Why does popular culture reverse the hierarchy of angels?

Question

In popular culture, cherubim and seraphim tend to be depicted as numerous and not very powerful, whereas archangels are rarer and more powerful and elevated. Yet in the hierarchy of angels, seraphim and cherubim are actually the highest, with archangels being second-to-last. What happened? Was there one or a few people from whom the misconception spread -- some key literary or artistic work perhaps -- or was there something more general?

Googling "angel hierarchy" gives lots of results. The Wikipedia article is probably a good start, too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierarchy_of_angels

Answer 1

While several classes of angels are defined inthe bible, the hierarchy of angels is of human invention. It wasn't established in the bible. People just made it up. Like purgatory, the rapture, or fictional stories like Dante's Inferno or the Paradise Lost. There is no actual biblical reference to any of them, at least as they are professed today. They are merely interpretations or extrapolations of facts that are in the bible.

Therefore, there can be no "misconception", because there is no truthful origin to misconceive, regardless of whether your a religious person or not. It like having a misconception over whether Gilligan's island exists.

Answer 2

I highly doubt that your interpretation is correct. The prefix "arch-" is given as an indication of authority or that the subject in question epitomizes its kind. Archmages are the greatest mages. Archetypes are the underlying patterns in mythology. I once read an op-ed piece that said John Kerry would be an arch-conservative in fiscal matters compared to Bush (who spends heftily, like any President with a Congress predominantly of his party).

Archangels would, by their name, almost have to be the most powerful. If you can give sources, though, I would love to see them.

Answer 3

That's to show that they are more intelligent and modern...

But as long as there is no decree from the Church about it, then modern teachings like this are not to be considered as an article of faith, and therefore should not be believed.

Answer 4

I would be interested in your references for your comments about the hierarchy of angels.

Cordially,
John

Answer 5

Tell you a joke,
-Doctor! I have a serious problem, I can never remember what i just said.
-When did you first notice this problem?
-What problem?
Bye, hope you like it. Be happy everyday.

Answer 6

fiction like superman

Answer 7

you must be a real wierdo