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Pax, Ειρήνη, שלום!
Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone who participated in my early post on multiple angelic falls. It was an extremely helpful discussion for me, and, I hope, for others as well. Being a theological thinker prone to synthesis of data, I pondered greatly on this question with the help of numerous theological manuals, books, and, of course, Holy Scripture & the Catechism of my Church. In the process of that, I have formulated what I hope and believe will be a basic synthesis for understanding the historical progression of angelic life in primarily the antediluvian period, but also post-Flood too. Some of what I will write here is established dogma for the vast majority of Christians, but other things are theologumena based on Jewish tradition & early Christian concepts. I would greatly appreciate helpful criticisms of this synthesis so that I might arrive closer to the Truth, insofar as we humans can grasp this mystery (much of it not covered by Divine Revelation). Keep in mind this is basic for brevity, and I'll also divide it in sequence. So here goes nothing!
I. The Creation of the Rational Spirits
Purely rational & bodiless spirits are created on the Second Day (Gen. 1:8). They are formed into a hierarchy, probably based on the successive "emanations" from the Shekhinah (שְׁכִינָה), which Plato theorized. Traditionally, these are the "Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones; Dominations, Virtues, and Powers; and Principalities, Archangels, and Angels," all in descending order (cf. Eph. 1:21, Col. 1:16). Naturally, this hierarchy is tentative; we simply don't know for sure, but it is based on Biblical insights in both the OT & NT – not to mention Jewish tradition (cf. Yad ha-Chazakah: Yesodei ha-Torah by Rav Moshe ben Maimon).
It seems apparent that, at the pinnacle of this hierarchy, stands the one we traditionally call "Lucifer." This is more a description than a name ("light-bearer"), and it is entirely possible we no longer know his true name...even he may have forgotten it. The Jewish tradition suggests he was likely a seraphim, the mighty & fiery creatures who endlessly surround God's throne praising him (Isa. 6:2-3). Yet, Jews also note that "Lucifer" had twelve wings, which is double that the seraphim. This indicates a unique creature with greater power and authority. Thus, it seems reasonable that "Lucifer" is the greatest created spirit in will, intellect, and might. According to Christian teaching over many centuries, it seems that all these created angels were in a state of pilgrimage (Christian Latin: “statu viae”) towards their destined goal: the Vision of God's Essence. Before they arrived at that goal for which they were created however, they were tested.
II. The Creation of Adam & the Test
On the last day of Creation, mankind is made in the person of Adam. According to the Aggadic Midrashim & Christian tradition over many centuries, the making of mankind – a hybrid being seamlessly integrating both spiritual and material reality – probably was the test of the angels. The Aggadic Midrashim (and, oddly enough, the Qur'an), as well as other Christian sources note that Mankind is God's most beloved creation; and this drew the envy of some angels. As the account goes, God commands all the angels to bow to Adam in recognition that he was made in the Divine Image (Ps. 8:5-6). "Lucifer" scoffs at this, the Aggadah putting into his mouth: "Thou didst create us angels from the splendour of the Shekhinah, and now Thou dost command us to cast ourselves down before the creature which Thou didst fashion out of the dust of the ground!?"
Thus, in his pride in his own glory, he refuses to bow in honor at God's command. Apparently, a number of other angels felt likewise. The Archangel Michael, reproaches him vehemently for this, threatening that if "Lucifer" does not bow, the wrath of God will blaze against him. This seems to be the trigger, as "Lucifer" responds: "If He breaks out in wrath against me, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, I will be like the Most High!" This leads to the Fall of Satan and those angels – now demons – that follow him. They are cast out from both Heaven but also their eternal destiny as God desired it. The remaining angels faithful to God "pass" the test and are able to find their end as God willed. This, in part, is why the choice of both angels & demons is an irrevocable one. Moreover, enmity between demons and men begins in earnest, and sin makes its entrance into Creation. Hell, as a state of being in which communion with God is no longer possible, also probably dates to this moment.
