I have a question regarding angels.
Are angels equal to humans in the eyes of God? Are they below us?
Well, I guess that depends on your idea of equal. I am a non-Catholic, so I wouldn’t attempt to instruct you in this. But, I will share my thoughts:
Look at God’s creation and human salvation. Humans were the epitomy of God’s creation. It is said of humans that they were made in the image and likeness of God. That wasn’t said of angels. Only humans can partake of the salvation that God has planned for us. Angels will never know that.
They know the concept, but never being human, they cannot understand on an experiential level. And of course, there’s the passage about humans judging angels in the world to come. There’s also the passage that all angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.
I don’t think it’s useful to define either humans or angels as equal or unequal before God. Each were created for different purposes and have different inherent natures. We know for sure that the angels worship the Holy Trinity. And we know that they are sent to minister to us and serve us.
But, even if we humans are somehow a “greater” creature than the angels, we should be humble in spirit and recognize them as our helpers, friends and allies and respect them greatly. And they are not powerless. God has endowed them with mighty powers to fight, to heal and many other things.
I had a protestant friend argue with me on Friday night about angels, and how they are not that important (for lack of a better word to summarize what he said),
I was trying to discuss this thread on this forum he made ME confused.
So if my question is a little confusing, I am sorry.
It depends on the Protestant, but if they are Baptist or fundamentalist, they really downplay angels. They tend to equate being friends with angels and asking them to help us as somehow forbidden. And of course, anything that resembles Catholic spirituality is frowned upon.
Hope that helps.
Peace…
MW