Angels

Angels and spiritual benefactors are a feature of all religions. They may be recognized as gods, devas, kami, the spirits of animals and mountains (Shamanism), or dignitaries like the Jade Emperor (China) and the Buddhist bodhisattvas. In the latter group are the spirits of human beings who lived exemplary lives on earth and were then elevated to the status of deity and assigned the mission of angels. Nevertheless, in the monotheistic faiths these benefactors, no matter how exalted, are regarded as subordinate to and servants of the one Ultimate Reality.

In many traditions, these benevolent spirits dispense blessings to the human world and protect people from harm. Angelic visitors communicate God’s instructions, as the angel Gabriel spoke to Muhammad and to the Virgin Mary. Thus angels take the role of “ministering spirits,” serving God and assisting human beings— God’s children.

Angels have power, and hence they are often the objects of worship. Yet within Judaism, Islam and Christianity are teachings that human beings are superior to angels. Along this line, Father Moon teaches that the angels assisted God in every step of creation, up to His ultimate goal of creating human beings. God placed angels in the Garden of Eden to educate and assist Adam and Eve as they grew from childhood to mature adulthood, when they were to become perfect and fulfill the ideal of creation. Chief among them was the archangel Lucifer, who however became corrupt and caused his charges to fall. (See Chapter 6: The Devil and His Activities) It still remains for human beings to judge the angels and regain their lost dignity.