What are Angels..?

[AYHJA]

While I figure that question to be rhetorical, because I miss the challenges this forum presents, I'll answer it anyway...

The origin of my fingertip depends firstly on your definition of it...Secondly, it depends on context and perception...But off the top, I'd have to say that the origin of my fingertip is the finite nature of my appendages and physical limitations of the flesh...

[Sir Jig-A-Lot]

Doesn't most/all of it depend on the context & perceptions(s)+ variables?.

[raum]

near perfect answer to my Koan, Kumicho-kun!

Jozu desu, Domo Jozu desu!

The unattainable answer is dissolute in the vast thought pattern that emerges when you decide that not only is their a "you", but that "you" have appendages, and that your appendages have phalanges, and that they have physical limits, and that those physical limits are for sensory input or to enact communication.

If the Universe is the supercomputer of El, and Matter is his keyboard, than perhaps Angels are his fingertips stroking the keys to compose the "words" to convey that highest octave of thought and mind, which is synonymous with the supreme form of love.

[Aemeth]

So are angels necessary for the existence of the universe?

[raum]

Rather the existence of angels is necessary for the experience of the universe to include the presence of El.

[raum]

and if you doubt that, look at Sir-Jig's avatar... Yowza!

[deepsepia]

Seems a simple enough question, and at least one everyone here should have some general idea of what they are...I am inclined to believe that the general concept of an Angel and what it is stems from our experience or knowledge of religion...Be them little chubby children, womanizers, or fierce sentries, what comes to mind when you think of them and their origins..?

simple answer: there are no angels. more complicated answer: "Angels" & Saints are a reflection of polytheistic traditions in a monotheistic religion. Remember that Judaism was distinguished by one god, supreme and not terribly human. That idea was attractive, but people kinda wanted their "many gods" back. So you end up with a basically monotheistic religion (Christianity or Islam) which has a kind of "backdoor" polytheism, where you get the "supreme power" of the "big guy" but a more human seeming characgter to appeal to you, and your particular issues (eg if you're a fisherman, you have St. Peter, if you're a soldier, you have St. George, and so on)

The whole "angel" craze takes the Saint story to a new-age level; its rejected by most Protestant theologians.