 2017
I want to believe.
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