During the pandemic, the Rev. Kira Austin-Young and her husband, Michael Schupbach, decided to create a biblically accurate angel to top their Christmas tree. The angel they created was a pink, blue, and gold-feathered creature with six wings and many eyes. This unique creation went viral, attracting attention during a time when people were looking for something to lift their spirits. Austin-Young, an associate rector at an Episcopal church in San Francisco, explained that the Bible describes various kinds of angels, some of which are quite bizarre and fantastical. The couple’s creation reflects this unconventional depiction of angels.
A poll conducted last year by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 7 in 10 U.S. adults believe in angels. However, there is no consensus on what angels actually look like, leading to various interpretations of these celestial beings. Social media is filled with different versions of biblically accurate angels, portrayed not only as tree toppers but also in drawings, tattoos, and makeup tutorials. These depictions challenge the traditional Western art portrayal of angels as human-like figures with wings, often depicted as white or fair-skinned.
Esther Hamori, a professor of Hebrew Bible at Union Theological Seminary, distinguishes angels from other supernatural species in the Bible like seraphim and cherubim. She appreciates the biblically accurate angel trend, despite any conflation that may occur. Hamori believes that this trend shows people are thinking about the Bible in new and imaginative ways, acknowledging the strange and fantastical creatures that inhabit its pages. She emphasizes that the biblical heavens are populated with weird and frightening figures, demonstrating the complexity and mystery of religious texts.
The trend of biblically accurate angels has gained popularity as people reconsider traditional portrayals of these celestial beings. One of the themes that receive much attention is the annunciation, a moment in Christian art depicting the angel Gabriel’s appearance to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus. Henry Ossawa Tanner’s interpretation of this scene, portraying Gabriel as a shaft of light, challenges the conventional image of an angelic figure. This alternative portrayal prompts viewers to rethink the nature of divine encounters and the varied forms in which they can manifest.
The author of “God’s Monsters: Vengeful Spirits, Deadly Angels, Hybrid Creatures, and Divine Hitmen of the Bible” praises the trend of biblically accurate angels for encouraging people to explore the strange and fantastical elements of biblical narratives. This trend highlights the intriguing and mysterious aspects of religious texts, pushing people to think outside the box when it comes to interpreting angelic beings. The idea of God having an entourage of monsters and supernatural creatures challenges conventional beliefs, inviting individuals to delve deeper into the complexities of religious imagery.
Overall, the creation of biblically accurate angels and the trend surrounding them reflect a broader cultural interest in exploring unconventional and imaginative interpretations of religious themes. In a time of uncertainty and fear, these unique interpretations provide people with a sense of wonder and fascination, inviting them to reconsider traditional beliefs and embrace the mysterious and fantastical elements of spiritual narratives. Through creativity and innovation, individuals like the Rev. Kira Austin-Young and Michael Schupbach are sparking conversations and inspiring new ways of engaging with age-old religious traditions.
