On this final (not so mini) installment of this mini-series, Em & Alan talk about those scariest of all spiritual beings -- Angels. They discuss what these monsters say about humanity, faith, & God.Topics discussed include, Lovecraftian monstrosities, 5-dimensional beings, Thing Theory, angelic visitations, flaming swords, and what we believe.
Click on the player below to listen to the episode:
Right-click to download the episode.
You may also subscribe to the podcast through Apple Podcasts or the RSS Feed.
Link: "GLORIA" by Taylor LeongWe would love to hear from you about this topic, the podcast episode, or monsters in general. Send e-mail feedback to dorknesstolight@gmail.com
You can follow the network on twitter @DorknessToLight or Alan @ProfessorAlan
As you noted, angels are spiritual beings whose nature is beyond our comprehension. I found Em's idea that there are maybe 5 fallen angels intriguing (and hopeful), as is the idea that the Heavenly Host is singular, and that angels are not individuals (if I understood that correctly), but I have some trouble with the idea that angels do not have free will. Without that, how could Lucifer have fallen? How could he have separated himself from the Host? These are questions beyond my understanding, of course, and I'm entirely aware that my thinking could be wrong. I believe the most important idea in seeking knowledge or wisdom of any sort is "I could be wrong."
ReplyDeleteIn Catholic grammar school, I was taught the concept of "mystery" in the sense of "something that is beyond the ability of the human mind to comprehend on its own", and, as I get older, part of me becomes a bit more comfortable with the idea that some things are mysteries, but that speculation about such things is OK. One of my own speculations is that, no matter how many fallen angels there are, I hope there is some possibility of redemption for them. If one can fall from grace, I believe a gracious God might offer redemption for all of Creation, including those in Hell. Whether they will accept that grace, of course, would also be a matter of free will, though.
Thanks for "Dorkness to Nightmare". It's been quite and interesting October.
Thank you for your regular and well-considered feedback, on this and every episode. We find that very encouraging, Dave, and really appreciate it.
DeleteWhen I found the verse in Isaiah that "as high as the heavens are above the earth, so are his thoughts above ours," I found it liberating. That gave me an understanding of the value of Mystery, and as I've aged, I come to appreciate that more. -- Prof Alan
"I could be wrong" is a phrase that shows intelligence.
DeleteIf you want an interesting take on Angels, Fallen Angels, and Devils then I recommend the anime "High School DXD". Yes, there's fan service ... OK A LOT of fan service, but the world that is set-up in the story is really interesting for those that are theological nerds.
ReplyDeletehttps://vrv.co/series/GYDQK0Z96/High-School-DxD
we LOVE getting all of these recommendations. Thank you, buddy!
DeleteI figured anything that has Azazel as a major character might be of interest to you both. Also, full disclosure, Michelle watched the show with me so while it is VERY fan service heavy, it wasn't so over the top that I was told to turn it off. ;)
DeleteThe more I understand about current AI and how far it is from what we consider to be human intelligence, the more it seems to me to describe angels. Perhaps they are unbelievably sophisticated living, programmable androids. The nature of what they are also suggested linked programming (Star Wars I battle droids). Therefore, when Lucifer fell, any angels linked to him also had their programming corrupted. Anyway, just a theory or way of conceptualizing them.
ReplyDeleteOn another topic, I'm sure you have heard of Frank Peretti and his book, This Present Darkness ". He also did a book titled "Angelwalk" that looked at some of these questions in a fascinating way.
And it is somewhat ignorant to not notice that the spiritual and physical are very connected and have impact on each other.
ReplyDelete