AngelsAngels are defined as a typically benevolent celestial being who acts as an intermediary between heaven and earth and who manifests goodness, purity and altruism (Angels). They are considered good and helpful beings and are known to give human beings messages or signs from God. They have many virtuous characteristics and components that make them so interesting. These elements include their origin, their reputation for always being good, their general appearance, the different main and influential angels, and the ranking of the different angels. Belief in angels has been around for a very long time. The gods of the Hittites and Canaanites had their supernatural messengers, and parallels with Old Testament stories of angels are found in Near Eastern (Cavendish) literature. Angels are found in many religions and in many sacred books. These religions include Christian, Jewish, Roman Catholic and Islamic. They are known for performing tasks for God and are mentioned in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Their appearance in images developed over time, from the 3rd century (Mercatante). There are seven holy angels who each serve a certain purpose. There are also three different choirs or levels of angels. Since the beginning of religion, angels have been a part of everyday life and have influenced human beings with their presence. Angels have always been considered good supernatural beings who help people on earth, but this is not always the case. By New Testament times, belief in good and evil angels was accepted in both Christian and Jewish belief (Mercatante). Each angel was given a certain name depending on whether he was good or bad (Barton). God created... middle of paper ......ncyclopedia of mythology, religion and the unknown, man, myth and magic. Flight. One. Freeport, Long Island, 1983. 124-26. April 27, 2011. Print.Barton, George A. "The Origin of the Names of Angels and Demons in Extra-Canonical Apocalyptic Literature to AD 100"Vol. 31. No. 4. Paris (1912): 156-167. JSTOR. Internet. April 28, 2011. .Internet Innovations, Inc. "The Three Archangels - Michael Gabriel Lucifer." The reluctant messenger of science and religion: Science and the world's religions are pieces of a puzzle that need each other to form a complete picture. American College of Metaphysical Theology. Internet. April 28, 2011. .Curtis, Chris. “How does the angelic hierarchy work? " Curiosity. Discovery Communications, 2010. Web. April 28. 2011. .