the word "angel" being tainted

i recently discovered a nice shop and the lady frequently mentions angels. my partner says that the word angel can be confusing, as it is tainted by the concepts of christianity.

so my question is: are angels only or at least primarily associated with christianity? or do/can they apply to all aspects of mysticism and wicca in particular?

[WhiteWarrior]

Angels are a higher class of spirit. Ascended. That's all I know.

[Evaah]

To my knowledge, the concept of angels exists across numerous religions and spiritual mindsets, though there might be different terminology for them. I do agree that the term has been heavily altered by Christianity ("tainted" isn't the right word, I feel) - that is, it's been humanized, like many other celestial concepts within religion. I do know that the "slapping-wings-on-humans" stunt was pulled in order to attract pagan Germanic tribes to Christianity (since these tribes were very much into mythical creatures).

It bothers me to say that angels are primarily associated with Christianity, because they're not. They transcend the concept of religion. These days, we're beginning to realize this, and the concept of angels is breaking free from the old rigid stereotype that's often seen on greeting cards during Christmas/Yule.

So to answer your question: NO, they're not primarily associated with Christianity, and YES, they apply to many more belief systems.

They go back thousands of years before Christianity. It also depends on what you mean by 'angel'. Angels as messengers go back thousands of years BC and probably even farther back than that, but Christianity polarized them into good/bad, angels/demons, fallen or not. Before Christian sanitized the 'good' angels, angels were much more complicated and there was also an element of terror or awe to them.

thank you for these great, in-depth replies!

As I see of it, there is a fairly newly developing team of Super Angels coming into existence. You (You, as an any participating here) may be one of them. Super Angels tend to be pretty encouraging to everyone I think. (Yeah, Yeah yeah, I am trying to be their spokesperson) Sue me if I suck. I am doing the best I can.

Angels the Christian type angelics with wings and God worshiping does not have anything to do with Wicca or Witchcraft. As a Witch my Messages are brought to me by my familiars or dreams or when I am Divining. Also I ask the fae to leave me messages if I need them. I will leave them something in return like ale or cream and some biscuits,.

[Dragonfly1]

Angels have no religious preference, Angels are Angels and they're there for everyone...no matter what religion or belief or atheism ....it matters not to them if you believe in them or not...they are there no matter what.......Peace xx

Originally Posted by Dragonfly1

Angels have no religious preference, Angels are Angels and they're there for everyone...no matter what religion or belief or atheism ....it matters not to them if you believe in them or not...they are there no matter what.......Peace xx

That is just the way they are. It is nice that you know this.

Originally Posted by Dragonfly1

Angels have no religious preference, Angels are Angels and they're there for everyone...no matter what religion or belief or atheism ....it matters not to them if you believe in them or not...they are there no matter what.......Peace xx

Yes, I agree. I wouldn't get hung up on whether or not a term is tainted or unsuited for use, that strikes me as unnecessary, especially when the underlying concept is clear. If one feels uncomfortable using certain words or more comfortable associating with others, that's fine, but I don't think anything 'belongs' to just one religion or somesuch. There's just different methods or perspectives.