A Comparative Analysis of Christianity and Islam Concepts of Angels: the Panacea to Religious Harmony

A Comparative Analysis of Christianity and Islam Concepts of Angels: the Panacea to Religious Harmony

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume IV, Issue VI, June 2020|ISSN 2454-6186 A Comparative Analysis of Christianity and Islam concepts of Angels: the Panacea to Religious Harmony Babalola Emmanuel Oluwafemi Lecturer, Pan African College of Education Offa, Kwara State Nigeria Abstract: - Religious understanding and peaceful co-existence are (Wayne, 2000). Other names used for angels include: the priority for a peaceful society. Places where terrorism is the Messengers, Watchers (Dan 4:13,17,23), Hosts (I Samuel order of the day are mostly perpetuated by religious groups. The 17:45; 1:11), and Sons of the Almighty, Sons of God (Job 1:6, cause of this act can be traced to a warped understanding of the 38:7), Holy ones ‟oi( a&gioi which in Hebrew is Scripture. The emerging religious tension in Nigeria, with the !dq= ,‎Kedoshim', (Psalm 89:5,7), Spirits (Hebrews 1:14), problem of the Boko Haram and the effects on socio-economic situation of the country, calls for attention. The trendy religious Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Authorities (Colossians hullabaloo in the country involving the two Abrahamic faiths 1:16) and Powers (Ephesians 1:21). makes this study important and expedient as it serves to The existence of angels is uniformly presented in Scripture. illustrate the commonalities in the two faiths concepts of angels Angels are creatures created by God (Ps. 148:2, 5). In the for the purpose of promoting religious harmony using thematic approach (the concept of angel). The study opines that to make absence of explicit testimony a plausible opinion would be the world a peaceful and saved place, there is need for a proper that they were brought into existence at the commencement of understanding and application of the different faiths’ Scriptures. the creation week (Wayne, G. 2000). All created things came Proper understanding and application of the Scriptures will help into being during the first week (Ex. 20:11), and since the in stopping heresy and the religious leaders who are using the angels “shouted for joy” when the “foundations of the earth” Scriptures to cause religious crisis in the nation. It is believed were laid (Job 38:4, 7), it is not unreasonable to assume that that this study will open the eyes of the scholars and religious they came into existence during the initial stages of God‟s leaders to other areas of similarities and differences in the creative activity. To Paul, Christ created the angels that they Qur’an and the Bible, and how this can be explained in a way might ultimately give praise to Him (Colossians 1:16). that it will not lead to religious crisis but lead to unity, peace and progress which would also promote socio-economic growth of the The scriptural teachings on the nature of the angels show that nation. Since the Scripture is the basis of self-understanding of they are not omnipresent (Luke 1:26-27; Daniel 10:12-14). religious groups, it is believed that the study would serve as The idea that an angel can be in only one place at a time is illumination and enlightenment for the adherents of Islam and Christianity to see their Scriptures’ teachings on angels as a consistent with the fact that angels are created beings. Unlike valuable tool in fostering mutual understanding, promoting God, who is omnipresent, they are finite creatures and tolerance, maintaining peaceful co-existence and ensuring therefore limited to being in one place at one time. The angels harmonious relationship with one another to the overall benefits do not engage in physical relationships, for example in of Nigeria in particular and the world at large. marriage (Matthew. 22:30). This is so because the angels are bodiless but may reveal themselves to mankind in the form of I. BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF ANGELS human bodies. They are powerful (Psalm 103:20; Hebrew 2:7; here are a number of different words used in the Scripture 2 Peter 2:11). The angels are spirit beings, but possess the T to define angelic beings. The term “angel” derives from a nature of neither deity nor humanity. Scripture does affirm Greek term αγγελος and in Hebrew Ea*l=m^ , (malak') means that they are “spirits” (Heb. 1:14) and higher than man in messenger. In Latin translation it is Angelus (Mckenzie, order (Hebrews 2:7). Therefore, they are not subject to human 1965). The basic meaning of the word is one who is sent. It limitations, especially since they are incapable to death (Luke can therefore be used in an ordinary way for a human 20:38). They have greater wisdom than man (2 Samuel messenger or a divine messenger. In the New Testament, the 14:20), yet it is limited (Matthew 24:36). They have greater word αγγελος is found one hundred and seventy five times power than man (Matthew 28:2, Acts 5:19). They are not (fifty one times in the synoptic, twenty one in Acts, sixty created in the image of God. Therefore they do not share seven in Revelation and thirty six in the epistles). It is used of man‟s glorious destiny of redemption in Christ (Paul, E. men only six times Colin (1986). In divine usage of the word, 1989). At the consummation of age, redeemed man will be “angel” denotes a heavenly order of beings, below deity exalted above angels (1 Corinthians 6:3). (Hebrew. 