Were angels people that died and became something great because of being wonderful people? Were they created by God? Did they exist independently of God? Were they proxies for the former Gods of the ancient era? Tell me, what is an Angel?
They're mythical beings that are said to visit humans from time to time. Often bringing messages from god(s).
IMO they are fictional creatures in a mostly fictional story. I'd love to have evidence of the contrary, but I don't.
While maintaining a straight face, let me be the first Theist on this thread to weigh in. In response to the question posed in the OP "What is an Angel" I did a breif research and found an interesting yet biased article. The article, IMHO, gives a pretty good coverage on a subject that is very little talked about as a primary subject in any of the churches that I am aware of. Here is the article: https://bible.org/article/angels-god’s-ministering-spirits Enjoy the read.
Does it not sound reasonable to suggest that angels were part of the polytheistic culture of the times and that men who were used to many gods also believed in the same type of structure surrounding their new supreme god? Imagine being a jew 3000 years ago surrounded by people who believed in many gods, a pantheon of gods. Yet this jew decided one was supreme. Then he decided, well, all those other gods are around too, they are just bit players to the one god....
I got as far as the story about the 13 year old girl almost falling down stairs at home, and being 'pushed' upright, presumably by an angel. I may be a harsh judge, but if the best these critters can do is prevent a privileged (two storey house, in America) teenager from falling down stairs when there are skeletal kids scrounging in the African dirt for a single grain of rice, you can keep 'em.
even the earlier hebrew religions where polythesitic. it's probably a product of demotion around the birth of judaism.
I did note that the first line was something like "theologians find the subject of angels very difficult". I'll bet they do
Ha, you can't explain it but you used it as an answer to the question. So why didn't you just say you don't know in the first place? Why pretend you have an answer when you don't?
The temporary subject was the difficulty theologians would have in answering questions about angels when there is little information to study. I suggested that they might find the answer through prayer. Bear in mind that it is the Theologians that were being spoken about and their difficulty. Now you attempt a ridicule in my final statement in saying that "If I could have, I would have already." Ridicule all you want. The point of my statement is simple... I have not prayed about that subject matter. Therefore I don't have an answer. Was it really that difficult for you to follow the dynamics of that temporary subject of discussion? By the way, where did I "pretend" that I 'have an answer'? I am convinced that the Theologians can find the answer through prayer.
that's what you said. the implication being that you know, but that I'd be unlikely to understand even if you did explain. would have been easier to say "I have no idea what it means, so can't help you"
No you didn't "suggest" they find the answer through prayer, you answered "through prayer" period. Then in your very next post you tell us you can't explain it. Darn right I'll ridicule this. It's ridiculous! And of course now you're going to get your panties all in a knot and get all snarky about it in a futile attempt to save face.
No! That is your interpretation of what I said. You see, the "implication" was formed in your mind... not mine. It would probably have been easier for you to say something to that effect. However, it was easier for me to say it in the manner in which I did.
Explain how my answer was not a suggestion. So you want to say that I was in error in saying that I can't explain it when I told the truth. I cannot explain how God would answer (the words God would use) the prayers of another person. If I knew that then I would certainly be a mind-reader. There is no need to "get snarky" or even attempt to "save face". You have not proven anything ... you have only speculated on things (creatures) that have appeared in your mind. No big deal... All of us are entitled to an opinion.
I think you might be very surprised to learn the history of religion in the region. You might change your mind if you took the time to read some of the excellent non-fiction out there on the subject. One book that might be interesting to you is by Tom Holland. Here is the link on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Sword-...F8&qid=1401461598&sr=1-3&keywords=tom+holland
I am starting to notice a common theme to your posts. Prayer did not create Angels. Angels have been around since the beginning of the OT. Again, what is an Angel, who made them, when did they get created, for what reason, what is their power, are they Gods/demi-Gods/normal souls?