Fallen angel
Overview
A fallen angel is a term primarily used in various religions for angels who have been expelled from heaven. The term is often used in the context of angelic beings who have sinned or rebelled against the divine order, and have consequently been cast out of heaven. Christian, Islamic, and Jewish traditions all contain references to fallen angels, though the specifics of their stories and the nature of their fall can vary significantly.
In Christianity
In Christian theology, fallen angels are angels who were expelled from heaven due to their rebellion against God. The most well-known fallen angel in Christianity is Lucifer, who is often identified with Satan, the adversary of God and humanity. The concept of fallen angels is primarily derived from interpretations of the Book of Revelation and other biblical texts.
Rebellion and Fall
The rebellion and fall of the angels are not explicitly described in the Bible, but several passages are interpreted as references to these events. The most influential of these is in the Book of Revelation (12:7-9), which speaks of a war in heaven in which Michael and his angels fought against the dragon (identified as the devil or Satan), who fought back with his angels. The dragon and his angels were not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven and were thrown down to earth.
Characteristics and Roles
Fallen angels, in Christian belief, are often depicted as spiritual beings of a malevolent nature. They are considered to be followers of Satan and are often associated with evil deeds and the temptation of humans. Some Christian traditions also associate fallen angels with the concept of demons, considering them to be the same entities.
In Islam
In Islamic tradition, the concept of fallen angels is different from that in Christianity. Islam does not have the concept of rebellious angels, as it teaches that angels are beings created from light who lack free will and serve God unconditionally. However, the figure of Iblis (often compared to Satan in Christian tradition) is a jinn who was cast out of heaven for refusing to bow to Adam.
Iblis
Iblis, in Islamic belief, was a devout servant of God but was expelled from heaven for his pride and arrogance. When God created Adam, he commanded all the angels to bow to Adam. All the angels did so, but Iblis refused, arguing that he was superior because he was created from fire, while Adam was created from clay. As a result of his disobedience, Iblis was cast out of heaven and became a shaytan (devil).
In Judaism
In Jewish tradition, there is no concept of fallen angels in the sense of angels rebelling against God. However, there are stories in the Book of Enoch (not included in the canonical Jewish scriptures) that speak of angels called "Watchers" who descended to earth and sinned by having children with human women.
The Watchers
The Watchers, according to the Book of Enoch, were a group of 200 angels who were sent to earth to watch over humans. They fell into sin after they began to lust after human women. They took these women as their wives and had children with them, who were known as the Nephilim. These events are also alluded to in Genesis 6:1-4 of the Bible.
Cultural Depictions
Fallen angels have been a popular subject in art, literature, and culture. They are often depicted as tragic figures, having lost their divine status and suffering eternal punishment for their rebellion. In some depictions, they are portrayed with dark or black wings to symbolize their fallen status.