Reasons for Medieval Interest in Angels:
In the Middle Ages, Scripture was the principle way that Medieval people made sense of their personal circumstances, hardships, and their world overall. The primary method to understanding angels was also based on Scripture notations on the subject. It was these biblical references to angels that paved the way for their frequent occurrences in the form of stained glass windows in cathedrals, art work, sculptors, sermons, and theological writings. The interest that Medieval Christians had in angels also stemmed from the desire to counter black magic, paganism, and other theological controversies. Theologians of the early Middle Ages believed that paganist figures and astrologers received their guidance from demons. Thus, the church decided there was a need to replace the pagan “dark magic” and spirit “guides” with a kind of Christian mystical entity. Angels became a convenient escape and distraction from the shameful paganist traditions; they actually became a type of Christian magical being. As their legitimacy grew, angels were assigned protective roles and had certain expectations to fulfill in Medieval Christian society.
In the Middle Ages, Scripture was the principle way that Medieval people made sense of their personal circumstances, hardships, and their world overall. The primary method to understanding angels was also based on Scripture notations on the subject. It was these biblical references to angels that paved the way for their frequent occurrences in the form of stained glass windows in cathedrals, art work, sculptors, sermons, and theological writings. The interest that Medieval Christians had in angels also stemmed from the desire to counter black magic, paganism, and other theological controversies. Theologians of the early Middle Ages believed that paganist figures and astrologers received their guidance from demons. Thus, the church decided there was a need to replace the pagan “dark magic” and spirit “guides” with a kind of Christian mystical entity. Angels became a convenient escape and distraction from the shameful paganist traditions; they actually became a type of Christian magical being. As their legitimacy grew, angels were assigned protective roles and had certain expectations to fulfill in Medieval Christian society.