# Angelology
Angelology is the branch of theology that studies angels—their existence, nature, and mission—in light of Sacred Scripture, the Fathers of the Church, and the Magisterium. Its counterpart is Demonology, the study of fallen angels (demons).
## What are Angels?
Angels are purely spiritual creatures—without a body—endowed with intelligence and will, personal and immortal, superior in perfection to all visible creation (Catechism, nn. 328-330). Their presence permeates the entire Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, passing through Tobias, Daniel, and the Gospels.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (nn. 328-336), angels are pure spirits, created by God—intelligent and free beings without a body, who contemplate and serve Him as messengers. Saint Augustine succinctly states: “Angel” is the name of the office, not of the nature; the nature is “spirit.” Their existence is a matter of faith (Fourth Lateran Council, 1215).
## What Do They Do? Mission and Guardian Angels
In Scripture, angels announce (the Annunciation by Saint Gabriel), protect, guide, and praise God. Jesus affirms the care of guardian angels: “For their angels always see the face of my Father” (Matthew 18:10).
## The Nine Orders (Angelic Choirs)
Tradition, systematized by Pseudo-Dionysius Areopagita (De Caelesti Hierarchia) and taken up by Saint Thomas Aquinas, groups the nine choirs into three hierarchies: Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones (close to God); Dominations, Virtues, and Powers; and Principates, Archangels, and Angels (more closely linked to governance of the world and relations with humans).
Tradition (Pseudo-Dionysius, taken up by Saint Thomas Aquinas) organizes angels into three hierarchies of three choirs each:
* Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones
* Dominations, Virtues, Powers
* Principates, Archangels, Angels
The three named archangels in Scripture are: Michael (“Who is like God”), Gabriel (“Strength of God”), and Raphael (“God heals”).
## And Demons? (Demonology)
Demons are angels who rebelled against God (cf. Lucifer/Satan). They are real but limited creatures—not all-powerful. The Church has always rejected dualism: evil is not a rival “god,” but a fallen creature.
# Sources of Magisterial Teaching
## The Doctrine on Angels
The Catholic doctrine on angels does not stem from a definition about angels—it arises from a confession about God. When the Council of Nicaea (325) proclaimed God as “creator of all things visible and invisible,” it firmly placed angels in the category of *creature*, never the Creator. All subsequent developments flow from this insight:
– **Fourth Lateran Council (1215)** – In the profession *Firmiter credimus*, it defines that God created “from the beginning of time” (*simul ab initio temporis*) and *ex nihilo* (out of nothing) both the spiritual and corporal creature; and that “the devil and other demons were created good by nature, but became evil through their own choice.” This is the first dogmatic definition placing angels within the faith.
– **Florence Council (1442)** – In the bull *Cantate Domino*, it states that spiritual creatures are good (made by the Supreme Good) but mutable (made out of nothing): “there is no nature of evil.”
– **First Vatican Council (1870)** – In *Dei Filius*, it elevates the doctrine to a solemn dogmatic definition, condemning those who affirm that spirits *emanate* from divine substance.
– **Catechism (1992), nn. 328-336** – It restores angeology to its proper place and proclaims that Christ is the center of the angelic world (*CCC* 331): everything was created “by Him, in Him, and for Him” (Col 1:16).
In summary: angels are spiritual creatures, created out of nothing, good by nature, free in their adherence or fall, ordered to praise and service—*venerable but never adorable*. This is the path studied in depth within the discipline *Masterial Angeology* at the Postgraduate Program in Angeology and Demonology at Locus Mariologicus.
## Sources on Angels
From the Catechism to the Councils and Papal Decrees, the doctrine about angels is gathered and systematized. See the index of Magisterial sources on angels and demons, the *Summa Theologica* of St Thomas Aquinas, the archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and the Catechism (nn. 328-336), among other resources listed on the website.
# Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
## What are the Archangels?
Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael—the three named in the Bible.
## Do Angels have a body?
No. They are pure spirits, created by God.
## What is Demonology?
The study of fallen angels (demons), real but limited creatures.
## Want to study this seriously?
Check out the *Locus Mariologicus* Postgraduate Degree in Mariology—rigorous academic formation for theologians, priests, religious, and laity. Visit: [Locus Mariologicus Postgraduate Program](https://locusmariologicus.org/pos-graduacao-mariologia/).