Angels (Very Short Introductions)

In this lively and concise Very Short Introduction, David Albert Jones provides a crisp, broad-ranging survey of angels in theology, philosophy, and popular culture. Focusing on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, he examines how angels have been imagined and explained as well as why they continue to captivate us. Jones explores the classical discussion--what they are made of, when they came to be, and how many there are. He names the archangels, surveys the different hierarchies, and examines how they have changed over time. He looks at why the idea of angels remains so potent in modern culture, even among non-believers.

David Albert Jones is the Academic Director in the School of Theology, Philosophy, and History at St Mary's University College, Twickenham.

1. Preface

2. A brief history of angels

3. Picturing angels

4. What is an angel?

5. Divine messengers

6. Ministering spirits

7. Heavenly hosts

8. Fallen angels

9. Wrestling with angels

1. Preface

2. A brief history of angels

3. Picturing angels

4. What is an angel?

5. Divine messangers

6. Ministering spirits

7. Heavenly hosts

8. Fallen angels

9. Wrestling with angels

Further reading