In his book Angels and Demons, Fr. Serge-Thomas Bonino, OP, discusses how modern culture has pushed angels out of our daily lives, primarily due to the dominance of technological reasoning. This shift has led many Christians to focus solely on the moral aspects of faith while neglecting a deeper understanding of the cosmos and the spiritual realm, which includes the study of angels, or angelology. Angelology is a vital part of Dogmatic Theology, which emphasizes the spiritual dimension of humanity.
Understanding angels can liberate us and restore our awareness of the spiritual aspects of existence. Bonino highlights that by recognizing the primacy of the spirit over matter, we reconnect with our true nature, which is deeply rooted in our spiritual component. However, this does not imply a conflict between spirit and matter; rather, Catholic Theology seeks harmony among all beings and disciplines, adhering to the principle of “et-et” (both-and) rather than “aut-aut” (either-or).
Today’s society often presents a binary worldview, leading to echo chambers where genuine dialogue is lost. This division results in a lack of communion among people, which the Church has historically provided through a shared vision. Angels can enhance our spiritual understanding and reinforce our connection to our intellect and will.
Bonino further asserts that taking angels seriously prevents us from solely relying on human perspectives when approaching the divine mystery. Instead of limiting ourselves to anthropological or psychological frameworks, we should embrace broader metaphysical categories that encompass both the physical and spiritual realms. This understanding aids our belief in the communion of saints and angels, which make the Kingdom of God a tangible reality, reflecting God’s glory as they know, love, and serve Him.
Our pursuit of knowledge about angels is not a utopian ideal; rather, it is rooted in a profound understanding of reality, as underscored in Ephesians 3:16-19. This passage highlights the importance of being grounded in love and understanding the expansive nature of Christ’s love, which fills us with the fullness of God.
To grasp the role of demons in our spiritual journey, we need to consider three key points:
- The moral life of every spiritual being carries significant consequences, as seen in the case of the demons who faced eternal damnation.
- This moral combat has both social and cosmic dimensions, indicating that our spiritual journeys are part of a larger narrative that transcends personal experiences.
- Individuals are not equal in this battle, as each person’s spiritual journey is unique.
It is crucial to recognize that God, angels, and demons are not mere projections of human thought, as suggested by Feuerbach’s reductionist view. The Church teaches that while external influences may lead us toward moral evil, the responsibility for sin lies with our free will. Temptation does not equate to sin; rather, giving in to temptation distances us from our true selves.
An example can be seen in the film Nefarious, where a character named Brady opens himself to demonic influence, leading to his possession and loss of freedom. This illustrates the danger of succumbing to temptation, where the devil amplifies our failings, making us slaves to malicious designs. The struggle is particularly challenging for those trapped in sin, as articulated in Romans 7:15, where the individuals find themselves unable to do the good they desire.
In this context, we are invited to utilize the spiritual weapons provided by God, namely the sacraments and sacramentals. The sacraments, effective by their very nature, require a readiness to receive their grace, while sacramentals depend on the individual’s active engagement in their spiritual life. By cultivating a deep and vigilant relationship with Christ and the community of believers, we can effectively combat the forces of darkness that surround us.
Exploring the realm of angels and demons enriches our understanding of the spiritual dimensions of our existence. It invites us to restore our focus on the interplay between the spiritual and physical realms, fostering a holistic vision of reality that acknowledges the importance of both. This knowledge empowers us to navigate the moral complexities of life and reinforces our connection to the divine, ultimately guiding us toward a deeper relationship with God and a more profound experience of faith.