III. Demons Attack Mankind & Bring Abominations
By the permissive Will of God, demons begin meddling in human affairs out of their hatred to mankind. We are all familiar with the Fall of Mankind, due in large part to Satan himself in Genesis 3, so I will not belabor this point. Yet, Genesis 6:1-8 provides an extremely important polemic of Mesopotamian paganism, and, far more crucially(!), is an ancient Jewish & Christian understanding of what provoked the Flood (cf. Jude 1:14-16, 2 Pet. 2:4-5). I cannot go into great detail here why I believe Enochian literature & tradition plays a crucial role in exegeting Gen. 6:1-8, so forgive that lacuna; time does not permit me in this brief treatise. Yet, I am convinced of this reality – despite believing the uninspired writers of 1 Enoch made a crucial mistake. Despite this, many Church Fathers such as Sts. Justin Martyr, Athenagoras of Athens, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Father Origen, Tertullian, and Lactantius all speak highly of 1 Enoch; sometimes even quoting it as Scripture. Hence, while I do not accept 1 Enoch as inspired, I think it provides helpful clues to properly understanding both Gen. 6:1-8, especially, and the Noachic Account in Gen. 6-8.
In essence, then, demonic activity begins not long after the Fall of Mankind. It seems that, in the days of Jared (Gen. 5:15-18), a number of demons began truly wicked activity among mankind. Through methods we don't understand, it appears that they "interfered" with human reproduction, specifically by targeting human women. This isn't surprising considering that even the Satan himself, with all his great power, cannot create from nothing. He and the demons can only warp what is already created. Thus, many theologians have concluded that a major source of hate for mankind on the part of the demonic is envy at our ability to procreate with God. This "interference" (however it took place) led to the abomination of the Nephilim (which contrary to desperate attempts to force it to be a Hebrew word, is really an Aramaic borrowing which means, simply, "Giants").
As 1 Enoch and Jubilees tells it, these demonic giants first make slaves of humanity and force them to provide them food. When humanity's production cannot keep up with the giants' voracity, they begin eating humans. Moreover, the demons living among mankind begin teaching us knowledge we were not ready to know. Weapons, astronomy, how to appear more sexually appealing, etc. This leads to great wickedness among mankind: violence, robbery, idolatry, human sacrifice, and rampant fornication & sexual debauchery. This expanded view of Gen. 6 helps explain the verse: "And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart." (Gen. 6:6). It was not merely the sin of mankind that was so great (for are we not now utterly corrupt in our own age?), but also the activity of the demonic working with us to create unspeakable evils.
IV. God Intervenes to Save the World & Mankind
If we take into account both the inspired Genesis narrative, and the Jewish tradition regarding Gen. 6:1-8 that is reflected in 1 Enoch, we have a very fascinating look into how God deals with the veritable catastrophe. Jewish & Early Christian tradition holds that God deals with the demons first. Azazel, one of the leaders, is cast out into the deep desert and imprisoned by stones until Judgment Day (this also helps explain Lev. 16 & the Biblical rituals of Yom Kippur). The rest of the demonic culprits are, mostly, cast into Hell and chained until their own judgment. This is what St. Jude seems to be referring to in Jude 1:6-7 (note St. Jude connects these “angels” with sexual immorality; a probable reference to the "creation" of the giants). Then, God moves to deal with both the wickedness of mankind and the threat of the Nephilim (נפילים – ܢܦܗܝܠܝܡ). This, incidentally, is why the Flood must cover all the mountains; not only does this deny safety to any humans, it also deals with the height of the giants. None will survive outside the Ark. Demons, being non-material, are not affected by the Flood, but their many works in the antediluvian world are totally "washed away" (a symbol of Baptism). The earth, now being cleansed, is able to start again with the righteous St. Noah and his family as the "glimmer of Adam again" as one of my favorite movies puts it.
