Browsing by Author "Mikkola, Elisa"

This study examines Finns experiences and perceptions of angels and their relationship with angels as they were seen in the Angels in Finland survey. Furthermore it covers other features of respondents spirituality and religiosity and their use of services related to spirituality. The survey is part of Terhi Utriainen s research on angel practices in contemporary Finland. The work belongs to the field of sociology of religion and describes the transformation of religion in everyday life while aiming to understand the belief in angels and the role of angels in modern spirituality. The data was collected through questionnaires in Lorna Byrne's lecture organized in Helsinki in 2011. 263 participants of the event answered: 248 women and 15 men. The small share of male respondents shows that women are more interested in angel spirituality than men. The survey method worked well in the data collection in an event which was well attended (N1100). Nearly one quarter of the participants answered and told about their angel experiences and spirituality. Respondents believed more in angels than Finns on average. They described their relationship with angels to be active and positive; angels delivered information, messages and responses, supported in making difficult decisions and helped in daily situations. The relationship with angel was seen as ordinary and commonplace. Respondents had various ways in describing the angel experience; the traditional angel images as well as the new spirituality s way to build individual spirituality were present. More than one third of the respondents identified themselves as spiritual individuals, one fifth as Christians and a little more than ten percent considered themselves to be humanist or religious individuals. Their religious affiliation was close to Finns in general, and surprisingly they were active users of services provided by the Lutheran Church. A little more than one fifth was active in Church, one fifth participated in events of alternative religiousness or spirituality, and almost ten per cent attended both. The respondents had used between one to five different kinds of spiritual services. More than half had consulted clairvoyant and used meditation and reiki. More than one third had consulted healers and angel therapy was used by almost 27 per cent. Among least used services were Aura and Regression Therapies. Those not belonging to religious communities used slightly more services, but the differences between members and non-members were surprisingly small. Byrne s personality and the sense of community had drawn the respondents to attend the lecture. Media had aroused interest in participation; the participants came together with friends or relatives, and they were delighted to see a good turnout in the event. The sense of community, easiness of participation and new rituals such as Byrne s meditation, blessing and hugs attracted participants. The results indicate that the persons who participated in the event felt that they needed a new perspective to religiousness and/or spirituality. Byrne s positive message that embraces everyone resembles Lynch's progressive spirituality as well as the benevolence of the guardian angel. One reason behind Byrnes popularity may be her modesty and ordinary way of dressing and talking; there is no room for any manifesto or ecstasy.