Description: There be dragons all over the Bible. From the great sea monsters of Genesis to the great dragon of Revelation, dragons appear as the Bible opens and closes, and they pop their grisly heads up at various junctures in between. How did they get there and what on earth (or indeed in heaven) are they doing there? This is a book for those who find standard discussions of faith and suffering frustrating. Andy Angel opens up the rich biblical tradition of living with God in the midst of suffering. He takes the reader on a journey of exploration through biblical texts that are often overlooked on account of their strangeness--texts about dragons. He shows how these peculiar passages open up a language of prayer through suffering in which people share their anger, weariness, disillusionment, and even joy in suffering with God. Angel explores how such ""weird"" Scriptures open up a whole new way of praying and reveal a God who approves of honest spirituality, a spirituality that the Bible holds open but too many of its interpreters do not.

Synopsis: If you think you know all about angels, think again Although the modern Western world claims to have left angels behind as mythical creatures, they are back in popular culture. And much of what people are thinking, exploring, and believing about them finds its roots in ancient Jewish and Christian beliefs. Andrew Angel opens up the surprising world of angels to interested enquirers through an examination of the ancient Jewish and Christian texts in which they are found. He asks questions about what angels have to do with religious ecstasy, surviving suffering, and politics, among other things--finding surprising and sometimes controversial answers. Informed by the latest scholarship yet accessible to all, this book provides a well-researched and thought-provoking introduction to angels. Endorsements: "Dr. Angel has brought us a remarkably sure-footed and well-argued book on a subject about which there is growing interest but little knowledge. Using the writings of Second Temple Judaism, he introduces us to angels and what they are said to do. He tackles popular misconceptions and gives space to those with whom he disagrees. His work sheds light on many difficult New Testament texts. This will become a leader in its field." --Bishop Graham Dow "This is a wonderful, thoughtful, and exciting exploration of the importance of angels in the biblical narratives and beyond. If you have ever read the Bible and wondered what the role of angels is, why they are so important, and what we should think about them today, then this book is for you " --Paula R. Gooder Writer and lecturer in biblical studies Author of Heaven (2011) "I commend Angels as being well researched, informative, and helpful. It is written in a highly readable and engaging style." --George Kovoor Principal of Trinity College Bristol Author Biography: Andy Angel is Director of Extension Studies at St John's College, Nottingham (UK), where he also teaches New Testament Studies. He is the author of Chaos and the Son of Man (2006).