1:6), but above humanity (Hebrew. 2:7). Angels Scripture shows that the angels have classifications. They can could be defined as the created, spiritual beings with moral be classified into the: angels who are governmental rulers, judgment and high intelligence, but without physical bodies www.rsisinternational.org Page 451 International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume IV, Issue VI, June 2020|ISSN 2454-6186 highest in ranking, prominent individuals and the angels who described as each having six wings. In their threefold are divine attendants. Angels who are governmental rulers are proclamation, holy, holy, holy (Isaiah 6:3), it means to mentioned in Ephesians 6:12. This verse refers to ranking of recognize God as extremely, perfectly holy. Therefore hey fallen angels. Rulers are those who are first or high in rank, praise and proclaim the perfect holiness of God. The powers are those invested with authority; world forces of this Seraphim also express the holiness of God in that they darkness expresses or authority which they exercise over the proclaim that man must be cleaned of sin‟s moral defilement world, spiritual forces of wickedness describes the wicked before he can stand before God and serve Him (Dennis, spirits, expressing their character and nature. Daniel 10:13 1989). also refers to the Prince of Persia. Angels who are of highest II. THE ROLES OF ANGELS ranking include Michael who is called the archangel a)rxa/ggelo$ , in Jude 9 and the great prince lodG*h^ rC^h^ in The roles or ministry of angels can be grouped into the Daniel 12:1. Michael is the only angel designated archangel, ministry to: God, Christ, Believers and unbelievers. To God, and may possibly be the only of this rank. There were chief the Cherubim are defending the holiness of God and Seraphim princes (Daniel 10:13) of whom Michael was one, as the surrounding the throne of God as they attend to His holiness. highest ranking angels of God. The mission of the archangel is They patrol the earth as God‟s representatives (Zechariah to protect Israel (Daniel 12:1). Ruling angels (Ephesians 3:10) 1:10–11). are also mentioned, but no further details are given. The ministry to Christ: as the angels surround the throne of Morally, the angels are classified into two kinds: the holy or the Father, so the angels attend to God the Son (David, H. the elect (I Timothy 5:21) and the fallen, who are described in 2006). Angels predicted His birth (Luke 1:26-38), protected the Bible as evil spirits or demons Gaebelein, (1987). These Him in infancy (Matthew 2:13; 2:20). They ministered to Him rebellious angels will not be redeemed (Hebrew 2:11-17), and after the temptation (Matthew 4:11). This ministry probably their final end is the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41). However, include encouragement following the exhaustion of forty days while some of these fallen angels are now free to roam, others of temptation, as well as supplying him with food as an angel are currently kept in eternal bonds (Jude 1:6; 2 Peter 2:4). did to Elijah (1 Kings 19:5-7). The angels also strengthened Him at Gethsemane (Luke 22:43), they also announced his Angels who are prominent individuals include Michael resurrection (Matthew 28:5-7) and attended his ascension (Daniel10:13). The name means who is like God. He is the (Acts 1:10). The angels will attend His second coming defender of Israel who will wage war on behalf of Israel (Matthew 25:31; Luke 9:26, 2 Thessalonians 1:7) against Satan and his hordes in the Tribulation (Revelation 12:7-9). He also disputed with Satan about the body of Moses. Angels also have the ministry to the believers. This ministry Angel Gabriel is another angel in this rank. His name means include physical protection (Psalm 34:7; 91:11-13; Acts 5:19), man of God or God is strong. He seems to be God‟s special physical provision (1 Kings 19:5-7), encouragement (Acts 27: messenger of His kingdom programme in each of the four 23-25), direction (Acts 8:26), assist in answers to prayer (Acts times he appears in the Bible record.

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