Angelology - The 9 forms & 3 classes

[ITBM]

I've been looking into this subject a bit lately for research for a story I'm writing set during the time of St. Patrick in Ireland.

During my research on angels and the types of them I came across what is often referred to as "Medival Angelology".

In this doctrine the two specific types of angels named (Seraphim and Cherubim), the two lists given by Paul (Powers, Principalities, etc.), the Archangels, and angels are included in this list. The list is divided into 3 groups based upon their role/closeness to the throne of God. Although the origins of the word "angel" basically means "messenger of God" it is assumed that isn't their ONLY function.

Many different doctrines can "technically" be biblically sound because so little is known about angels. Personally, I agree with the classification of Seraphim & Cherubim. They are both mentioned by type and described in the Bible. As well, I concede the distinction between archangels and angels. Although I'm not certain that there are 4 types of angels (why can't a Seraph be an Archangel?), I'm even less likely to believe that Paul's lists should simply be ADDED to those four.

I always felt that when Paul said "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." in Ephesians 6:12 that he was refering to fallen angels.

Although the exact TYPES of angels seems to be unclear I do get the distinct sense that there is a heirarchy amongst them, both heavenly and fallen.

What do you think? Do you agree with the 9 types and 3 category system (http://www.theology.edu/theology/angel.htm)? Do you see a system to heirarchy at all? Or are all angels equal?

 

[Polycarp1]

The idea comes from a pseudonymous writing called The Celestial Hierarchy which was mistakenly attributed during the Middle Ages to Dionysius the Areopagite (see Acts 17:34) and hence usually ascribed to "the Pseudo-Dionysius." Specifically, there are nine orders of angels arranged in three sets of three, called choirs:

1. Seraphim
2. Cherubim
3. Thrones
4. Dominations or Dominions
5. Virtues
6. Powers
7. Princes
8. Archangels
9. Angels sensu stricto

The name of each order has some Biblical ground, though the concept is vastly elaborated from the scriptural reference in most cases. "Angel" means both any member of any of the orders and the members of the lowest order, much (as C.S. Lewis explained it) as "seaman" may mean the bottom-rung enlisted Navy man or anyone from admiral on down.

 

[Mary of Bethany]

ITBM,

you might be interested in this book, THE HOLY ANGELS by Mother Alexandra. It's available on Amazon.

Mary

 

[Oblio]

THe nine orders is correct as Polycarp stated. If you look closely at any Orthodox icon of Christ, His halo (I always forget the correct term) is divided with 9 lines, two on one side and one on another of each W O N (which is the abbreviation in Greek of the ever existing One) . These lines remind us of the 9 orders of heavenly hosts. This is an example of Holy Tradition put forth in our Holy Icons that is stricly speaking, outside of Scripture, but the truth of the word of God none the less.

 

[Sabertooth]

The idea comes from a pseudonymous writing called The Celestial Hierarchy which was mistakenly attributed during the Middle Ages to Dionysius the Areopagite (see Acts 17:34) and hence usually ascribed to "the Pseudo-Dionysius." Specifically, there are nine orders of angels arranged in three sets of three, called choirs:

1. Seraphim
2. Cherubim
3. Thrones
4. Dominations or Dominions
5. Virtues
6. Powers
7. Princes
8. Archangels
9. Angels sensu stricto

...

I think Angels: God's Secret Agents by Billy Graham gives a similar list with a lot of Bible to make his case, but it's been a long time since I read it.