User:Bookofjude/Angelology

Angelology
Angelology is a branch of theology that deals with a hierarchical system of angels, messengers, celestial powers or emanations, and the study of these systems. It primarily relates to Judaism, whose system is kaballistic, and Christianity, where it is one of the ten major branches of theology, albeit a neglected one.

It is believed that Zoroastrianism had an influence on Jewish angelology, and therefore modern Christian angelology, due to the appearance of elements from Zoroastrianism in Judaism following Israel's extended contact with Persia while in exile in Babylon , such as Satan as a supreme head over the powers of evil, in contrast to God , comparing Satan to Angra Mainyu (also known as Ahriman) of Zoroastrian faith , who contrasted with Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity. Satan's title of "Prince of Darkness" may also have come from Zoroastrian faith. Angels appeared in Zoroastrianism as God's helpers, and their hierarchy is comparable to modern Angelology's hierarchy.

In contrast, some critics believe that it was Judaism and Christianity that had an influence on Zoroastrianism. They purport that similarities, such as those between Zoroaster and Jesus, and the incorporation of other motifs, were created by priests in an attempt to exalt Zoroaster, and deter those of Zoroastrian faith from converting to other faiths.