Angels in Different Cultures and Religions

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"Ever noticed how there seems to be angelnewborns and are responsible for taking care of the
sculptures or figurines in every home you go?environment.
This is because many cultures in the world share theOne main difference between the Islamic and
belief in the existence of this supernatural being.Christian/Jewish views on angels, is that for Muslims,
In Judaism, angels, or malachim, serve asit is not possible for angels to fall from grace, as they
God’s messengers and “workers” heredo cannot commit sin.
on Earth. It was for example, an angel who stoppedHindus have their angels too. Called “devas”,
Abraham just as he was about to kill his beloved sonthese entities are responsible for natural elements like
as a sacrifice to God. The angel Michael on the otherwater, earth and fire. While angels are viewed as
hand, is viewed as the guardian and protector of theGod’s workers in Christianity, Islam and
people of Israel.Judaism and are not worshipped, the distinction
With the roots of Christianity closely linked tobetween angels and the lesser gods are blurry.
Judaism, it comes as no surprise that Christians alsoLike these major religions, many minor belief systems
hold angels in high-esteem. As in Judaism, angels alsoalso profess a belief in angels. Followers of
played great roles in many events viewed with greatZoroastrianism (estimated at just around 200,000
importance by Christians. It was the angel Gabrielworldwide), also believe that each one of us has a
who appeared to Mary and told her of how she wasguardian angel—a Fravashi--- that protects and
chosen by God to give birth to his son Jesus, whoguides us.
Christians believe is the savior of mankind. The BibleIn the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
also recounts that Christ’s resurrection frommeanwhile, angels are heavenly beings in human form
the dead was announced by angels. Angels, Christiansthat help spread the work and word of God on
believe, are God’s link to man.earth. The church was established after an angel
Angels also figure prominently in the Islam faith, oneallegedly appeared to its founder Joseph Smith.
of their basic articles of faith being the “belief inSo why the ubiquity of these heavenly entities?
angels”. Muslims believe that each person has fourBecause the idea of angels—beings that guide us,
angels (which they call Malaa’ika, meaning,protect us from harm and give us a more personal
messengers) assigned to him who tallies his good andlink to God—is comforting, reassuring and one that
bad actions (two record the good while the otheris thoroughly welcomed.