Angelism

Angelism refers to the belief in or the characteristics attributed to angels, often involving idealization and a focus on purity, goodness, and spiritual perfection. The term can encompass a range of meanings, from a theological emphasis on the role and nature of angels in religious systems, to a more general attribution of angelic qualities to individuals or concepts.

In theological contexts, angelism may describe a specific doctrine or perspective regarding the hierarchy, functions, and essence of angels within a religious framework. It can involve detailed analyses of angelic beings as messengers, guardians, and intermediaries between the divine and the human.

More broadly, angelism can describe a tendency to romanticize or idealize individuals, relationships, or abstract concepts, imbuing them with unrealistic levels of purity and virtue, similar to the perceived qualities of angels. This can manifest as a naive or overly optimistic view of human nature or social structures, overlooking flaws and imperfections.

The term can also be used critically to denote an attempt to deny or suppress the earthly or material aspects of human existence, favoring instead a solely spiritual or intellectual existence. This criticism often arises in discussions of philosophy, psychology, and social theory.

Angelism, as a philosophical or psychological concept, may be associated with the Cartesian dualism, which sharply separates mind and body, potentially leading to a preference for the mental and spiritual over the physical and emotional.

In literary and artistic contexts, angelism can refer to the depiction of characters or themes with a strong emphasis on angelic qualities, often emphasizing innocence, benevolence, and ethereal beauty.