Some interpretations of angels in the Bible are very different from the popular image of divine messengers with fluffy wings and cherubic faces. Rev. Kira Austin-Young and her husband, Michael Schupbach, created biblically accurate angels during the pandemic, which are based on descriptions found in the Book of Revelations and some of the prophets in the Old Testament. These angels are much scarier and weirder than the typical depictions seen in churches and Renaissance art, reflecting the bizarre and outlandish nature of biblical scriptures.
The couple’s creations have been well-received by people looking for something different during these uncertain times. With sparse descriptions of angels in the Bible, many artists throughout history have taken creative liberties, resulting in the angelic figures we typically see today. However, the more accurate and terrifying representations have gained popularity on social media, inspiring drawings, tattoos, and makeup tutorials. The biblically accurate angels challenge people’s preconceived notions of divine beings and open up discussions about the strange and incomprehensible aspects of the Bible.
One of Austin-Young’s favorite portrayals of the annunciation depicts the archangel Gabriel as a vague shape of light with no discernible human features. This interpretation raises questions about how individuals would react to encountering such an otherworldly being, challenging traditional perceptions of angels as humanoid figures with wings. Esther Hamori, a professor of Hebrew Bible, emphasizes the bizarre and frightening nature of heavenly beings mentioned in the Bible, such as the seraphim and cherubim, which are often confused with angels but are distinct creatures within the biblical text.
Despite the confusion surrounding biblical entities, the biblically accurate angel trend has gained popularity, with many people intrigued by the unconventional interpretations of these divine beings. The belief in angels is prevalent in American society, with a majority of adults professing faith in these supernatural beings. However, there is still a lack of consensus on their appearance and nature, leading to ongoing discussions and debates within religious communities. The trend of biblically accurate angels challenges long-standing perceptions and invites individuals to explore the mystical and mysterious aspects of scripture in a new light.
