LDS BOOK REVIEW: Angels, Agents of Light, Love, and Power by Donald W. Parry

ANGELS: AGENTS OF LIGHT, LOVE, AND POWER

by Donald W. Parry

Deseret Book, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-60907-519-4

LDS Nonfiction

ABOUT THE BOOK

Stories are told around the world of persons who have received help or comfort from someone they couldn't see—an angel or spirit who guided them or in some other way gave them assistance from beyond the veil.

But just who are these angels? Are they even real?

Although angels are a vital part of Latter-day Saint history and doctrine, their roles and purposes are often misunderstood. In this inspiring volume, author Donald W. Parry discusses in a clear and understandable way what we can learn from the scriptures and from modern prophets and apostles about angels and their missions.

Here you will find answers to such questions as the following:

• What are angels?
• What powers and abilities are angels given?
• How do angels communicate with mortals?
• What are the assigned missions and roles of angels?
• How do angels reveal truth and teach the doctrines of the gospel?
• How do angels minister to and comfort mortals?
• What is the role of guardian angels in the modern world?

When just the thought of someone watching out for us can give us hope in challenging times, to realize that angels minister light, love, and power to us, whether we are aware of them or not, gives us unparalleled understanding, comfort, and peace.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Donald W. Parry, a professor of the Hebrew Bible at Brigham Young University holds the Abraham O. Smoot Professorship. For nearly twenty years he has served as a member of the prestigious international team of translators of the Dead Sea Scrolls and is the author or coauthor of more than thirty books and numerous articles on the Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls. He has coauthored with his brother, Jay A. Parry, several books for Latter-day Saints, including Understanding Isaiah, Understanding the Signs of the Times, and most recently, Symbols and Shadows: Unlocking a Deeper Understanding of the Atonement. Brother Parry, who has served in the Chu8rch as a bishop, a temple worker, and high councilor, is a popular speaker at BYU Education Week. He and his wife, Camille Parry, are the parents of six children.

REVIEW

This book provides a wonderful look at angels, what they are, what they do, and their essential characteristics according to what we know from scriptural accounts and LDS general authorities. While much of the information covered I have read in other places it was great to find so many references and quotes and stories all in one place. I found the topic of angels a fascinating one and Parry addresses it in a clear, concise, and easy to understand way. If you find yourself interested in angels and their place in God's kingdom and work, I can heartily recommend this book.