Ethan Walker
The question of whether angels are higher than humans in the Catholic faith is a complex one. Some sources suggest that angels are indeed higher than humans, citing their role as messengers of God and their possession of superhuman characteristics and greater knowledge. Additionally, Psalm 8:5 states that man is lower than angels, or 'gods': Yet you have made him a little lower than the angels; with glory and honour you crowned him. However, it is important to note that this hierarchical relationship is not absolute. Humans are created in the image of God, a trait that angels lack, and Christians will judge angels in the millennial kingdom, suggesting a higher rank for humans. Furthermore, once humans are glorified, they will have a higher place than angels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Angels are God's messengers | Yes |
| Humans are created in God's image | Yes |
| Angels are immortal | Yes |
| Humans are mortal | Yes |
| Angels have superhuman characteristics | Yes |
| Angels are more powerful and stronger than humans | Yes |
| Angels have greater knowledge and higher rank than humans | Yes |
| Angels are higher than humans | Yes |
| Christians will have a higher rank than angels in the millennial kingdom | Yes |
| Catholic priests are higher than angels | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Angels are far greater in power and strength than humans
Angels are considered to be higher than humans in Catholic traditions. They are believed to be far greater in power and strength than humans. This is because angels are immortal and do not die, whereas humans are mortal.
Psalm 8:5 explicitly tells us that man is lower than angels: "Yet you have made him a little lower than the angels; with glory and honour you crowned him". This is reiterated in Hebrews 2:9, which states: "But we see in Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour".
Angels are also considered to be higher than humans because they are messengers of God and have no sin. They are God's creations and are thus higher in the 'hierarchy of being', which goes from the most material to the least material. St. Thomas Aquinas, also known as the 'Angelic Doctor', summarizes this in his work on Angelic Beings.
However, it is important to note that humans have the potential to become greater than angels. The Apostle Paul compared the power of angels to the potential of man, stating that God seeks a family relationship with mortal humans and that humans can become literal sons of God. Christ also said in Matthew 5:48, "Become ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect", implying that humans have the potential to achieve perfection and greatness, even surpassing that of angels.
Additionally, Catholic priests who have undergone ordination are believed to be raised above the angels through the privilege of Priestly Ordination, becoming 'alter Christus'.
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Humans are made in the image of God, angels are not
In Catholic traditions, there are several choirs of angels with specific functions and roles in the heavens. However, humanity is considered above them because humans were created in the image of God, a trait that angels lack. According to Genesis 1:26-27, God created humans in his image: "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him: male and female created he them."
This idea is further expressed in Genesis 2, where the image of God is manifested in the creation of male and female and their union in marriage. Angels, on the other hand, do not marry, as stated in Matthew 22:30 and Mark 12:25. This distinction suggests that only humans, particularly as male and female in relational unity, are made in the image of God, while angels are not.
Additionally, humans have dominion over the Earth, which is linked to being created in God's image. Angels, however, do not possess this dominion. Furthermore, humans have the capacity for procreation, which angels do not have, as explicitly declared by Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.
While angels possess faculties of intellect, emotion, volition, morality, and spirituality, they lack certain qualities that make humans uniquely like God, such as dominion, creativity, and relationality. These additional attributes found in humans further emphasize the idea that humans are made in the image of God, while angels are not.
It is important to note that the concept of "made in the image of God" extends beyond physical resemblance. It encompasses moral and intellectual capacities, dominion, and the possession of a body. While angels may share some of these attributes, the combination of all these qualities in humans sets them apart and solidifies the belief that they are made in the image of God.
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Angels are immortal, humans are not
Angels are immortal, but humans are not. This is a concept that has been explored in Christian theology, particularly in Catholicism. According to the Bible, angels are spiritual beings created by God to live forever, while humans are mortal and will eventually die.
Psalm 8:5 states that humans are "lower than the angels," suggesting a hierarchy where angels are placed higher than humans. This is further supported by the belief that angels are messengers and servants of God, possessing great power and might. In Catholic tradition, angels are believed to have specific functions and roles in the heavens, forming choirs and serving those who will inherit salvation.
