ANGEL

(Gk. angelos, me enger), ‘term generally used for spiritual beings intermediate between God and man. In Old Testament religion before monotheism became definite, Hebrew ‘Elohim’ (God) is used of beings inferior to senger of the Lord,’ is spoken of, but no other mention of a’s. Po ibly earlier references have been modified by later monotheism. After the Exile Jewish religion was influenced by Zoroastrianism, particularly in angelology and demonology; hence we find a/’s in Ezekiel. A’s appear in New Testament, In St. Paul’s view a’s were created through Christ (Colo i ans 11s). Later Christian thought as regards a’s has been much influenced by PseudoDionysius.