V. Demonic Domination Continues Until Christ's Victory
Unfortunately, of course, the Great Flood is only a temporary fix. Not long after St. Noah, mankind slips again into idolatry and wickedness. The Tower of Babel, the dispersing of the tribes & tongues, and history as we know it moves forward. Demons seem to take positions as "gods" over various nations, luring them into worshipping them (Deut. 32:8-9; Dan. 10:12-14; etc.). St. Justin the Philosopher, writing in 155 A.D., notes: "For the truth shall be spoken; since of old these evil demons, effecting apparitions of themselves, both defiled women and corrupted boys, and showed such fearful sights to men, that those who did not use their reason in judging of the actions that were done, were struck with terror; and being carried away by fear, and not knowing that these were demons, they called them gods, and gave to each the name which each of the demons chose for himself." (First Apology Ch. 5). This demonic activity, which seems to have only been limited here and there (as opposed to the Age of the Church wherein demons are heavily limited), may also explain the Nephilim encountered in Num. 13:33.
Yet, God is not finished with His Salvific Will. Beginning with St. Abraham our Father all the way to the Paschal Mystery of Christ and the establishment of His Church, He has effectively defeated the demons and stripped them of the majority of their freedom & power. Any subsequent demonic activity must now be invited by humans – whether via occult activity or horrendous sins. Moreover, Heaven has now been opened by the Blood of Christ, and Hell is only now for those who would choose it over God rather than an inescapable destiny. Death is transformed, for the Christian, into the birth into eternal life. And, of course, at the Second Coming, the fullness of the Kingdom will come. Satan and all his followers, men or demon, will be forever confined to darkness and fire. They will never again disrupt the Thrice-Holy God's renewed Creation.
Unsurprisingly, all this might seem weird and strange to modern Christians. Yet, this was widely believed (in part or in whole) by both Second Temple Jews & the earliest Christians. This type of supernatural worldview is more in keeping with the Christian ethos than many modern believers might like to think. There are mysteries to the "invisible" world that Christian theology, however rigorous, cannot easily categorize.
Following the example of Fra. Nicholas of Lyra, I quote for myself also:
"I protest that I do not intend to assert or determine anything that has not been manifestly determined by Sacred Scripture or by the authority of the Church. Wherefore I submit all I have said or shall say to the correction of Holy Mother Church and of all learned men."
Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone who participated in my early post on multiple angelic falls. It was an extremely helpful discussion for me, and, I hope, for others as well. Being a theological thinker prone to synthesis of data, I pondered greatly on this question with the help of numerous theological manuals, books, and, of course, Holy Scripture & the Catechism of my Church. In the process of that, I have formulated what I hope and believe will be a basic synthesis for understanding the historical progression of angelic life in primarily the antediluvian period, but also post-Flood too. Some of what I will write here is established dogma for the vast majority of Christians, but other things are theologumena based on Jewish tradition & early Christian concepts. I would greatly appreciate helpful criticisms of this synthesis so that I might arrive closer to the Truth, insofar as we humans can grasp this mystery (much of it not covered by Divine Revelation). Keep in mind this is basic for brevity, and I'll also divide it in sequence. So here goes nothing!
I. The Creation of the Rational Spirits
Purely rational & bodiless spirits are created on the Second Day (Gen. 1:8). They are formed into a hierarchy, probably based on the successive "emanations" from the Shekhinah (שְׁכִינָה), which Plato theorized. Traditionally, these are the "Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones; Dominations, Virtues, and Powers; and Principalities, Archangels, and Angels," all in descending order (cf. Eph. 1:21, Col. 1:16). Naturally, this hierarchy is tentative; we simply don't know for sure, but it is based on Biblical insights in both the OT & NT – not to mention Jewish tradition (cf. Yad ha-Chazakah: Yesodei ha-Torah by Rav Moshe ben Maimon).
It seems apparent that, at the pinnacle of this hierarchy, stands the one we traditionally call "Lucifer." This is more a description than a name ("light-bearer"), and it is entirely possible we no longer know his true name...even he may have forgotten it. The Jewish tradition suggests he was likely a seraphim, the mighty & fiery creatures who endlessly surround God's throne praising him (Isa. 6:2-3). Yet, Jews also note that "Lucifer" had twelve wings, which is double that the seraphim. This indicates a unique creature with greater power and authority. Thus, it seems reasonable that "Lucifer" is the greatest created spirit in will, intellect, and might. According to Christian teaching over many centuries, it seems that all these created angels were in a state of pilgrimage (Christian Latin: “statu viae”) towards their destined goal: the Vision of God's Essence. Before they arrived at that goal for which they were created however, they were tested.
II. The Creation of Adam & the Test
On the last day of Creation, mankind is made in the person of Adam. According to the Aggadic Midrashim & Christian tradition over many centuries, the making of mankind – a hybrid being seamlessly integrating both spiritual and material reality – probably was the test of the angels. The Aggadic Midrashim (and, oddly enough, the Qur'an), as well as other Christian sources note that Mankind is God's most beloved creation; and this drew the envy of some angels. As the account goes, God commands all the angels to bow to Adam in recognition that he was made in the Divine Image (Ps. 8:5-6). "Lucifer" scoffs at this, the Aggadah putting into his mouth: "Thou didst create us angels from the splendour of the Shekhinah, and now Thou dost command us to cast ourselves down before the creature which Thou didst fashion out of the dust of the ground!?"
Thus, in his pride in his own glory, he refuses to bow in honor at God's command. Apparently, a number of other angels felt likewise. The Archangel Michael, reproaches him vehemently for this, threatening that if "Lucifer" does not bow, the wrath of God will blaze against him. This seems to be the trigger, as "Lucifer" responds: "If He breaks out in wrath against me, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, I will be like the Most High!" This leads to the Fall of Satan and those angels – now demons – that follow him. They are cast out from both Heaven but also their eternal destiny as God desired it. The remaining angels faithful to God "pass" the test and are able to find their end as God willed. This, in part, is why the choice of both angels & demons is an irrevocable one. Moreover, enmity between demons and men begins in earnest, and sin makes its entrance into Creation. Hell, as a state of being in which communion with God is no longer possible, also probably dates to this moment.
III. Demons Attack Mankind & Bring Abominations
By the permissive Will of God, demons begin meddling in human affairs out of their hatred to mankind. We are all familiar with the Fall of Mankind, due in large part to Satan himself in Genesis 3, so I will not belabor this point. Yet, Genesis 6:1-8 provides an extremely important polemic of Mesopotamian paganism, and, far more crucially(!), is an ancient Jewish & Christian understanding of what provoked the Flood (cf. Jude 1:14-16, 2 Pet. 2:4-5). I cannot go into great detail here why I believe Enochian literature & tradition plays a crucial role in exegeting Gen. 6:1-8, so forgive that lacuna; time does not permit me in this brief treatise. Yet, I am convinced of this reality – despite believing the uninspired writers of 1 Enoch made a crucial mistake. Despite this, many Church Fathers such as Sts. Justin Martyr, Athenagoras of Athens, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Father Origen, Tertullian, and Lactantius all speak highly of 1 Enoch; sometimes even quoting it as Scripture. Hence, while I do not accept 1 Enoch as inspired, I think it provides helpful clues to properly understanding both Gen. 6:1-8, especially, and the Noachic Account in Gen. 6-8.
In essence, then, demonic activity begins not long after the Fall of Mankind. It seems that, in the days of Jared (Gen. 5:15-18), a number of demons began truly wicked activity among mankind. Through methods we don't understand, it appears that they "interfered" with human reproduction, specifically by targeting human women. This isn't surprising considering that even the Satan himself, with all his great power, cannot create from nothing. He and the demons can only warp what is already created. Thus, many theologians have concluded that a major source of hate for mankind on the part of the demonic is envy at our ability to procreate with God. This "interference" (however it took place) led to the abomination of the Nephilim (which contrary to desperate attempts to force it to be a Hebrew word, is really an Aramaic borrowing which means, simply, "Giants").
As 1 Enoch and Jubilees tells it, these demonic giants first make slaves of humanity and force them to provide them food. When humanity's production cannot keep up with the giants' voracity, they begin eating humans. Moreover, the demons living among mankind begin teaching us knowledge we were not ready to know. Weapons, astronomy, how to appear more sexually appealing, etc. This leads to great wickedness among mankind: violence, robbery, idolatry, human sacrifice, and rampant fornication & sexual debauchery. This expanded view of Gen. 6 helps explain the verse: "And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart." (Gen. 6:6). It was not merely the sin of mankind that was so great (for are we not now utterly corrupt in our own age?), but also the activity of the demonic working with us to create unspeakable evils.
IV. God Intervenes to Save the World & Mankind
If we take into account both the inspired Genesis narrative, and the Jewish tradition regarding Gen. 6:1-8 that is reflected in 1 Enoch, we have a very fascinating look into how God deals with the veritable catastrophe. Jewish & Early Christian tradition holds that God deals with the demons first. Azazel, one of the leaders, is cast out into the deep desert and imprisoned by stones until Judgment Day (this also helps explain Lev. 16 & the Biblical rituals of Yom Kippur). The rest of the demonic culprits are, mostly, cast into Hell and chained until their own judgment. This is what St. Jude seems to be referring to in Jude 1:6-7 (note St. Jude connects these “angels” with sexual immorality; a probable reference to the "creation" of the giants). Then, God moves to deal with both the wickedness of mankind and the threat of the Nephilim (נפילים – ܢܦܗܝܠܝܡ). This, incidentally, is why the Flood must cover all the mountains; not only does this deny safety to any humans, it also deals with the height of the giants. None will survive outside the Ark. Demons, being non-material, are not affected by the Flood, but their many works in the antediluvian world are totally "washed away" (a symbol of Baptism). The earth, now being cleansed, is able to start again with the righteous St. Noah and his family as the "glimmer of Adam again" as one of my favorite movies puts it.
V. Demonic Domination Continues Until Christ's Victory
Unfortunately, of course, the Great Flood is only a temporary fix. Not long after St. Noah, mankind slips again into idolatry and wickedness. The Tower of Babel, the dispersing of the tribes & tongues, and history as we know it moves forward. Demons seem to take positions as "gods" over various nations, luring them into worshipping them (Deut. 32:8-9; Dan. 10:12-14; etc.). St. Justin the Philosopher, writing in 155 A.D., notes: "For the truth shall be spoken; since of old these evil demons, effecting apparitions of themselves, both defiled women and corrupted boys, and showed such fearful sights to men, that those who did not use their reason in judging of the actions that were done, were struck with terror; and being carried away by fear, and not knowing that these were demons, they called them gods, and gave to each the name which each of the demons chose for himself." (First Apology Ch. 5). This demonic activity, which seems to have only been limited here and there (as opposed to the Age of the Church wherein demons are heavily limited), may also explain the Nephilim encountered in Num. 13:33.
Yet, God is not finished with His Salvific Will. Beginning with St. Abraham our Father all the way to the Paschal Mystery of Christ and the establishment of His Church, He has effectively defeated the demons and stripped them of the majority of their freedom & power. Any subsequent demonic activity must now be invited by humans – whether via occult activity or horrendous sins. Moreover, Heaven has now been opened by the Blood of Christ, and Hell is only now for those who would choose it over God rather than an inescapable destiny. Death is transformed, for the Christian, into the birth into eternal life. And, of course, at the Second Coming, the fullness of the Kingdom will come. Satan and all his followers, men or demon, will be forever confined to darkness and fire. They will never again disrupt the Thrice-Holy God's renewed Creation.
Unsurprisingly, all this might seem weird and strange to modern Christians. Yet, this was widely believed (in part or in whole) by both Second Temple Jews & the earliest Christians. This type of supernatural worldview is more in keeping with the Christian ethos than many modern believers might like to think. There are mysteries to the "invisible" world that Christian theology, however rigorous, cannot easily categorize.
Following the example of Fra. Nicholas of Lyra, I quote for myself also:
"I protest that I do not intend to assert or determine anything that has not been manifestly determined by Sacred Scripture or by the authority of the Church. Wherefore I submit all I have said or shall say to the correction of Holy Mother Church and of all learned men."
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