The Angels and Us

The Angels and Us examines the theological and philosophical concepts of angels across Western religious and intellectual traditions. Mortimer J. Adler analyzes historical writings about angels from religious texts, philosophy, and literature to explore what humans have believed about these celestial beings. Through systematic investigation, Adler considers key questions about the nature of angels, their powers, and their relationship to both God and humanity. He draws on sources ranging from Thomas Aquinas and Augustine to Milton's Paradise Lost, evaluating claims about angelic intelligence, will, and capacity for movement through time and space. The text bridges theological scholarship with philosophical inquiry to address fundamental questions about existence, consciousness, and the boundaries between material and spiritual realms. Beyond pure academic analysis, this work speaks to deeper human contemplation of where we stand in the cosmos and how we relate to beings both above and below us in the traditional hierarchy of creation.

Readers describe Adler's philosophical analysis of angels as intellectually rigorous but dense and sometimes difficult to follow. Several online reviewers note his thorough examination of how humans have conceptualized angels throughout history. Readers appreciate: - Logical breakdown of different angel beliefs across cultures - Focus on both theological and secular perspectives - Clear distinction between poetic and religious angel imagery Common criticisms: - Academic writing style can be dry - Too much focus on abstract philosophy vs practical applications - Lack of personal or spiritual insights Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (21 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (6 ratings) One Goodreads reviewer wrote: "Adler takes a complex theological topic and breaks it down systematically, though the dense philosophical arguments require careful reading." An Amazon reviewer noted: "Expected more discussion of angel encounters and less focus on metaphysical theory."

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🔹 Though primarily known for his philosophical works, Mortimer Adler wrote "The Angels and Us" at age 78, marking a unique exploration into angelology that bridged religious faith and rational philosophy. 🔹 The book challenges both believers and skeptics by examining angels through Aristotelian logic and Thomas Aquinas's framework, rather than purely through religious doctrine. 🔹 Adler wrote this book despite being agnostic for most of his life - he would later convert to Christianity at age 81, three years after publishing "The Angels and Us." 🔹 The concept of pure intelligence without physical form, which Adler explores regarding angels, influenced early computer scientists and AI theorists in their discussions of artificial consciousness. 🔹 The book's publication in 1982 sparked renewed academic interest in angelology as a serious philosophical subject, rather than merely a theological one, leading to several scholarly conferences on the topic throughout the 1980s.