The Angels and Us
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The Angels and Us
Mortimer Jerome Adler’s "The Angels and Us" offers a dispassionate yet thorough exploration of a topic frequently obscured by sentiment and dogma. Adler, known for his rigorous intellectual approach, applies his analytical skills to the historical and philosophical dimensions of angelic belief. The book’s strength lies in its systematic deconstruction of angelic hierarchies and attributes, tracing their development through centuries of theological and philosophical thought. A notable limitation, however, is the somewhat dry presentation; while intellectually stimulating, it may lack the evocative quality some readers seek when engaging with such a mystical subject. The discussion on the philosophical necessity of intermediary beings, as explored in the latter sections, provides a concrete example of Adler’s analytical method. Ultimately, "The Angels and Us" serves as a valuable, if unadorned, intellectual primer on a complex subject.
📝 Description
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Mortimer Adler's 1988 book examines angels within religious belief and philosophical discourse.
Mortimer Jerome Adler's "The Angels and Us" analyzes the concept of angels from both religious and philosophical viewpoints. Published in 1988, the book looks at the varied descriptions and ordered structures associated with angelic beings, including the idea of guardian angels. It traces the historical and intellectual grounds for believing in such entities.
Adler's work emerged during a time of increased attention to historical theology and philosophical studies of religious subjects. Many thinkers were re-examining traditional beliefs in a contemporary setting. This book fits into that intellectual current, providing a systematic, reasoned study of a subject often confined to faith or folklore. It considers the evolution of angelic imagery across different theological systems, differentiating between various ranks and roles of angels.
While not strictly an occult text, Adler's analysis of angels touches upon traditions often considered esoteric. The book engages with historical and philosophical arguments concerning incorporeal beings, a concept central to many mystical and theological systems. By treating angels as subjects of rational analysis, it bridges a gap between speculative thought and philosophical inquiry, examining how these entities have been understood across centuries of human intellectual and spiritual development.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Gain a structured understanding of angelic hierarchies as explored by Mortimer Jerome Adler, moving beyond simplistic portrayals to analyze their theological and philosophical roots. • Examine the historical evolution of angelic concepts, from early religious doctrines to their consideration within philosophical discourse, particularly noting the intellectual climate of the late 20th century. • Appreciate the philosophical arguments surrounding the existence and nature of incorporeal beings, as presented by Adler, to critically engage with concepts of faith and reason.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mortimer Jerome Adler's "The Angels and Us" first published?
Mortimer Jerome Adler's "The Angels and Us" was first published in 1988. This edition was part of the Lightning Print On Demand series by Libri GmbH.
What specific types of angels does "The Angels and Us" discuss?
The book discusses various images and hierarchies of angels, explicitly mentioning the concept of guardian angels as a focal point of inquiry.
What is the main approach Adler takes in "The Angels and Us"?
Adler takes an engaging, analytical approach, looking at angels as objects of religious belief and philosophical thought rather than solely from a devotional perspective.
Is "The Angels and Us" primarily a theological or philosophical work?
It bridges theology and philosophy, examining angels through the lens of both religious doctrine and rational philosophical inquiry, exploring how they have been viewed intellectually.
Who is Mortimer Jerome Adler?
Mortimer Jerome Adler (1902-2001) was an American philosopher, educator, and author, known for his work on the Great Books of the Western World and his contributions to educational philosophy and the Great Ideas.
What is the significance of "Lightning Print On Demand"?
"Lightning Print On Demand" indicates the book was produced using a print-on-demand service by Libri GmbH, a method that allows for books to be printed as they are ordered, often for niche or backlist titles.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Angelic Hierarchies and Functions
Adler meticulously unpacks the various classifications and roles attributed to angels throughout history. The work dissects concepts like seraphim, cherubim, and archangels, examining their symbolic and theological significance. It moves beyond simple categorization to analyze the philosophical implications of these structured celestial orders, questioning what these hierarchies reveal about human attempts to understand divine order and intermediary beings. The exploration of guardian angels is a specific example of this functional analysis.
Belief as Philosophical Object
The book treats belief in angels not as a matter of faith alone, but as a significant object of philosophical contemplation. Adler investigates the reasons why humans have historically posited the existence of such entities, analyzing the intellectual and psychological currents that support these beliefs. This perspective allows for a critical examination of the rationales, both theological and philosophical, that have underpinned angelic lore across different eras.
The Nature of Incorporeal Beings
A central theme is the philosophical inquiry into the existence and nature of incorporeal beings. Adler engages with arguments that have been used to support or deny the possibility of entities that exist apart from physical form. This exploration studies the metaphysical challenges of conceiving of and discussing non-material existence, positioning angels as a case study in this broader philosophical debate.
