The Angelic Way: Angels Through the Ages and Their Meaning for Us
Rami Shapiro
BlueBridge, Nov 2009, $15.95
www.bluebridgebooks.com
ISBN: 9781933346199
Rabbi Rami Shapiro looks deeply at angels in religion and mythology. The major religions share in common several similar traits though has some differences. One thing the Rabbi emphasizes that is common amidst the world religions is the role of angels is to help guide people closer to God and with one another as everyone is linked with everyone else. He also provides an intriguing chapter on Satan The Fallen Angel who “existed” a full millennia before Jesus anchored as a key part of the Zoroastrian religion with his being God’s opposite ( assort of Yin and Yang – pardon the mixing of beliefs). As fascinating is the chapter on humans going the opposite way by ascending to heaven rather than angels descending to earth; people like Enoch, Elijah, Isaiah, Rabbi Ishmael, Mary and Muhammad are some of those included. In the Old Testament, angels play major roles as God’s agents including Satan whereas Christianity takes the position that Satan is evil trickster able to fool people to act in his image. With other chapters including angelic sightings by key figures of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, this is a rounded fascinating look at what angels have meant over centuries though the prime emphasis is on the Hebrew; as the author is a rabbi.
Harriet Klausner
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment