The Hum of Angels: Listening for the Messengers of God Around Us

Reviewed by:

G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Title:

The Hum of Angels: Listening for the Messengers of God Around Us

Author:

Scot McKnight

Publisher:

Waterbrook Multnomah

Publication Date:

February 7, 2017

Format:

Hardcover

Length:

224 pages

OVERVIEW

Statistics indicate that many Americans still believe in angels, and many Christians claim they’ve had encounters with them. But is it truly reasonable to believe in them? Are they just a superstitious idea for children? Theology professor Scot McKnight argues that in fact the Bible talks about angels many times, treating them as very real supernatural beings. After giving readers a reasoned defense for angels’ existence, McKnight unpacks key things angels are described as doing in the Bible, organized into three categories:

• How angels communicate and express God’s loving presence
• How angels serve as God’s representatives in various situations
• How angels take part in offensive actions (interceding, liberating) against evil

While a lot has been said about angels, at least on the popular level there seems to be a lot of opinions about angels without much rigorous discussion about what the bible says about them. McKnight rectifies that with a careful exploration of the many times the Bible talks about angels, separating fact from superstition. He’s also careful to admit when the Bible isn’t absolutely clear on a particular point about angels (such as whether each person has an individual guardian angel), noting the need to consider how the basic truths the Bible teaches about angels should inform what Christians believe about those vague areas.

A solidly-written, carefully researched look at an often ethereal topic.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

4 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Christians looking for an accessible yet thoroughly-researched book on angels.

Christian Impact

McKnight guides readers through the Bible’s various references on angels, helping them overcome superstitions and guesses to see how angels play a vital role in the Biblical story.