Angels in Religious and Philosophical Discourse
The work traces the trajectory of angelic concepts through both religious scripture and philosophical treatises. It highlights how different traditions have interpreted and integrated angelic figures into their cosmologies and ethical frameworks. Adler demonstrates how philosophical thought has both shaped and been shaped by these religious ideas, creating a complex interplay between faith and reason concerning celestial intermediaries.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The work explores the various images and hierarchies of angels.”
— This foundational statement captures the book's scope, indicating a systematic survey of how angels have been depicted and organized across different belief systems and intellectual traditions.
“Speculating on the existence of these creatures.”
— Adler frames his inquiry not as one of dogma but as intellectual exploration, inviting readers to consider the philosophical grounds and implications of believing in angelic beings.
“Viewed as objects of religious belief.”
— This highlights the book's focus on the historical and cultural context of angel veneration and belief, positioning angels as phenomena studied within religious frameworks.
“And philosophical thought.”
— This addition emphasizes Adler's intent to analyze angels through a rational, philosophical lens, connecting them to broader metaphysical and epistemological discussions beyond mere religious doctrine.
“Including guardian angels.”
— This specific mention signals a focus on a particularly relatable and commonly discussed aspect of angelology, grounding the broader philosophical inquiry in a concrete, popular concept.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
While not strictly adhering to a single esoteric lineage like Hermeticism or Kabbalah, Adler's work engages with the philosophical underpinnings of angelology, a concept central to Abrahamic religions and subsequently interpreted within various esoteric traditions. It provides a rational framework for understanding celestial hierarchies, which speaks to the ordered cosmologies found in many mystical paths, offering a bridge between academic theology and esoteric speculation.
Symbolism
The book's exploration of angelic hierarchies touches upon the symbolic representation of divine order and intermediary forces. Concepts like the 'messenger' function of angels symbolize divine communication and guidance, while the various ranks (Seraphim, Cherubim) can be seen as symbolic representations of spiritual states or cosmic principles, reflecting a symbolic language common in esoteric thought.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary practitioners of Western esoteric traditions, particularly those drawing from Christian mysticism or angel magic, find value in Adler's structured approach to angelic lore. His work provides a philosophical grounding that can inform and deepen personal practices, offering a rational lens through which to view and understand the entities and hierarchies encountered in more direct spiritual or magical work.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Students of comparative religion and theology seeking to understand the historical and philosophical development of angel belief systems. • Philosophers and thinkers interested in metaphysical concepts, particularly the existence and nature of incorporeal beings and the logic of religious belief. • Individuals exploring Western esoteric traditions who wish to gain a scholarly perspective on angelic hierarchies and their conceptual frameworks.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 1988, Mortimer Jerome Adler’s "The Angels and Us" emerged during a late 20th-century intellectual landscape marked by a resurgence of interest in traditional philosophical and theological questions. While the dominant philosophical trends often leaned towards analytic philosophy or postmodern critiques, there was a parallel undercurrent of engagement with perennial questions of metaphysics, ethics, and religion. Thinkers like Jacques Derrida were deconstructing religious language, while others, such as Alasdair MacIntyre, were reviving virtue ethics rooted in Aristotelian and Thomistic traditions. Adler’s work can be seen as contributing to this latter stream, offering a rigorous, systematic examination of a topic often considered esoteric or purely devotional. The book did not emerge in a vacuum; it engaged with centuries of Christian theological discourse, particularly scholasticism, and implicitly responded to a secularized intellectual climate that often sidelined discussions of spiritual entities. Its reception was likely within academic circles interested in the history of ideas and philosophy of religion, rather than a mainstream philosophical debate.
📔 Journal Prompts
The concept of guardian angels and your personal understanding of their role.
Adler's philosophical arguments for intermediary beings.
The historical evolution of angelic imagery across different traditions.
The objectification of religious belief in philosophical discourse.
The nature of incorporeal existence as explored in the text.
🗂️ Glossary
Angel
A spiritual or divine messenger or intermediary being, often depicted with wings, prominent in religious traditions and philosophical discussions of non-corporeal existence.
Hierarchy
A system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority, often applied in theological contexts to celestial beings.
Guardian Angel
An angel believed to protect and guide a particular person, often a central concept in devotional and theological discussions of angelic roles.
Incorporeal Being
A being that does not have a physical body or material form; an immaterial entity, a concept explored philosophically in relation to spirits, souls, and angels.
Religious Belief
Acceptance of religious doctrines, tenets, or propositions as true, often involving faith and forming the basis for spiritual practices and worldview.
Philosophical Thought
The critical and systematic study of fundamental questions concerning existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language, applied here to the nature of angels.
Theological Discourse
The systematic study and discussion of the nature of God and religious belief, often involving the interpretation of scripture and tradition regarding spiritual entities like angels.
This book appears in 2 collections
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