The immortality of angels is a key aspect that sets them apart from humans. Angels are described as immaterial beings without physical bodies, composed solely of their immortal souls. Unlike humans, they do not experience death or the separation of body and spirit. This idea is summarized by St. Thomas Aquinas in his work on Angelic Beings, where he explains the 'hierarchy of being' from the most material to the least material.
However, it is important to note that the relationship between angels and humans is complex. While angels are generally considered higher in rank, Jesus, as a flawless deity, subjected himself to the human condition and grew in obedience and endurance, achieving perfection. Additionally, Catholic priests, through their ordination and representation of Christ, are considered to have a higher position than angels.
The question of angelic immortality also leads to discussions about the fate of fallen angels and the potential for their destruction or annihilation. While some argue that angels, including fallen ones, cannot die and will live forever, others suggest that their immortality is dependent on God's grace and obedience to Him.
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Angels are God's messengers
Angels are referred to as God's messengers in Catholic teachings. The word "angel" is derived from the Greek word "angelos", which means "messenger". In Scripture, angels often act as God's couriers, appearing to several important figures such as Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, and Mary, to speak on God's behalf and deliver God's message to humanity.
Angels are believed to be pure spirit, like God, though they are limited and created, receiving their nature and existence from God. They are said to have immediate and intuitive knowledge of universal ideas, though not all angels are created with the same knowledge. Their knowledge depends on their particular mission or responsibility.
Angels are believed to serve as God's intermediaries and subordinates in governing creation. They are present to guide humans and protect them, leading them towards eternal life. They are also believed to offer God perfect worship.
Angels are depicted in Renaissance paintings as chubby cherubs with tiny wings, long-haired figures with flowing robes, or heavenly warriors outfitted in Roman armor.
While angels are considered higher than humans in the 'hierarchy of being', with humans being created "a little lower than the angels", it is important to note that Catholic priests are believed to be raised above the angels through the privilege of priestly ordination.
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Christians will judge angels in the millennial kingdom
The idea that Christians will judge angels in the millennial kingdom stems from the biblical passage 1 Corinthians 6:2-3, in which the Apostle Paul states: "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world...Or do you not know that we are to judge angels?" This passage has been interpreted to mean that believers will not only judge the world but also have authority over holy angels and judge fallen angels.
Commentators disagree on whether the angels mentioned by Paul are good or evil angels. Evil angels, or demons, will be judged and condemned, as indicated in Scripture (Isaiah 24:21-22; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6; Revelation 20:10). However, holy angels are considered sinless and cannot be judged in the sense of being condemned. The Greek word for "judge," translated as "krino," also means "to rule or govern," implying that believers in heaven may have a governing role over holy angels.
This interpretation aligns with the belief that humans are created in the image of God, a trait that angels lack, and that Christ, who is exalted above all angels, will share his authority over them with those who are made in his likeness. This suggests that Christians, as God's children, will be given a higher position than angels, even though angels are currently considered higher in the hierarchy of beings due to their immaterial and eternal nature.
While the specific details of how Christians will judge angels are not revealed, this doctrine highlights the exaltation of ordinary believers and their participation in the authority of Jesus, the ultimate judge of all things. It serves as a reminder for Christians to resolve conflicts with fellow believers in a Spirit-filled manner rather than through worldly means.
In conclusion, the idea that Christians will judge angels in the millennial kingdom is based on biblical passages and theological interpretations. It underscores the dignity and authority given to believers, who will participate in the governance or judgment of angels, whether holy or fallen. However, the exact nature and extent of this judgment remain unknown.
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Frequently asked questions
Angels are generally considered to be higher than humans in Catholic belief, according to sources citing the Bible. However, some sources suggest that humans are higher than angels, or will be in the future.
Angels are unique creations of God that can only be perceived through Scripture. They are like humans in that they have intelligence, morality, and spirituality, but they are superior in power and strength and have superhuman characteristics.
Psalm 8:5 states that man is lower than angels: "Yet you have made him a little lower than the angels; with glory and honour you crowned him."
Some sources interpret this passage to mean that humans are only lower than angels while they live on Earth. After death, humans will be equal to angels, or even judge angels.
Catholic priests are considered to be higher than angels due to their ability to convert 'bread and wine' into the Body and Blood of Christ, and absolve penitents of their sins.
