Angels: A Very Short Introduction - Softcover

Jones, David Albert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199547300 ISBN 13: 9780199547302

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2011

Synopsis

In this lively and concise Very Short Introduction, David Albert Jones provides a crisp, broad-ranging survey of angels in theology, philosophy, and popular culture. Focusing on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, he examines how angels have been imagined and explained as well as why they continue to captivate us. Jones explores the classical discussion--what they are made of, when they came to be, and how many there are. He names the archangels, surveys the different hierarchies, and examines how they have changed over time. He looks at why the idea of angels remains so potent in modern culture, even among non-believers.

About this title

About the Author

David Albert Jones is the Academic Director in the School of Theology, Philosophy, and History at St Mary's University College, Twickenham.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Noting that angels figure in today’s so-called New Age religions as well as the three great monotheisms, Jones discusses angels in art, literature, and cinema but also answers the most basic questions (e.g., What is an angel?) while trying to understand what makes angels so appealing and symbolically powerful in modern culture. He reveals how the concept of the angel developed and explains angels’ characteristic as messengers, guardians, and fallen angels. He discusses angels in biblical stories (e.g., Jacob’s ladder) and in liturgy, ventures an intelligent guess as to the number of angels, and even confronts the age-old question of how many can dance on the head of a pin. He addresses the issue of fallen angels and the notion of Satanism and romantic rebellion. Finally, he examines the meaning of angels in religion and pop culture. A persistent theme is, as he puts it, “angelology as disguised anthropology”—the interpretation of angels to procure useful insights into aspects of humanity. A lovely little book, Jones’ work is both accessible and learned, broad enough to include reflections on Thomas Aquinas’ treatise on angels and a discussion of demonic possession in Hollywood movies. Fascinating for believers and nonbelievers alike. --June Sawyers

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0199547300
• ISBN 13: 9780199547302
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 141