Question about angels existence

[clarkgamble1]

I often read statements like…"There’s a lot we don’t know about the angels, but it’s widely regarded… etc.etc."

Just how much solid material do we have regarding the existence of and the character of these supposed beings? I’m beginning to feel that everything we believe about them is pure speculation. Biblical mention of them usually has them appearing in the form of the human they are visiting. Who dreamed up the stereotype, long blond haired, handsome, winged, human looking person we now accept. I blame well paid medieval artists for a lot of the maudlin images today’s believers have in their minds when they think of God, Mary, Jesus, and religious things in general.

 

[Vico]

I often read statements like…"There’s a lot we don’t know about the angels, but it’s widely regarded… etc.etc."

Just how much solid material do we have regarding the existence of and the character of these supposed beings? I’m beginning to feel that everything we believe about them is pure speculation. Biblical mention of them usually has them appearing in the form of the human they are visiting. Who dreamed up the stereotype, long blond haired, handsome, winged, human looking person we now accept. I blame well paid medieval artists for a lot of the maudlin images today’s believers have in their minds when they think of God, Mary, Jesus, and religious things in general.

We have tradition and scripture, and reports of apparitions. Angels, per Christian teaching do not have bodies, but may appear. Note that non-Christians have different ideas of angels.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The existence of angels - a truth of faith

328 The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition.

Who are they?

329 St. Augustine says: "‘Angel’ is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is ‘spirit’; if you seek the name of their office, it is ‘angel’: from what they are, ‘spirit’, from what they do, ‘angel.’"188 With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they “always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” they are the “mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word”.189

330 As purely spiritual creatures angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.190

 

[anon10271182]

I 've seen an angel. Took on the appearance of a woman, and told me what action to take after a horrific car wreck. I believe it was the driver’s guardian angel.
That’s the condensed version.

 

[midori]

I only had one time when I suspected I might have met my guardian angel. She looked like a little old Mexican grandma. But I won’t know until after I’m dead as to whether it was just my imagination.

I know the priest at my old church, and someone I know, have both encountered the angel that guards my old church, at different times. It’s huuuuuuuge. I don’t particularly remember how the person described it, because it wasn’t something you saw with your eyes. Ever since then, I’ve tried to be more mindful about greeting whatever angel may or may not be in charge of whatever church I happen to go into.

I suspect that’s why you get the imagery you do in art. It’s hard to describe things that are spiritual beings that are 99.9999999% outside of our physical experience. And sometimes, trying to depict something like a pretty-lady-with-feathery-wings is a bit more comforting or relatable than a real (huuuuuuge! non-humaniform!) guardian might be.

 

[po18guy]

1. Don’t conflate man’s romanticized artistic expression with God’s reality. You risk misleading yourself - IMO, you already have.
2. Cynicism is driving you. You will never be at peace - either in belief or disbelief - as long as that is the case.
3. You are kicking against the goads, and as Saul of Tarsus was told, that is a very difficult thing to do.

 

[ShowersofRoses]

There is another thread about this same topic right now. There are many answers about Scriptural references here.

Is the concept of guardian angels based in Scripture/tradition, or is it just superstition? Apologetics

While I will admit I like the idea of angels (presumably archangels) sent by God to protect humanity I can’t think of any Bible passages that support it; however I could be wrong. In that case, what are some relevant scripture verses, or perhaps some bits of commentary by any Church Fathers on guardian angels? Has the Church ever made a pronouncement one way or the other. Thanks and peace of Christ in advance. DeusExMachina