Angels seem like an afterthought in modern piety and theology—or, for the scientifically minded, an embarrassment. But angels were a given for ancient and medieval Christians. They expressed through writings, sermons, songs, and art a vivid belief in angelic beings and their role in the world: to carry believers to and through a saving experience of Christ.
Lifted by Angels goes back to the scriptures and the words and icons of those early Christians to present angels through their eyes. It explores:
- the angelic role in salvation history;
- various ranks and functions of angels;
- the fall of Satan and his demons;
- the assignment of guardian angels;
- angelic guidance and direction;
- angelic involvement in worship and prayer; and
- angelic protection through death and beyond.
Informed by research on the early church and its preachers, poets, theologians, and artists, Lifted by Angels answers widespread curiosity about angels and the unseen world from a broadly orthodox perspective.
Miller examines traditional Jewish and Christian angelology in rich and extensive detail . . . Highly recommended.
Patrick Henry Reardon, senior editor, Touchstone magazine
Miller’s extensive sources will appeal, not only to readers of Scripture, but also students of patristics, apocrypha, and iconography.
Homiletic & Pastoral Review
Miller succeeds brilliantly in rescuing angels from the distorting effects of popular culture and revealing them to be “more exciting, more humbling, more inspiring, and ultimately more real” than we ever imagined.
Metropolitan Savas (Zembillas) of Pittsburgh
Many Christians—made uneasy by New Age or neo-pagan angel enthusiasm—are reluctant to believe in angelic interventions at all. Lifted by Angels restores to us our own biblical and historical understanding: that angels are God’s servants and messengers.
Frederica Mathewes-Green, author, The Jesus Prayer
We are mostly unaware of angels’ presence in our midst and their influence on our lives. What a shame! Thank God for Joel J. Miller’s Lifted by Angels, a reminder of the role that our “cousins” play in guiding us and of their exalted place in creation.
Brad Miner, senior fellow, Faith & Reason Institute
There is an unseen spiritual world with which we humans have to deal, and Joel Miller is a fascinating and skilled guide into this invisible reality. Lifted by Angels will elevate your understanding of angels and their practical role in Christian spirituality.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Todd D. Hunter, author, The Accidental Anglican
Miller did his research: He pored through the Bible, ancient Jewish literature, and an impressive array of writings of the early Church fathers. And Miller paints a gloriously comprehensive, and even surprising, portrait of these heavenly beings.
John Stonestreet, Breakpoint
A beautifully written study on the unique relationship between people and angels. I found it fascinating, challenging, and inspiring. Highly recommended.
Sheila Walsh, author, God Loves Broken People
Angels are an important part of the Bible and of Jewish and Christian traditions, yet we have virtually ignored them. We have abandoned the angels to horror flicks and saccharine television shows. That stops here. Miller’s book is a necessary act of recovery.
Jeremy Lott, former editor, RealClearReligion
Hands down the most substantive book on angels I have ever read. . . Ultimately this book will awaken your imagination to the presence and role of these magnificent beings created to serve us.
Robert Gelinas, author, Finding The Groove