Certain of those, indeed, who remained in that beginning which we have described as resembling the end which is to come, obtained, in the ordering and arrangement of the world, the rank of angels; others that of influences, others of principalities, others of powers, that they may exercise power over those who need to have power upon their head. Others, again, received the rank of thrones, having the office of judging or ruling those who require this; others dominion, doubtless, over slaves; all of which are conferred by Divine Providence in just and impartial judgment according to their merits, and to the progress which they had made in the participation and imitation of God. (Book I, Chapter 6, Part 2)

I read scripture as a way to - and angle on - ultimate reality.

I understand scripture to be a complex blend of fact, poetry, and narrative which serves as a source of meaning.

I consider the birth of Jesus to be a fact. I consider the virginity of Mary to be poetry. I consider the visitation of the angels to be narrative.

I do not discount the possibility that both virginity and visitation might be facts. But for me, until now, the poetry and narrative has been more meaningful.

If angels are factual, perhaps standing beside me even now, how would that alter my understanding of realty?

The image is of Three Archangels with Tobias by Sandro Botticelli.